There are frankly not enough historical movies like this one in the theaters these days, and we are the losers for that. Napoleon Bonaparte who began life in Corsica and ended in exile twice over on islands (Elba then St. Helena) was a complex human being. He loved France, he loved Josephine and he loved the army and the art of war, which he was very good at. Of some 86 battles he won 70 some of them. Ridley Scott... Read more
There are other interesting things to see on the Riverwalk, which in fact, like the San Antonio river winds all over the place….. this schematic will give you an idea about the river itself. Here below is a sculpture about a cattle drive nearby. (think Lonesome Dove). And here is a grandfather of cyprus trees, which is surely older than the state of Texas itself….. On the banks of the Riverwalk there are both live and artificial plants which look... Read more
The historic site of the Alamo is well maintained but the first impression it leaves on you how very small the mission turned fort really is, both outside and in, but one may forget this was once a small Spanish mission building. We have persons outside, dressed in uniforms of the period (notice how much they resemble Confederacy uniforms except for the hats– not surprising since it was mostly southerner who fought the battle of the Alamo, some with the... Read more
Perhaps the major historical tourist attraction in all of south Texas is the Alamo, even though it is a monument to defeat rather than victory. Only a short walk from our hotel, it was worth seeing again and remembering. My own childhood memories of the place, which I have visited several times was nonetheless colored by seeing the big budget Hollywood film which was released in 1960 and starred and was directed by ‘Duke’ aka John Wayne who plays Davy... Read more
There is actually quite a lot to see on the Riverwalk, and sometimes the boats take differing routes particularly in the day time so you appreciate some of the vintage buildings in San Antonio. This city has gone out of its way to preserve 19th and 20th century building, repurposing them again and again, rather than just razing them and build a new ugly concrete and glass tower. Kudos to the city council. Here below is our captain and guide.... Read more
San Antonio, named after the river of that name which in turn is named after St. Anthony is one of my very favorite places for the SBL to meet. And it is fun to ride the river and hear the chronicle of the boat driver, whether you do it by day or by night, but let’s start with night when the river and it trees are all lit up in bright colors as are the numerous restaurants. That hotel on... Read more
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