For those of you who might not know, our family drove down to San Antonio last weekend to attend the San Antonio Independent Christian Film Festival. It is an event that we have wanted to attend for several years now, and so we decided this was the time to do it.
We arrived at our hotel, the historic Menger in downtown San Antonio - right across from the Alamo!!
We were too late to view any of the films on Thursday, so we decided to visit the Alamo first thing. (we just couldn't wait!!)
I had been to the Alamo several years ago - but somehow it meant a lot more to me this time. I guess that comes with being a little older. :^) It was just breathtaking to enter a building containing so much history and death and victory.
This is a letter the commander of the Alamo, William B. Travis, wrote during the siege. It always brings tears to my eyes:
To The People of Texas and All Americans In The World --
February 24, 1836
Fellow citizens & compatriots --
I am beseiged, by a thousand or more of the Mexicans under Santa Anna -- I have sustained a continual Bombardment & cannonade for 24 hours & have not lost a man -- The enemy has demanded a surrender at discretion, otherwise, the garrison are to be put to the sword, if the fort is taken -- I have answered the demand with a cannon shot, & our flag still waves proudly from the walls -- I shall never surrender or retreat. Then, I call on you in the name of Liberty, of patriotism, & every thing dear to the American character, to come to our aid, with all dispatch -- The enemy is receiving reinforcements daily & will no doubt increase to three or four thousand in four or five days. If this call is neglected, I am determined to sustain myself as long as possible & die like a soldier who never forgets what is due to his own honor & that of his country --
VICTORY OR DEATH
William Barret Travis
Lt. Col. Comdt.
P.S. The Lord is on our side -- When the enemy appeared in sight we had not three bushels of corn -- We have since found in deserted houses 80 or 90 bushels & got into the walls 20 or 30 head of Beeves --
Travis
We went to the Alamo 3 times - each day during our visit. Besides the building itself, there are so many fascinating arifacts displayed - weapons, uniforms, and many personal items of Crockett, Travis, and Houston. (inculding a locket containing a lock of Davy Crockett's hair)
Our lodging - the Menger hotel. We were standing at the Alamo wall while taking this picture.
The original lobby of the Menger. Wouldn't this be the perfect backdrop for historical dress pictures??
Lobby again
Lobby ceiling above the double balconies. So beautiful!
Downtown San Antonio is full of beautiful historical buildings.
The opening ceremonies of the SAICFF that evening were quite fun! We got to see several movie trailers, hear Doug Phillips speak, listen to a fascinating lecture about evaluating a Hollywood movie by Geoff Bodkin, and see the new film documentary 'Divided'. It was all excellent, and we returned to our hotel late that night quite ready for some rest before the busy day in Friday.
Part 2 of the trip up next.....
I just wanted to pop in and say, I love the circle skirt and blouse with the belt! It looks *so* vintage and *so* classy. :D
ReplyDeleteHey!!
ReplyDeleteSounds like your trip was exciting!! I wish we could have gone, but we were busy that weekend.. :(
I love the Alamo!! It has been several years since we visited, so it would be nice to see it again.
I love your outfit!!! Very cute! And yes- the hotel would be a perfect back drop for photo shoot!!
I will try to write/call you soon!
Much love, Sarah
I see that comment moderation is enabled, so I'll comment on this oldish post. :)
ReplyDeleteLet me just say that you are LUCKY to be a tourist here (I live in S.A). Would you believe it, I haven't been to the Alamo since I wss approximately 7 (8 years). And staying at the Menger! That's something very few local do. :) Did you get pics of your room?
San Antonio is a very fun city, no? :)
Lucie, yes! San Antonio is very fun to visit! I'm looking forward to our next trip.
ReplyDeleteThat's crazy! lol - you need to get down to the Alamo more often :^)
Um - I don't know if we got pictures of our hotel room or not. It was actually that exciting. (we weren't put in the actual 'historic' part of the hotel. Basically it looked like any hotel room. :^) The lobby was really cool, though!