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Monday, December 17, 2012

Moonlit Path Beside the Alamo

After strolling under the lights on the River Walk we headed over to the Mission San Antonio de Valero known as the Alamo.   No matter how many times I've seen the Alamo, I rarely miss the opportunity to walk by once again.  The song "Rose of San Antone" often comes to mind.

"Deep within my heart lies a melody"



"Where in dreams I live with a memory."  It's an early memory of this special place.  The first time I visited the Alamo I don't think I was even in school yet.  I already knew what it looked like and I had probably already heard the song.


"Beneath the stars all alone."  Well, that's a tough one because you would rarely be alone on Alamo Plaza.  Local families have been gathering here for three centuries and tourists began arriving in the 1870's.  A favorite memory is listening to my aunt describe celebrating the end of WWII here.  Our version of Times Square.  Simple white lights are traditionally draped over the oak trees during Christmas and will count as stars tonight.


We can also count the stars on the Christmas tree sponsored each year by local grocery chain H-E-B.


"Enchantment strange as the blue up above."  Definitely a place of legend and not just for the battle fought here.  This gazebo is in front of the Menger Hotel next door where Teddy Roosevelt recruited his Rough Riders.


On 13 June, 2018, St. Antonthy's Day, our city will celebrate its 300th birthday.  Should be a pretty big party.

14 comments:

  1. Beautiful! I've never seen the Alamo in person but your pictues are some of the nicest ones I've seen and I'd not realized that it was still such a gathering place. Thank you for teaching me something more about your city! Wow a tricentennial! That should be a great party indeed.

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    1. It's nice you enjoyed this. There is so much more and I will continue to bring you the beauty of my city.

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  2. Very nice - I remember my 1st time in SA and seeing the Alamo, then talking about the live oaks with the guard (of course!). But seeing it in lights, like your previous Riverwalk posts, is something to behold, including how the lights trail down with the branches.

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    1. I hope you went into the courtyard and saw the very old live oak there. I've tried to get photos but it is so large. I'll try to post about it next year.

      It is beautiful at night during the holidays.

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  3. Now I will be sure to "remember the Alamo".

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    1. Remember its beauty as well as the history.

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  4. I do believe that tree is crooked! Did it look that way in person ?

    I always get a kick out of visitors who come to the Alamo from out of state and ask why it was built in the middle of a city. Tee hee!

    patty

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    1. It's probably the camera angle I didn't notice at the time.

      Which came first? There are many cultures with a town square or plaza and church at the center of the city but I guess they are used to seeing the movie version.

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  5. Shirley, I really enjoyed this lovely tribute to San Antonio; you inspired some grand recollections of times I spent there, covering news events – and enjoying strolls along River Walk. And, the food, ahhh, the meals. Thanks for the memories.

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    1. My pleasure Lee. The food is good here and you should see the new sections of the River Walk sometime.

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  6. What's nice about the Alamo is how the whole landscaping is done. I spoke with the main guy there one time back in the 90's and just marvelled at how they could keep it all nice and tidy like they do. Wonderful shots!

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    1. The gardens and courtyards are beautiful and they do work hard to keep it looking nice.

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  7. Thanks for this post, Shirley. I made my first visit to the old Alamo in 1964, when I was 11. I`ve returned many times since and the changes to the old city are noted by anyone who spans that period. My last visit was when my son graduated from basic training , USAF, in November, `06. I never cease to be moved, and again, your beautiful pictures move me.

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    1. It is a wonderful experience no matter how many times we've seen it.

      I appreciate you saying that, the night photos are special aren't they?

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