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While I continue to work on my "Austin list", I'm lucky enough to have family in San Antonio this year. Last weekend I visited with David and Lori, and had a fun, interesting 8-hour tour of the city. David and I walked nearly 6 miles to see the sights then headed home for great food, adult beverages, and some serious gab. There is so much history in San Antonio with so many ties to other significant events, people and places. The Old Spanish Trail which stretched from St. Augustine, Florida to Los Angeles, California passed by the current City Hall. The five missions, established along the San Antonio River in the 18th century, became the largest concentration of Catholic missions in all of North America. Fiesta is more than a big party. It was organized for the first time in 1891 by women to honor the heroes from the battles of the Alamo and San Jacinto. To this day, now in its 125th year, it is still organized by women. Speaking of, there are a few women I discovered for the first time in San Antonio that deserve much more attention from me. Who was the "Yellow Rose of Texas" of folk song fame? Who is this Emily Morgan that I never heard of before? Is there a biography on Clara Driscoll, the "savior of the Alamo"? Meanwhile, I will admit that I thought Davy Crockett uttered those famous words, "Remember the Alamo!". Sorry, Sam.
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It's been a few weeks since posting as I now spend 5 days staring at a computer screen so I want little to do with technology otherwise! In fact, when I leave the compound, I head for long walks, bike rides, poolside reading, or a social event. I've been keeping my 100-mile weekly ride mileage in check with the help of my weekend groups, but also roaming the riverfront and neighborhoods of Austin by foot. I'm now actively working on my "Austin list" as the weeks are flying by and I have a variety of museums, food spots, and natural wonders to explore. This past week I had two entertaining events --- a performance of Aladdin starring a favorite 7 year old of mine, and a celebration of jazz month with The Jazz Daddies in a splendid setting. Last weekend included an afternoon at the French Legation Museum where I enjoyed the lovely 2.5 acre grounds for hours. The historic house is Creole cottage style and was built in 1840 by Alphonse Dubois to serve as the French Legation to the Republic of Texas. It's now the oldest framed structure in Austin, and since Dubois was determined to live in style, the floors are European hardwood, the mantels are Italian marble, and the wallpaper from France. I enjoyed the tour as Dubois was quite a scoundrel his entire life, and the guide had some wonderful stories to tell. Next update in a couple of weeks as I visit San Antonio for the very first time. |
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August 2023
AuthorCyclist, writer, teacher, avid reader, bike/ped advocate, nomad, pie lover Categories |
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