Remember The Alamo!

The Mission San Antonio de Valero was the first of 5 mission built along the San Antonio in 1718. It was converted into a fort and renamed the Alamo, where a band of 189 Texans were attacked by over 2000 Mexican soldiers while fighting for Texas independence in 1836. The badly outnumbered garrison, including Jim Bowie and Davy Crockett, held their ground for over 13 days. Shouting "Remember the Alamo",Texans eventually won independence from Mexico. And that same phrase led the daughters of the Republic of Texas to preserve the historic sight.

Beside and behind the Alamo are 2 historic Hotels, the Menger, above, and the Crockett, below. The original lobby of the Menger was gorgeous, and the bar that friend Kate mentioned in the Crockett has been renamed Ernie's.

Most folks identify San Antonio with Riverwalk. In 1921 the San Antonio flooded during a violent storm, killing 50 people and destroying much of the adjacent city. The women of the San Antonio Conservation Society called for a flood control program, and in 1941, architect R H Hugman's vision of a waterside urban park, with canals, footbridges, and street access stairwells became a reality.

We visited both evening, enjoying the twinkling lights and congenial atmosphere, and the following morning, taking a 1/2 boat tour and having lunch along the river.The area is crowded with tourists enjoying dozens of restaurants and shops.

We decided to try something different to celebrate our 5th Anniversary while in San Antonio. Bernie found a Brazilian Steakhouse, and we enjoyed an extraordinary food experience. Exceptional customer service from the moment we arrived, a salad bar beyond anything we could imagine, a fine wine list, and a dozen waiters carrying skewers of freshly grilled meats sliced for us tableside! And a complimentary dessert as well!