Our last summer holiday getaway coincides with B's birthday and this year we headed up to San Antonio.  I had never been to San Antonio so I was not sure what to expect but it exceeded all of my expectations.  It was so nice to be in a city and quite frankly I felt like I was back in the USA.  No trip to San Antonio is complete without a visit to the Alamo, so it was a must see on our list.  It is such a striking building and it is right in the middle of the hustle and bustle of San Antonio.  Inside the Alamo, you will find plaques of all the people who gave their lives or somehow contributed to that famous battle.  Photography is not permitted indoors so you have to come see it for yourself.
 I know very little about Texan history and didn't realize that there were Missions here just like the ones that line California.   Of course it makes complete sense to me now, and I hope to explore the other missions on our next trip.  The Alamo has been here since 1724, at least that is when the construction began and it served as the home to the missionaries and Indian converts for about 70 years. It's original name was Misión San Antonio de Valero.
The Alamo is surrounded by lush gardens that thankfully provide a nice shade on hot summer days.  There are other buildings to explore such as the Shrine, the Long Barrack Museum and the Gift Museum.  It is not an all day affair which quite frankly I was glad since there is so much to see in San Antonio but it most definitely is worth a visit.  Admission to the Alamo is free but donations are welcomed and it is located at 300 Alamo Plaza in downtown.
Have you ever visited the Alamo?