San Antonio

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We arrived here in San Antonio yesterday in a rainstorm and soon learned that torrential rains due to a tropical storm in the Baja Peninsula were hitting Texas. Our sightseeing prospects did not look promising with rain and thunderstorms in the forecast, but this morning it stopped raining. We quickly hopped on a bus and were in the city by 10 A.M. Blue skies would have made our pictures brighter, but we feel lucky that we weren’t rained out.



The Alamo is located right in downtown San Antonio. Originally built as a mission in the 1700’s, it became a Spanish fortress until 1835 when it was surrendered to the Texan Army. In 1836, Santa Anna’s Mexican forces laid siege to, and then overwhelmed the small Texan force inside the fortress. This battle has come to symbolize a heroic struggle, where men made the ultimate sacrifice for freedom. Because of this symbolism, the Daughters of the Republic of Texas undertook the restoration of the Alamo decades ago. Now this “Shrine of Texas Liberty” sits in a park like setting, with a beautiful plaza, chapel, and arched walls.



San Fernando Cathedral, completed in 1750, is the oldest active cathedral in the United States. It borders one side of the large Main Plaza located right in the heart of San Antonio.



We next walked along the famous Riverwalk, a walkway along the San Antonio River. It is one level below auto traffic and is lined with shops and restaurants. It began as a smaller project in 1939 and has been expanding ever since. The bald cypresses, which were planted in the original project, now have branches that stretch up to 10 stories. It was a fun and happening place.

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Comments

[Tom Jenkins]

A Great City to visit
Glad you enjoyed San Antonio, TX. I've been there twice on business trips, but I don't think Sandy has ever visited the city. We keep trying to get their so she can see it. One day we'll make it. That river walk is something to enjoy. Glad you got to experience it and the Alamo. Did you go to the market and Old San Antonio? At least the feds didn't close that on you. Is Houston next, if so enjoy it but it is really just a large city. Go out to Galveston and enjoy the sea. Then New Orleans. Have fun. Tom

[Eva Marie & Philip Lowry]

Looks like a really fun and pleasant day....
Philip and I enjoyed all these pictures and the duck as well. Great enchanting atmosphere there at the river. That was a blessing indeed to have the rain stop so early. No fun otherwise. The large cypress looks like a smaller Angel Tree that we have outside of Charleston. Ever seen that? Love trees and all the shapes. Surely you bought one of the Blings. Ha! Y'all look in fine shape and are beginning to think home again before too long I imagine. Great thing is you don't really have to come home. That would be soooo wonderful. :)) We are still with you wondering where the next stop is. EM & P