San Antonio, Texas

 

On Monday we had a wonderful brunch at The Guenther House and Museum. This house was built by Carl Guenther, the founder of Pioneer Flour Mills, in 1859. I had pecan pancakes with pecan butter syrup ... scrumptious.

 
Visited the Alamo which is in downtown San Antonio.  I especially enjoyed learning about the history of the Alamo.  Thirty nine brave souls gave their lives defending the Alamo for 13 days against Santa Anna's army of 1,500.  Their sacrifice inspired other Texans to volunteer and eventually defeat Santa Anna and prevent Texas from becoming part of Mexico.

 

Max and Sophie are sitting on the main well inside the Alamo.

 

After a siesta, Troy took us to the famous original Rudy's "Country Store" and BBQ.  This place had the best BBQ I've ever eaten.  Their unique service style adds to the experience.  You stand in line (always long) and walk through the kitchen where you place your order. They cut it all up as you watch and pack it all in a milk crate along with cut sheets of butcher paper for plates. You can pick up plastic knives and forks but you don't need the knives because the meat is so tender and moist it can be cut with the plastic fork. The secret BBQ sauce is really special. There were no leftovers but if I lived near this place I would always order double for take home.

 

The next morning was back to work for Troy and Anne and back to school for Sophie and Max. We started our drive back to Austin but stopped at the small town of Gruene. This town, built in 1872, has resisted change so it represents the "old" Texas. The Gruene Hall is Texas' oldest dance hall where George Strait and Lyle Lovett got their start. This place had old old wooden floors and tables carved up with initials.  It still has live country music and dances every night.

 

We were surprised to find this delightful restaurant called "River House Tea Room".  As you can see they served fabulous plates (and the food isn't bad either).

 

 
After arriving in Austin, we checked into The Driskill.  This is a historic hotel in the middle of downtown within walking distance to the Texas capitol, the University of Texas and 6th Street music scene.

 

While in Austin we took a tour of the state capitol.  I was surprised to learn the legislature meets for only 149 days every other year. I don't understand how they govern that way or maybe it really is true that less government is better government.

 
Next, we walked around the campus of the University of Texas.  This is the infamous Texas tower where Charles Whitman killed 14 people and wounded 32 in 1966 from his sniper position on the tower.  I was surprised I couldn't find a memorial.

 
Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum next to the University of Texas campus.

The great hall in side the library/museum.  The presidential papers are stored behind the glass in the background.

 

1966 Limo used by LBJ

 The oval office exhibit was closed for remodel but we got to see a very interesting exhibit on Walter Cronkite's life.

 
On our last night, we went in search of country western music which lead us to the "Broken Spoke" on the outskirts of Austin.  This was obviously a local hangout.  They did have a live band with a good singer but I missed not having a drummer in the band.  Unfortunately, there was a storm approaching so we decided not to wait for the dancing to start.

 
We caught the bus back to downtown just as the deluge started.  The thunder and lightening were horrendous. Many lost power but we only lost satellite TV for about an hour.