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Post by Greg C. on Apr 6, 2007 9:32:30 GMT -5
Each day I was there I made small journal entries to tell what went on each day while in San Antonio. Here they are along with the Photos I took of that days events: Day 1, April 1 We flew out of Newark Airport on Flight 360 at approximately 3:06 pm. It was the first time i had flown and i was really nervous. I didnt like takeoff too much but after a while in the air, it wasnt so bad. We didnt hit much turbulence, only small patches, and the ride was smooth. We actually landed fifteen minutes before our schduled time. After getting our luggage and rental car and made our way into the city, I could't wait to finally see the Alamo. We had to check into the hotel first so my viewing was delayed. The weather was great (78 degrees) and since the hotel was only about two blocks away, we walked. The anticipation built as I neared it and finally saw it. There were so many people there and i had to stand there and take it all in. Everyone is right, no matter how small you think the Alamo really is, it is always smaller. For years I had wanted to come here, and now I was there, my dream had come true. I couldt wait for the light on the next day, so I walked the compound in the dusk. I felt that I had been there already. For dinner we ate at the most recommended Mexican restaurant, Casa Rio. You all were right, the place had amazing Mexican food and margaritas (had to try some). My mom and I got the house specialty and my dad got fajitas. All were great. When we were done, we walked along the Riverwalk and I noticed that there are practically no guard rails at all. I'm surpised more people dont fall in after having a 60 ounce margarita (sold by three places down there). Back at the hotel, my entire body ached (I thought i might be getting sick) and i had a hard time trying to get some sleep, but I did, ready to begin day 2. Before Takeoff at Newark Airport 36,000 Feet Approaching San Antonio Airport Getting ready for landing Tower of the Americas, taken from our hotel window Same view two hours later My first look at the Alamo (looks darker then what it really was) The Alamo with Crockett Hotel in background (what great advertising) The oldest Mexican Restuarant in San Antonio Day 2 photos/journal to come soon!
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Post by Greg C. on Apr 6, 2007 10:51:25 GMT -5
Day 2, April 2 After a long night, my body felt rejuvenated and ready to begin the next day. After a quick breakfast we headed over to the Alamo for the first time in the day light. There must have been a hundred people by the Alamo's front lawn. I went by the palisade again, still amazed by the fact that David Crockett once stood and fought there. Looking around at all the tall buildings, its hard to believe what the Alamo and San Antonio de Bexar looked in 1836. We first went into the long barracks museum and watched a 10 minute video before looking at a large collection of period weapons and artifacts. From there we removed our hats and headed inside the Alamo. I went to snap some more photographs but I was not allowed. We went into the rooms where the Dickinsons and Esparzas once stayed. Then, i got to see Crockett's rifle and vest which was still in very good condition. As I looked at the walls, I was shocked to find tons of graffiti and names carved into the wall-people seem to have no respect for anything anymore. We we were done, we made our way to the giftshop (which seemed to be bigger then the actual Alamo). I dont really like to shop but while i was there I found myself spending more then an hour browsing around. While I was there I picked up soem prize items for future contests on this site. Fir lunch we went to the Buckhorn saloon (the bar was packed around noon, must be a Texas thing). I couldnt believe the number of animal heads on the wall (even a giraffe). When we were done we went to see "Alamo:The Price of Freedom". Although I found some parts unrealistic, it was well shot and histoircally accurate for the most part. The battle seem was also one of the best ever filmed. (Nef, I looked for you and thought i may have spotted you but can't be sure). From there we took the trolley to market square and back to the Alamo again a few hours later. Well, leaving early for Bracketville tomorrow, can't wait for that either! The Crockett Hotel Alamo Diorama (IMAX) Alamo Diorama (IMAX) Mexican Soldier (IMAX) The well behind the long barracks Back of the long barracks Japanese monument to the alamo defenders Back of the Alamo Gift shop Southwest Corner Alamo wall excavations Inside the Buckhorn Saloon Me at the Buckhorn shooting gallery Riverwalk Endless line of Riverwalk restaurants Market Square Landry's Seafood House
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Post by neferetus on Apr 6, 2007 12:44:31 GMT -5
Great stuff, Greg. Like I mentioned over on The Alamo Film Site, you have a good photographic eye. Cant wait for your photos of the Waynamo----and with Rich Curilla.
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Post by Greg C. on Apr 6, 2007 13:07:52 GMT -5
since i took so many pics, many of which that came out blurry and others that needed to be sorted, i will post the waynemo pics/journal probably tomorrow.
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Post by neferetus on Apr 6, 2007 14:10:26 GMT -5
Looking forward to your Waynamo shots, Greg. (Hope you're in some of them!)
So, did your Alamo Village Visit give you a better idea of how large the Alamo actually was?
