Tuesday morning we went to the River’s Edge for a complimentary breakfast. We got some extra points and a comp breakfast because of our Hilton Honors status, which was nice. One of the things we watched while having breakfast is a guy watering the vegetation. It was interesting to watch, although a bit noisy, because the water comes out of the river by generator pump. The vehicle is a small scow on which the generator and pump sit. The water is pumped out of the river and a guy with a very long hose waters all the vegetation along a stretch of the river. When done, he gets in the scow and motors down several hundred yards, parks along the side, gets out, and water the next stretch of vegetation. He also trims and pulls weeds while watering. Pretty good system, we thought. Then in another scow came a crew with a power washer to clean all the walkways. Then a boat came along with skimmer nets to scoop up debris in the river. So now we know why everything is so neat, tidy and clean.
We then headed out to walk more of the Riverwalk. We continue to be amazed by how beautiful everything is. It is so lovely just ambling along and enjoying the scenery.
The open end of the horseshoe joins the main river and to the west side of the river is part of the downtown section of San Antonio. We headed over to a really interesting looking building of red sandstone that had a beehive dome top. This is city hall and Bexar County courthouse. We went in and had a look around. The hallways were lined with people awaiting court hearings. There wasn’t much to see inside, just long hallways, but the building is really cool-looking on the outside.
After the county courthouse we went in to San Fernando Cathedral across the street. This was a Spanish mission church and has played an important role over the centuries since the early 1700s. As Catholic churches go, it was not very large or ornate, but the solid stone walls and nice stained glass windows provide a sense of protection and serenity.
We then wandered around Main Plaza, a large square that had some water features that I’m sure kids play in when the fountains are shooting up water from the puddles.
We then made our way back to the Riverwalk and kept heading around the horseshoe. We stopped in to the Hyatt Hotel because we heard from our boat tour narrator that the atrium in the hotel had water running through it. The hotel used the river as inspiration and created a beautiful outdoor series of waterfalls into channels through the lobby of the hotel. It was a nice feature.
The Hyatt is also across the street from the Alamo, so we thought being so close, we’d better go see the Alamo. One can’t “remember the Alamo” unless you learn something about it.
The area was settled in the early 1700s by a Spanish missionary, San Antonio de Valero. Over the years, it became a center for trading and a village and was a large compound. The building most often depicted with reference to the Alamo, is the mission church. The mission ended in 1793 and was unoccupied until the Spanish military took it over. One of the Spanish occupiers had a very long name that ended with de Alamo de Parras. The mission became known as the Village of the Alamo Company. Eventually, the place was just referred to as the Alamo. In the 1821 Mexico won independence from Spain. Then Texas was formed in the northern Mexico territory but wanted to be a republic and obtain independence from Mexico. It was during the Texas Revolution, 1835-1836, that the battle of the Alamo occurred. I think most of us remember something about Davy Crockett and Jim Bowie fighting to the death defending the Alamo from Mexican General Santa Anna. The battle was lost, but shortly thereafter, Texas became a republic and won independence from Mexico. I’m glad we visited because I didn’t really know anything about the Alamo and why it is a significant part of American history. We watched a short movie that put it all in perspective. The Alamo is billed as the cradle of Texas liberty.
Across the street from the Alamo is an interesting building. It is now the Emily Morgan Hotel by Doubletree. When we saw it, at first we though it might be a Scottish Rite Temple, but no. Originally, it was a Medical Arts building and hospital. We checked out the lobby and looked at old photos on display.
We then headed back to the Riverwalk and made our way back to the Hilton. In doing so, we now have walked around all of the horseshoe part of the Riverwalk and the secondary channel and one arm of that channel. We have just a second arm off the secondary channel to explore.
After a rest period back at the hotel, we headed out again. We saw information about a light show at San Fernando Cathedral so headed in that direction. We stopped in at the Iron Cactus for dinner on the way. We arrived at the Main Plaza at dark, along with lots of other people, to see the 24 minute video art installation that is projected on the exterior of the cathedral. The 7,000 square foot projection with custom choreographed music in surround sound narrates the historical discovery, settlement and development of San Antonio. The production is titled, San Antonio – the Saga, and it was spectacular! We watched 2 showings because you can’t take it all in with just one.
Photos don’t do the show justice. The music and video worked so well together and it was a feast to the eyes and ears – a really cool thing to watch.
We then walked backed to the hotel along the Riverwalk. It is beautiful at night with all the lights reflecting in the river.
What a great day we had in San Antonio!
I still have a dim view of Texas but am heartened that some good happens there!