We got back from San Antonio, and after making up with the cat (who was the reigning queen at the vet's boarding facility) and with the hens (who have developed a preference for our neighbor who looked after them) we finally got around to downloading some photos. Here are two of the Missions of San Antonio--well-preserved buildings still used as churches, with so much history attached to them. This is the famous Alamo, which we are all urged to remember. The "top hat" was added later. The original Alamo had a flat top. The Famous Alamo ( photo / image / picture from marlingardener's Garden ) Then there is Mission San Jose, which is the best-preserved and has docents who will take you on a guided tour. Lovely place, and gives you an appreciation of the hardships and the benefices the earliest friars had. Mission San Jose, San Antonio Texas ( photo / image / picture from marlingardener's Garden ) There are five missions in all. The "Mission Trail" is easily traversed by car in an hour, but the missions were a day's travel by horseback in the 1600's and early 1700's when they were founded.They were much more than housing and a church for a religious community. Missions were fortified with an outer wall to repel attacks by unfriendly Indians; had livestock pens inside where the stock was brought in each night; had housing for the converted Indians who also worked the vegetable patches and farm fields; community ovens (one for every four families) for baking bread; and an infirmary. The bell tower not only called everyone to worship, but also served as a tocsin, warning of impending danger. We were in San Antonio in the third week of September, when temperatures were in the low 90's. I cannot imagine the Franciscan friars going about in their woolen habits through a Texas summer!
I've been to San Antonio only two times... once for a conference and the other for my sis-in-law's funeral. So I didn't have the opportunity either time to do any sightseeing. Gonna have to do it one of these days!
Cheryl, when you plan your trip to San Antonio, let me know. We have been multiple times and keep finding wonderful places to see. My husband is a walking map of San Antonio, and I know all the good restaurants!
