Coast-to-coast: San Francisco to Savannah (Part 7)

This entry is part 7 of 30 in the series Coast-to-coast: San Francisco to Savannah

April 7, 2024

Coast-to-coast: San Francisco to Savannah (Part 7)

By Simon J. Lau

I visited the Alamo this morning, one of the most iconic symbols of Texas independence. Originally a Spanish mission, it was later turned into a fortress and became the site of the famous Battle of the Alamo in 1836 during the Texas Revolution. A small band of Texan defenders held out against Mexican forces for 13 days before being overrun. Their stand, though doomed, became a rallying cry for Texas independence and remains one of the most remembered events in American history.

I never expected it to be this popular. I figured it would draw some visitors, but I didn’t realize it’s the most visited tourist site in Texas. By mid-morning the plaza was packed, with lines of people waiting to step inside the mission walls and tour groups crowding around the gardens. Street vendors and costumed reenactors added to the scene, making it feel part shrine, part tourist spectacle. It was striking to see how a place of such grim history has also become such a lively attraction, drawing people from all over the world.

Afterward, we visited the River Walk, an urban oasis that winds through the heart of San Antonio. Shaded by tall cypress trees and lined with greenery, the pathways are packed with cafes, bars, and colorful shops, all spilling out toward the water. Flat-bottom boats glided by full of tourists, while musicians played for the crowds and the smell of Tex-Mex drifted from the riverside restaurants.

Finally, I started getting ready for the solar eclipse tomorrow. At first, I thought about staking out a spot at Eisenhower Park, which we visited today. But after spending more time looking over the forecasts, it’s clear the skies will be overcast. A storm is moving in, and the clouds are only getting heavier. So while we probably won’t get to see the eclipse itself, we’ll still experience the sudden drop into total darkness.

To keep things simple, and since my hotel is already in the path of totality, I picked out the best spot right in the parking lot, under a tree and facing the building for extra shade. My plan is that even though checkout is at 11 and the partial eclipse doesn’t start until around 12:40, we can still use this spot as our home base. If needed, I can roll down the windows and let Bruno hang out in the car. Hopefully it all works out.