Highlights:
The Alamo
The Riverwalk
Marty and the Country Blues band
Dancing at Cowboy Dancehall & Midnight Rodeo
San Antonio, Texas
Nov 14, 2008
Bob & Jenny's Cross Country Adventure
Day 89
Welcome to
San Antonio's beautiful Riverwalk and some real two-steppin' fun make for a perfect destination. Surpassing our expectations was an awesome presentation at the Alamo, bringing tears and reflection.
Some of the most amazing experiences on this trip have been at historical sites....hearing the stories of sacrifice, and then silently allowing the depth of that experience to sink in. Without holding back emotion, a docent led us through the events leading up to the sad battle here at the Alamo.
Mexicans had won independence and had actually elected a new leader--Santa Anna. Unfortuantely, he turned into a ruthless dictator. Concurrently, Texan settlers coming from the East Coast, (enticed by the promise of cheap land--way cheaper than any land in the U.S.), found themselves instead defending the Alamo, a vulnerable fort with lots of ammunition but little defensible space. These weren't trained soldiers...mostly European settlers desiring a better life.
Santa Anna marched his men, what would build to 2,000+ strong, in the cold winter snows to surprise attack the fort--against only about 200 men inside, Knowing their unfortunate predicament--either surrender and be slaughtered or fight as long as possible with the hopes of at least slowing and weakening Santa Anna's progression across Texas. The men held the fort for 13 nights. Upon learning of the fall of the Alamo and the massacre of 342 surrendered soldiers at Goliad by Santa Anna, angry Texans rallied together to defeat Santa Ana's weakened army. Santa Anna signed over all rights to Texas in exchange for his life. Without the Alamo, Texas may never have gained independence from Mexico. Nine years after the Alamo, Texas became our 28th state.
Of interest, one of those 200 men killed at the Alamo was the famed Davy Crocket.
A courtyard in the fortress. This oak tree must have been witness to the battle.
A closer look at the outside walls of the fort. Originally, a mission, later becoming a focal point of the pursuit of freedom from Mexico.
A great destination for a romantic getaway, the riverwalk of San Antonio. At night, the place lights up with festive music. I wouldn't want to be here in high season, as the walk is narrow. Best to take a quiet stroll before the shops open up or a late evening stroll with dinner or a drink.
Country Western dancing scene:
For some two-steppin' fun, we first tried the Midnight Rodeo, which has a huge racetrack dance floor with a bar in the middle. A bit strange of a setup and not much going on. They didn't even play a real two-step. So, we headed on over to Cowboy Dancehall, which was jumping! Packed with people for obvious reasons....an awesome band playing. Marty and the Country Blues. We didn't see a California two-step all night. Instead, the locals' dance pattern is 1-2-3 & 4, with virtually no turns, spins, or styling.
