Austin, the capital of Texas, greeted us with a large protest taking place on the lawns of the Capitol Building that spilled over the sidewalks and into the streets. Manoeuvring our way through highly energised protesters we found our hotel and escaped to the rooftop bar where we enjoyed refreshing prickly pear margaritas. It was also in Austin that we discovered Manuel’s offering fine Mexican food. YUM.
From Austin we headed to San Antonio to check off another bucket list item for Sammy: the Alamo. The site of a 13-day siege that was a defining cornerstone of the Texas Revolution, the remains of the fortress today consist of the original church and a part of the long barracks. Walking through the church transports you back to 1836 when the rooms here sheltered the wives and children of the Alamo mission as the colonist soldiers fought for Texas’ independence from Mexico. The grounds to the side of the church have statues honouring the leading defenders of the Alamo including William Barrett Travis and perhaps the most famous of them all, David ‘Davy’ Crockett.
The enclosed grounds of the Alamo mission compound are filled with lush gardens making for a beautiful oasis in the town center.
There is also a museum filled with artifacts and history relating to the Texas Revolution and the Cenotaph Monument which commemorates those who fought in the Battle of the Alamo.
Throughout San Antonio are buildings that acknowledge the city’s rich and colourful history.
Winding its way through the city is the San Antonio River, set one level below the streets above. With sidewalks on either side of the river for pedestrians to stroll along, there is a wonderful social atmosphere that enveloped us as we wandered past restaurants and bars filled with patrons. Adding to the already festive atmosphere was the Chinese New Year river parade that took place after nightfall.
As we left San Antonio we headed west. Leaving the city behind we soon found ourselves surrounded by the plains of West Texas, with the scenery becoming increasingly barren as we drove further into the Chihuahuan Desert. The largest desert in North America, it covers more than 200,000 square miles and and was the source of much fascination for us as it was hilly yet flat, dry yet green. Oil rigs dotted the landscape as we passed the gates to properties so huge that the house can’t be seen from the road and towns like McCamey that are so small that they themselves acknowledge their size on the the sign that greets visitors 😂 And we got our first sighting of wild cacti by the roadside.
Texas, thank you, we have had much fun exploring you. Tomorrow we head into New Mexico!
S&P