South to San Antonio Day 1

Day 1 - Friday, March 2, 2012 - Drive from Austin, TX to San Antonio, TX to visit the Alamo and River Walk

During our Spring Excursion to visit our son Eduardo in Austin, TX we took a day trip to visit San Antonio. We left Austin in heavy fog and drizzle at 8:30. Eduardo negotiated traffic and in no time we were on I-35 heading south, south west through several cities and rolling cattle ranches.

In about forty-five minutes we reached the northern suburbs of San Antonio and stopped for a Texas tradition at Jim’s, a landmark destination for breakfast at any time of day. Bobbie, our waitress, was very helpful as we looked over the full menu. We enjoyed our meal in a diner style atmosphere that was the place to eat in this part of Texas.

It took only about fifteen more minutes to get to downtown San Antonio. We found an all-day parking lot very close to the Alamo and then walked the streets of the old town. There were TV cameras, many officials, Alamo Security Guards, and Historical Reenactors getting ready for a ceremony. We talked to several people who told us today was Texas Independence Day and they were all celebrating the 176 Anniversary of the Battle of the Alamo.

The Alamo is under the protection of the State of Texas and the Daughters of the Republic of Texas and the site is free and open to the public. We spent two hours taking advantage of this historical site and reading the well-designed markers.

We talked to several groups of students who were on field trips with walking exams finding answers to questions dealing with the siege, the battle, and the heroes of time.

At 12:30 we met Linda W., one of Vic’s former soccer players and student at Lewis-Palmer. Linda lives in San Antonio now and was kind enough to walk with us to her favorite restaurant on the River Walk, Boudro’s Texas Bistro.

The River Walk was very impressive. We have been told it is a not to miss attraction and we were very happy we went! By 2:00 we had caught up with Linda and her family’s adventures. We said good-by and continued ambling and taking photos of this Venice of Texas!

We walked back to our car and then started back north to Austin, again on I-35. It was Friday afternoon and every one and his brother were on the road with campers, boats, pick-ups, and huge semi trucks also heading north.

The route that took us less than an hour this morning took an hour and 45 minutes during rush hour traffic. We made a stop at Home Depot to pick up our home improvement supplies for our projects for tomorrow and Sunday.

Glad to be back in Eduardo’s peaceful and cool home, we had a sandwich and then caught up on our mail and Gennie worked on her UOP classes.

As a student growing up in Texas, I was required to study Texas history in 7th grade as well as a semester in high school. It used to be that if you wanted to teach in Texas and had not gone to college there, you were required to take a class in Texas history before you could teach! Texans know their history. Have you been to the Treaty Oak in Austin yet?

Day 10: Mediterranean Navigation

Antonio, Our Guide

Gardens at the Alcazaba

Roman Theater

Visiting with Picasso

Gennie & Vic, Malaga 2004

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