The Birth Place of the State of Texas- San Antonio

It is really to bad that time travel doesn't exist. What a total thrill it would be. If all the men who died in the Alamo. Could travel though time, and see San Antonio as is exists today. What a magnificent city it is. I know they would all feel much better knowing. That there ultimate sacrifice, was not in vain.

I enjoyed another fantastic day today, on this trip. I planed to do a bike ride to the downtown part of the city, from my hotel. I was already to go, and as I rolled by bike out of my hotel room. I realized something was wrong. The front tire of the bike was completely flat. It is a huge advantage for a traveler to have computer access. Having my laptop computer with me on the trip. Allowed me to solve the problem right away. I looked up the closet bike shop to me. Which is "Bike World" located at 5911 Broadway. I went into the shop, and met Tim. Tim repaired the flat tire in no time. Also he gave me some great ideas for my riding today. Tim also provided me with a map of the city.

I did follow a lot of Tim's excellent advise. I rode from my hotel to Broadway. Then when I reached the Witte Museum. At that point I rode my bike into Brackenridge Park. I was feeling great by this point. Any bike rider will tell you the pleasure and freedom you feel from riding. A special feeling you get ever time. I continued on a very scenic ride into the downtown section of San Antonio.

I rode all over the downtown area. I finally stopped and had a break. When I found a Goodwill Store. No bargains found. But I enjoyed a nice lunch at a restaurant. That is located right beside the Goodwill. A tuna sandwich and a large drink for less then $5. That's a deal!

The ride back to hotel was also very special. I rode along the San Antonio River. Also know as the "River Walk". All the way back to Broadway. Then from there back to the hotel. It was a very special time! Thanks to Tim for all his help.

Always "Remember The Alamo"!!!!!

Today I had the chance to visit a very important historic place, located in the United States. It is "The Alamo". Which is located in the city of San Antonio. I must admit I am very impressed with the city of San Antonio. This beautiful city is one of the nicest American cities I have ever had the privilege to visit.

I checked into my accommodation in San Antonio. Which in this case is the Knight's Inn. I am also very happy with the place I will be calling my home in San Antonio.

The day was March the 6th, 1836. In the early morning of that day. The Mexican army commanded by Antonio López de Santa Anna, defeated and killed the defenders of "The Alamo". It is estimated that between 182 and 257 Texan soldiers were killed in the siege. Which lasted for 13 days.

Here is more information about the Alamo;

The Battle of the Alamo (February 23 – March 6, 1836) was a pivotal point in the Texas Revolution. Following a 13-day siege, Mexican troops under the president of Mexico General Antonio López de Santa Anna launched an assault on the Alamo Mission in San Antonio de Béxar (modern-day San Antonio, Texas). All but two of the Texan defenders were killed. Santa Anna's perceived cruelty during the battle inspired many Texans—both Texas settlers and adventurers from the United States—to join the Texan Army. Buoyed by a desire for revenge, the Texans defeated the Mexican Army at the Battle of San Jacinto, on April 21, 1836, ending the revolution.

There were two flags that flew from the Alamo during the 13 day siege. They were; the flag of the Texas Revolt, and a second flag that William B. Travis had flying from the highest point of the Alamo. It read "Victory or Death"

It was interesting for me to learn that in the group of the defenders of Texas. That fought and died in the Alamo. That they were made up of a multi American and multi international group. The one common bond. That brought them all to Texas. Was to try and establish, and live a much better life. A British man named Anthony Wolfe, from England died on March 6, 1836. It was surprising for me to see. My last name on the list of the hero's of Texas. I do know that there is no chance that Anthony Wolfe is any distant relation to me. Wolfe, spelled with an "e" at the end of Wolf, was the way the English used the surname. My father's family came from Romania and not England. My grandfather on my mother's side of the family did hail from London, England.

Lake Casa Blanca International State Park

I have to admit I did find peaceful refuge in this beautiful place today. Visiting this beautiful city park ensured that I enjoyed my visit to the city of Laredo. Tomorrow after I finish breakfast, I leave for the city of San Antonio. Can't wait!

