which served 46oz margaritas. We declined this liquid lunch, but an elderly
couple near us happily slurped one down.
We felt very dozy when we left the restaurant, post-big lunch stupor, but made
our way to the Alamo. The building, which was a mission constructed early in
the 18th century by the Spanish to assist their colonial expansion, has a very
beautiful façade, but seemed very out of place right in the middle of the town.
In December 1835, during the Texas War for Independence, it was
occupied by Texan troops who had captured the city, but in February 1836 the
Alamo was attacked by Mexican troops. The defenders resisted the attack for
13 days before falling to the larger Mexican force, who went on to execute
most of the survivors, including Davy Crockett and James Bowie (of Bowie
Knife fame). The experience of visiting was much less moving than I
expected, given the slaughter that took place there, and after wandering
round the buildings I was left with a slight 'so what?' feeling.
Partly there were two many information-heavy displays which hindered
the atmosphere that the empty space may have evoked - and I always feel
obliged to read every label. Partly there were too many visitors to allow time
and space to reflect. Mainly though I think I was tired from all the travelling
and still overdosed on history following Tombstone. There was an emotive
movie recreating the events of 1836 and this did have an impact. However,
my most distinct memory from the Alamo is of the 'gift museum' - a shop
largely selling Bowie Knives. Quite sad really.
On leaving the Alamo we found ourselves with time to kill before dinner
because our planned river trip was impossible. We ended up recreating a