Remember the Alamo...and Don't Forget the River Walk

We took the bus downtown today and saw a little of the city.  San Antonio has done a wonderful job of making the downtown area around the San Antonio River a tourist haven.  What began as flood control measures for a flood prone river has ended up being an area of shops and restaurants and just a lovely walk - or ride.  We took a river cruise to see the sights for only $6 each (that's for us old guys).

 It was very interesting to see how the natural parts of the river have been conmbined with manmade structures to create a really picturesque spot. We enjoyed a lovely lunch at an Irish pub, eating outside and watching the river traffic and the walking traffic.

While we were downtown we also went to The Alamo.  In case your Texas history is failing you, that's where, in 1836, the Mexican soldiers overran the Texas volunteers who are felt to have died in the cause of freedom from the oppression of the Mexican Government.  Using the rallying cry of "Remember the Alamo!" the Texas Army eventually defeated the Santa Anna army and established a republic.  In 1845, Texas was annexed by the federal government but seceded in 1861.  It was readmitted in 1870 following the Civil War.

With all the tourists milling around, it was hard to imagine either a battle or a site of a mission.  With a modern city surrounding what is left of the ruins, the feeling of the place is lost.  They have erected a large statue to those who died at The Alamo (and it looks quite recent) so it clearly remains a significant part of the history of Texas.

I would add more pictures but it is taking AGES to upload each one.  Not much bandwidth at an RV park.

Tomorrow we are off to Brownsville where we will stay until after Christmas.  (We will be home for Christmas.)