We rolled into San Antonio right before Christmas. We stayed at a San Antonio KOA right on the east side of town. The KOA was nice and we were able to get some hot showers. The night was got there the staff had a big Christmas Party for everyone. The staff had tamales, meatballs, rice beans, salads, and deserts. There was a lady playing Christmas songs on the electronic piano and there was a campfire out in the courtyard. It was great fun and we met some very nice people. There was a lady from Newfoundland who was traveling alone in a tent around the country. We talked about our experiences of solo female traveling in a tent. In front of us was a couple also from Newfoundland, who lived in the same town as this lady, but hadn't met. small world.
Outside at the fire, we met a couple of young men from Germany who were seeing the US and Edward from Northern Ireland, who was working as a waiter at Mad Dog's. We talked about the state of drinking and smoking. They had some rum to keep us warm. It was a fun night, and free food, which is never bad.
The next day we got on a city bus, which stopped right in front of the campground and went downtown. This was great for $1.10 a trip I didn't have to worry about directions or finding a parking place. The town was teaming with people. Part of the reason was the Texas High School Football championships were being held there. Cars and people were decorated with their team spirits.
First we went to the ALAMO. In 1836 Mexican General Santa Anna attacked the small force at the Alamo, including Jim Bowie , Davy Crockett and a possible relative Robert Cunningham, from NY. For 13 days the Texan forces held the Mexican army, but in the pre-dawn hours the Mexicans broke through the walls. Santa Anna killed all the brave men there and burned their bodies in one big pyre. Interestingly the few women at the Alamo were let go. Most of the actually Alamo is gone except the Long barrack and the church. It was interesting seeing the site, which many consider hallowed grounds. They told us 3 million people see the Alamo a year. It was well worth seeing.
After the Alamo, San Antonio is famous for the RIVERWALK, which is a series of canals right in the middle of town. It was a beautiful site with Christmas lights drapping off the very old trees that line the walk. There are boats which travel up and down the canals giving tours. The place was packed, there were people singing Christmas songs, football people and people with their families. We went to see Edward, our Irish friend, at Mad Dogs' Pub- an English sytle brew pub. We had fish and chips and a pint of beer. Do as the English... Then we walked dinner off and enjoyed the festivities. A great day. I like San Antonio.
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