zimmers in texas

Yesterday we decided to go see the Alamo. It is only about 50 miles south on the IH35. The speed limit on the highway is 70 miles per hour so a bit faster than the M1. Travelling on the highway isn't so bad but finding our way around the town of San Antonio without a map was a bit tricky. We managed to find a parking lot so we could then walk around. It is a really pretty town with a river running through it with restaurants on either side. The Alamo is the fort where the Texans were originally defeated by the Mexicans back in 1836 and famous people like Jim Bowie and Davy Crockett fought in this battle. Shortly after day Sam Houston led a battle and the Mexicans were defeated. Here is a phot of Glenn at the Alamo. The history here is interesting as Texas was a Spanish province, then a republic for a 9 years and only became part of the union around 1846.
Anyway enough history. We visited the Mexican market that has lots of silver and pottery but I imagine it is all designed for tourists. We had a look at the Coyote Ugly Bar famous because of the movie but it was really just an ordinary bar (see photo).
The best part of the day was seeing the biggest factory outlet site you could imagine on the drive out. I have noted that for future trips. We had another "first" today, going to a Drug Store. The drug store was just like a convenience store so I don't think they are all the are cracked up to be.
It is Memorial Day today so we thought we might visit some local attractions here in Austin. We visited the local Zilker Park and Barton Springs, very pretty. Tonight we went out to a "proper" Mexican restaurant with some local Austinites. They assured us the food was more authentic than the usual Tex Mex sold everywhere in Austin. It was really nice and good to catch up on a bit of background to our new jobs.

posted by zimmers  # 9:16 AM