Thursday 25th May
After a very bumpy flight we headed to our first Airbnb. We managed to sleep off some of the jetlag and the next day went to Austin (capital of Texas) to see the Capitol building. Amazing building constructed about 150 years ago from pink granite.
We observed the parliament operating and coincidentally timed our visit with a celebration of Vietnamese Americans in Texas. So many colourful costumes and very friendly people. Among the vibrant attire, we also spotted a few people showcasing a Sexy Costume that added a playful element to the festivities.
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- Davy Crockett
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- Amazing dome
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- The Government in action
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- Vietnamese ladies
In the evening we journeyed via UBER to SAM’S TOWN POINT, a roadhouse famous in Austin for its music.
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the band – plus dog! -
interesting place
Friday 26th April
The weather is now hot and dry. We went to an interesting open air heritage museum, celebrating Texas in the 1800s. On the way back home we popped into the Lyndon B Johnson library and museum. The bonus was a whole section celebrating Tamla Motown. Pauline was in her element!
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- Jackson 5 costumes
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- New transport?
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- Just need a banjo
Saturday 27th April
We left our cosy Airbnb and headed the 1 and a half hours on a busy highway to San Antonio. Little did we realise that there was to be a major festival in San Antonio coinciding with our visit. This wasn’t planned at all but turned out brilliant.
As usual we went shopping at the local supermarket (H.E.B.) to buy provisions. Also as usual Pauline chatted to people asking about the Festival. When she asked one lady (Ronda) in the car park it turned out she was selling tickets for the evening Flambeau Fiesta Parade on behalf of her Church. Needless to say we bought 2 tickets ($16 each) for front row seats. What an amazing coincidence!!
We booked an UBER (always brilliant in the USA) and took up our front row seats. The parade lasted nearly 3 hours and was totally brilliant. It even included Chubby Checker! There must have been at least 30 marching bands and all were brilliant.
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- Fiesta Flambeau
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- one of many bands
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- Girls just wanna have fun
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- lots of horses
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- amazing floats
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- Kilts and stetson!
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- Texan Girls
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- Texan Girls
Sunday 28th April
After the fun of the Fiesta today we visited the site of the battle of The Alamo, a famous battle involving 200 men from many nations (including 11 from England) against a large Mexican army. All were eventually killed but they lasted out over 2 weeks and although losing it triggered another battle against the Mexicans which the Texians won and as a result Texas gained independence. Among those who died were Davy Crockett and Daniel Boone.
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- re-enactors
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- re-enactors
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- The Alamo mission
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- Davy Crocket’s belongings
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re-enactors
In the evening we were invited to dinner by Ronda (from yesterday) and her family. It was a lovely evening hosted by great people. We had a tour of the lovely old cottage complete with old artefacts and photographs.
Monday 29th April
Today we went to the San Antonio River Walk. We caught a shuttle boat and travelled to the far end at the old Pearl Brewery, which has been tastefully restored into a hotel and restaurants. After the boat ride we visited the San Fernando Cathedral, which houses the remains of Crockett, Travis and Bowie. We also learned about the original settlers – a group of people from the Canary Islands. Reading their story they must have been hardy people
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- Pauline + settlers
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- Canary Island settlers
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- remains of Texas heros
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- River walk
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- River walk
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- advert
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- the old Pearl brewery
Tuesday 30th April
We journeyed Westward eventually to Marfa/Alpine but stopped half way at a Motel in Del Rio. It rained most of the way!!
