san antonio

San Antonio: The Alamo and Beyond

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Alamo Monument

San Antonio is a beautiful city with much culture. In my review of June 15, 2019, the visit to the Alamo was omitted due to time constraints so here it is..

The Alamo

Interesting history with origins as a Spanish Mission then a period of dormancy with eventually the area becoming, “The Alamo.” Here US migrants and Mexicans lived growing a community of 3,000 to 30,000 in 5 years. A fight ensued over whether this was a Mexican or US territory. There was a Texas Revolution, with Mexican surrender, however the Mexican general returned with 6000 soldiers and 150 rebels fought to the end, with one of them David Crockett, former Tennessee senator.

David Crockett

All were executed except women and children by the Spanish with bodies being burned. From this battle comes the slogan, “Remember the Alamo,” and with more fighting Texas is born eventually joining the US. Quite a story. Hope I got it right out of respect for those who fought.

Tribute to the women and children of the Alamo.

On a lighter note across the way from the Alamo is the Menger Hotel. This historic hotel is a must see and visit on your San Antonio tour. They even have an interesting ghost tour.

Then outside the Menger are horse drawn carriages.

Last but not least, the River Walk, which is a short walk from the Alamo area. There are signs which makes the River Walk easy to find and entrances are at several locations. What a fun place, make sure you take the boat ride, and stop at one of the many restaurants for a drink and some music.

And let’s end with a Cinderella carriage ride…

See you tomorrow in Austin!

San Antonio continues..

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By 3 pm heavy downpours of rain had begun so my daughter and I went into the city to visit the San Antonio Museum of Art. Since HEB, (the famous supermarket), had sponsored a free visit from 4-9 we grabbed an adult beverage at the Emma Hotel.

The Emma Hotel was once a 19th century brewhouse and has been renovated to maintain that atmosphere. The man who owned the brewhouse was murdered by one of his girlfriends and his wife successfully continued the business through prohibition and beyond. San Antonio also has an amazing river walk with many quaint spots, however the rain precluded our outside visits.

At 4 pm we made our way to the museum and what an amazing place that was! As a former New Yorker who is a museum and arts hound I was extremely impressed. Oil money well donated and at work here. There was even a wing donated by Nelson Rockefeller, a descendant of Standard Oil fame, as well as a prominent New York State governor, and our 41st Vice President.

The Museum was formerly the home of Lone Star Brewery and while I enjoyed the Egyptian, Chinese, Greek, European and Latin American art I would have enjoyed a movie on how the building was renovated. It must have been quite a feat.

While I could rattle on about the glories of the Museum a picture is worth a thousand words so will close with these shots. It is a must see…

Thanks, HEB for your generosity. Local folks bring your children here on Tuesday nights 4-9.

Don’t miss the Dale Chihuly ceiling as you leave the museum.
It’s breathtaking. One of his finest.

San Antonio Hair Do

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My Savior

Woke early to do my usual routines and the cleaning of the oven. Since I sprayed it the night before, removal of the grime was an “Easy Off.” The importance of a clean oven is prime for Feng Shui energy and I was pleased to contribute my talents.

After the oven cleaning I took out the trash, walked the dog, and said hello to some of the neighbors. I then got the blender going to make my watermelon juice. Now awake my daughter let me know our plans for the day – San Antonio. What fun!



We started at the hair salon as my daughter needed her roots done. The Mint was an adorable salon with much personality and I viewed many great hair dos as customers departed.

I decided to explore the Southside neighborhood of San Antonio surrounding the salon. What a quaint place filled with brightly colored, well maintained older cottages. My daughter requested iced coffee and she was pleased I found a place for this.

Another interesting neighborhood structure..
Mission Church of San Jose

Roots done we lunched at a neighborhood Mexican restaurant then were off to the Mission of San Jose. This Catholic mission was started by the Spanish who brought these indigenous people into the walled community. At its height in 1750 it held 350 Indians who farmed and herded cattle. While a Spanish territory it was managed by the Franciscans and known as the “Queen of the Missions.”

This magnificent church holds the finest example of baroque architecture in North America, the Rose Window. While on National Park lands the Church remains under the ownership of the local diocese and is an active parish.

Rangers give tours and there is a museum on the grounds.

    There are several other mission churches in San Antonio, each with their own style and well worth the visit.

    Distant View of the Church