PROUD OF THEIR HISTORY

At The Alamo in San Antonio (playing tourist...)

Americans are in general very proud of their history (very patriotic too, but that’s a different story), compared to Europe though, their history doesn’t go all that far back…. Today was a good example.I went and see the ALAMO in San Antonio. Big deal… for the locals that is… and for any American tourist visiting San Antonio.

It’s an old sort of fortress, originally called Mision San Antonio de Valero, which served as home to missionaries and their Indian converts for about 70 years. First parts of the Alamo were built in the early 18th century. And that’s OLD for American standards.

The Alamo played a critical role in the Texan Revolution (1835). You might want to check wikipedia for the full story. I just didn’t find it all that interesting. There was a huge line of tourists waiting to get in, so I didn’t even bother, eventhough I was told… “When you’re in San Antonio, don’t miss the Alamo!!”

I strolled through the premises’ garden a little and quickly made my way to the nearby Riverwalk and Rivercenter shopping mall. Great place! Was there also back in 2005. Lots of corps have a day off in San Antonio today: Blue Devils, Phantom regiment, Glassmen (just ran into Erik and showed him some of the photos that are on this weblog), Boston Crusaders, Spirit of JSU, Carolina Crown, the Colts,.. and I assume there must be more…
Getting back to this history I started out with,… Americans are also proud of their heritage.

When asked where they’re from they usually also kick in where their parents or grand parents were from. “I’m 40% Irish, 60% French.” I always say… “Born here?? You’re 100% American then!”
But hey,… as the expression goes: “Everything in Texas is Big!”

Enjoy,

HK