The Steets of Lardeo

This is full day to spend in old city of Lardeo. I was a little concerned when I arrived yesterday. For the main reason. That this is a boarder city with Mexico. The American government is having a serious problems trying to keep out illegal aliens from Mexico. Also allot of drugs and illegal weapons are smuggled in the U.S. from Mexico. Also this old city is predominately made up of Mexican Americans. Quite few of the people that I have met here. Cannot speak a word of English. This always put me at a serious disadvantage as I cannot speak a second language. I will always regret not ever learning a second language. For a person who enjoys to travel the world like me. It would be great to have linguistic talents. Or at least have a good travelling companion. That does.

My day was made up of 3 actives. In the morning. I toured the old historic part of downtown Ladredo. In the afternoon, I escaped into a beautiful city park, named Lake Casa Blanca International State Park.

Made it to Laredo

I woke up early today. As it would be a travel day for me. I was leaving the Island sanctuary of South Padre Island, and heading back to join normal human society. Only because I have to.

This early morning on South Padre Island. The skies opened with a deluge of rain. So by leaving the island. I would try and escape the rain, and head to dryer condition. My destination today is the boarder city of "Laredo:, Texas. It would prove to be a 4 hour drive from South Padre Island to Laredo. The city of Laredo is located right on the Rio Grande. Which separates Mexico and the United States. The distance is about 178 miles to get to Laredo from South Padre Island. My GPS took my on a northern route. Then I turn west, and then south to arrive in Laredo. With GPS I found my accommodation, the Siesta Motel. The motel seems no thrills but adequate for my 2 day stay.

The weather forecast is very good for tomorrow. I have planed to spend the day biking in Lake Casa Blanca State Park. At night, they have a state of the art new Planetarium. Located at A & M University. The Planetarium is called "Tamiu".

I will hope for good things to happen tomorrow.

Final Day on the Island

Today will be final day of this trip. Staying on South Padre Island. After my breakfast today. I set out for a long walk. Something I have not done, since my last day of work. Before I left for this trip, on February 5th.

I walked along Gardenia Blvd. To the beach which is a really short walk. I then walked south on the beach heading south, almost to the end of the beach. I then walked back up to Padre Bvld., to walk back to my Hotel, the Ramada. I stopped into a "Stripes" connivance store, and enjoyed a badly needed beverage.

I then started walking northward on Padre Blvd, and then stopped into "Whataburger" to have lunch. I enjoyed a cheap lunch today at "Whataburger" as I received a free hamburger. I achieved that for filling out an online survey for "Whataburger". To say thanks for filling out the survey. They issued me a free hamburger. All I had to pay for was; a large drink, and large French fries. I wish all companies were that friendly.

The weather at this point had turned to rain. So I decided this was a perfect opportunity to wash my dirty laundry. There is a small laundromat located here at the Ramada Hotel. I just relaxed in my hotel room for the rest of the afternoon. Sad news today in Texas. A madman few a small airplane into an Austin office building. Luckily there were very few fatalities.

Dinner was a very positive experience tonight. I went for my favorite Oriental cuisine. The restaurant was called "Uchi". (Please check out my "Good Texas Eats" post for more details). As soon as I walked into "Uchi" I was greeted by a delightful young lady named Brie. It did not take long for Brie and I to become friends. Lucky for me. I was the only customer, and had the chance to enjoy some great conversation with Brie. My meal tonight at "Uchi" was excellent. Meeting Brie was special!!!

The pictures on this post from top to bottom are;
the sand works inside the tourist center on South Padre Island
the tourist center
the main street On South Padre Island- Padre Blvd.

Lewis and Clark

During my visit to the U.S.S Lexington. I had the chance to watch a National Geographic movie of the famous American explorers Lewis and Clark. This movie is an excellent movie to watch.

Here is a link to watch a small piece of the movie. http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-2616490352424854728#

Here is some backgound history of Lewis and Clark.

The Lewis and Clark Expedition (1804–1806) was the first overland expedition undertaken by the United States to the Pacific coast and back. The expedition team was headed by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark and assisted by Sacajawea and Toussaint Charbonneau. The expedition's goal was to gain an accurate sense of the resources being exchanged in the Louisiana Purchase. The expedition laid much of the groundwork for the westward expansion of the United States.

To The Top of Point Isabel Lighthouse

Here are some pictures of the experience of getting to the top of the Point Isabel Lighthouse. I captured some fantastic views from the top. Enjoy!!!!!