4 January – San Antonio

We caught the no 24 bus into Downtown San Antonio to visit the Alamo. The church and the barracks are all that is left of the compound. The Alamo was a pivotal point in the Texas revolution and although the battle for the Alamo was lost, it proved to be a rallying point for the rest of the war, resulting in the independence of Texas from Mexico in 1936. Texas became a State of America in 1845, and the Alamo compound was used as a supply depot until 1878. After that, the Alamo was used as a warehouse until it was acquired as a shrine to the Alamo Defenders. Amongst the Defenders were Davy Crockett and James Bowie (the famous knife fighter). Outnumbered 10 to 1, they fought the Mexican troops for 13 days until the garrison fell and all the men were slaughtered. Far from discouraging the Texans (as the Mexicans had hoped) the Alamo became a legendary rallying cry “remember the Alamo”! and represents the ultimate sacrifice for freedom.

After a relaxed lunch we took a hop on hop off tour bus that does a city circle with commentary from the driver. We then spent the afternoon walking the famous River Walk that meanders along the San Antonio River for 14 miles. We did the downtown loop, that has shops, restaurants, bars and cafes lining the banks. They have done a wonderful job of the River Walk, its well paved with statues, fountains and murals to look at as you walk. It was a cold day, so we didn’t have any trouble with crowds.

We diverted off to explore La Villita – the Village – a district of historic cottages containing art studios and shops. Very pretty and lots to see.