#6, The Alamo

February 12, 2024

Of the circuitous route that I planned, the one thing that drew me south as far as San Antonio, was the fact that I had never visited The Alamo.  Such a famous landmark to have ignored it for many years. 

So, on Monday, after a nice breakfast on the patio, I set out for the nearby historic site.  The first thing I noticed, much to my chagrin, was that there were a lot of people swarming around.  And why wouldn’t there be, given its historical significance?  I’m not sure where I developed such an aversion to crowds, as I do like people.  I even like to talk to people.  I don’t like looking at something that other people are looking at.  Church aside.  I love the community there and the common bond and interest. 

If I’m honest, what I want is a private experience.  The front row (and only row) seat to everything worth experiencing.  Put on paper, it’s ludicrous.  There, I’ve got all that out and maybe I can move on with this blog without obsessing about that.

I started off with a basic admission ticket that would just let me inside everything.  I had purchased that app on my phone that included a walking tour of the Alamo.  But after wandering a bit I realized that I’d forgotten my air pods in my room, so wouldn’t have the audio.  So, I went to a kiosk and asked to “upgrade” to an audio tour.  She couldn’t figure out how to charge me, so just gave it to me.  That helped me to navigate around and understand more of what I was seeing. 

As there had been both a school group and a large tour group in the main space when I first came, I started out in the building that was filled with collections.  It was so interesting to see what a few people collected, and then allowed to be displayed for all to see.  Obviously many of the items weren't directly connected to the Alamo but were significant in some way.  One item that intrigued me was this wooden pistol.  Apparently made "on the field" from an old hickory stick. 

My favorite part of this building was the diorama with lights and narration that explain the battle.  Taken through the glass the photos were awful, but it helps bring it to mind.  It also makes me think of when I was young, and we’d stop at the Marcus Whitman Museum.  I was obsessed with their diorama.  I think somewhere there is a picture of me and one of my sisters standing on a stool to see it better.  And possibly listening to the narration through a phone receiver.

Once having seen the diorama, it was easier to understand the significance of the long barracks and other aspects of the compound. 

The chapel, or church was a special place.  

The first sacristy was open for anyone to walk through.

The second sacristy was chained on both sides so that only a few could go in at a time.  Here there was a short film shown about those who hid here during the fighting, as well as explanations about the colorful, decorative borders and other motifs that used to cover the walls.  These were only recently discovered when some of the lime whitewash was removed.  They don’t feel it prudent to uncover more, as it was starting to remove the design in the process.

The grounds were restful, especially under the trees.  The sky was a deep blue and the temperature perfect for jeans and long sleeves.  My hip was really hurting though, so I probably rushed through much of the rest of it.  I just couldn’t concentrate on some of the details.

I’m glad that I did make a visit to The Alamo, but when I have trouble recalling the different dates and events, I can cut myself some slack as, I realize how little I know of the history of my home state of Washington.  Maybe next time I should make a trip closer to home.