Thursday, March 23, 2006

Remember the Alamo?


On our way back through Texas, we had a chance to stop in San Antonio, to see the Alamo. Or so we thought. Not only did we get to "experience" the Alamo, we had an opportunity to see one of the coolest urban downtowns ever.

After we found a place to park, we walked down to the street from our parking garage to look at the map and directions on a street corner. But down from the street corner, we noticed waterfalls, tropical flora, and people bustling around below us. It was the riverwalk, the famous San Antonio Riverwalk, and we were amazed at how beautiful and fun it looked. We decided to find the Alamo later, and followed the sights and sounds of the water below us. It was perfect weather, sunny and warm, but not too hot. We treated ourselves to Haagen-Daaz, and just relaxed for a bit. Why couldn't we live close to something like this, we wondered?

There were strolling mariachis, riverside cafes galore, shops, boutiques, and even little boat rides the went up and down the river. We didn't want to leave! But we knew that the Alamo wouldn't be open all day, and it was almost 5pm, so we decided to find our way there.

Luckily, it wasn't very far away at all. It stood majestic in the middle of a downtown urban jungle, not quite what we were expecting! It almost reminded me of Europe, seeing all of their old buildings in between the modern and new ones. It seemed to be holding up well.

We had less than half an hour before it closed, but as the experience was free, we went ahead and saw everything we could in that little window of time. But it must have been spring break in Texas, because it was very busy with families and children on a Monday afternoon.

Although the Republic of Texas only lasted a short time, people there seem to be very proud of their state. It was interesting to read about the history of the place, the famous battle, and how early last century, the Alamo was actually used as materials warehouse before it was declared a museum and heritage site.

Overall, Janelle and I were very impressed with San Antonio. Not only do they have a great downtown area, warm weather, and close proximity to the beach, but housing costs are very low!!! We even stopped by a new housing developement in the area and found a very cute house in a great new neighborhood for an amazing price. Now if only we had friends or family down there!

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

you guys are so wonderful and spontaneous...i want that too! maybe i can see more pictures in a few weeks?? yeah...so excited to see you both!!

hmb said...

that house looks just like YOUR house, crazies.

Janelley, you look very cute by the waterfront.

Are you guys around to help me move this weekend ;-)

!hmb!

Anonymous said...

Wow, guys that is quite a trip! In fact, I know what it feels like to drive that alone because I went from Dallas to your place in one day by myself. Boy was I wiped out by the end of that day (our first meeting!). Maybe you can randomly get on a plane someday and come visit us in the sunny Philippines. You want beaches? You want memories?! Come on over! J

Anonymous said...

Chris & Janelle, your recent blogs on the "scams" and the trip to Texas were hilarious! I couldn't stop laughing! You should write a book!

Nate

C+J=S said...

Oh, you guys are great!! If only we could hop on that plane to the Philippines! That'd be the trip of a lifetime! If you ever see ticket prices dip below, say, $100 from Denver let us know - we'll be there that weekend!

Anonymous said...

Alright, we'll keep our eyes open for tickets under $100 from Denver to the Philippines (hey, you never know, but that is quite a stretch since the average one-way ticket is around $1000!). Nate

hmb said...

NEW POST NEW POST NEW POST

Anonymous said...

Do I remember the Alamo? How could I forget it when every time I check your blog for a new post I read "Remember the Alamo?"