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Rick
Junior Member
Posts: 170
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Post by Rick on Apr 6, 2007 14:15:48 GMT -5
Greg, where did you stay in Bexar? And how did you like it?
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Davy
New member
Posts: 12
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Post by Davy on Apr 6, 2007 14:50:17 GMT -5
Well great images Greg! I hope you had a good time there ... it is always a pleasant time for me there ... what could be better? Good friends, good food, and the Alamo!
Davy
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Post by Greg C. on Apr 6, 2007 15:38:27 GMT -5
Looking forward to your Waynamo shots, Greg. (Hope you're in some of them!) So, did your Alamo Village Visit give you a better idea of how large the Alamo actually was? yes, it gave me a great idea and especially for my parents who didnt realize how big it actually was.
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Post by Greg C. on Apr 6, 2007 15:44:08 GMT -5
Greg, where did you stay in Bexar? And how did you like it? we were originally staying at the Hilton Hampton Inn but since my dad had a lot of Hilton Honors points (gained from when he flew around the world on business when he worked at the WTC), we ended up staying at the Hilton Palacio del Rio which was so close to the San Antonio River that you could jump into it from the back door. the hotel was fancy, too fancy for my taste (plus a fancy hotel means no free breakfast ).
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Post by Greg C. on Apr 6, 2007 16:53:36 GMT -5
Here's the ones that everyone is waiting for. Day 3, April 3 Alamo Village Trip Part 1: The Journey Stormy Skies over Hondo Me in the car Almost There Part 2: San Antonio de Bexar General Store Cemetary "Do this mean what I think it do?" San Fernando Cathedral Me and Rich Currilla Rich shows me his Colt Peacemaker Rich explains the Alamo story to my dad Bird in Nest at the Jail Part Three: Inside the Wayneamo gates of the Alamo My first look at the wayneamo Palisade Deathsite of Parson Alec Baldwin's infamous deathsite The end of beakeeper's keg Bowie's quarters Inside the 'mo Mom and Dad The word needeth not be said. Me and the Duke
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Post by calicodreams on Apr 6, 2007 18:10:06 GMT -5
Isn't San Antonio wonderful? ...and what was your first impression of Texas?
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Post by Greg C. on Apr 6, 2007 21:09:36 GMT -5
Isn't San Antonio wonderful? ...and what was your first impression of Texas? I have many impressions. 1. The people are extremely friendly (disgustingly friendly after living in New York) 2. The Food is very good 3. The weather wasn't bad. 4. Texans drink alcohol no matter what time of day it is.
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Post by Cole_blooded on Apr 7, 2007 11:52:28 GMT -5
1-4 I agree with but number 3 will not be too klnd to you in the summer especially if you visit from up north! 95-105+ and with high humidity added to that in late summer you might melt Greg! Did you not get a rush and your pulse rate go up when your eyes first seen the Alamo? Imagine what must have been going through your head after studying and reading about it for so long and then your there! You took some good pics Greg and what looks nice is to see pics of the Alamo at dusk,dawn and night!Did you get a chance to chat/talk any with Bruce Winders? TED COLE....aka....Cole_blooded ;D
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Post by Greg C. on Apr 7, 2007 12:16:34 GMT -5
1-4 I agree with but number 3 will not be too klnd to you in the summer especially if you visit from up north! 95-105+ and with high humidity added to that in late summer you might melt Greg! Did you not get a rush and your pulse rate go up when your eyes first seen the Alamo? Imagine what must have been going through your head after studying and reading about it for so long and then your there! You took some good pics Greg and what looks nice is to see pics of the Alamo at dusk,dawn and night!Did you get a chance to chat/talk any with Bruce Winders? TED COLE....aka....Cole_blooded ;D yes my pulse rate went up a lot. as i neared it, i couldnt believe that i was actually there. and no, i never got a chance to see mr. winders.
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Post by neferetus on Apr 7, 2007 12:48:08 GMT -5
Great shots all, Greg. Just when I thought I'd covered the Waynamo from just about every concievable angle, you prove me wrong. Again, great photographic eye.
P.S. Looks like your folks enjoyed it more than they thought they might. Yes?
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Post by Greg C. on Apr 7, 2007 13:15:48 GMT -5
Great shots all, Greg. Just when I thought I'd covered the Waynamo from just about every concievable angle, you prove me wrong. Again, great photographic eye. P.S. Looks like your folks enjoyed it more than they thought they might. Yes? my parents said that they were only going just for me and were'nt sure what they expected Texas to be like. My mom likes history too (after i got her interested in the civil war) so she enjoyed it very much. my dad also enjoyed seeing the alamo and wayneamo. i was watching the wayneamo last night when my dad walked in and was amazed that we were just standing there a few days earlier. they also both enjoyed the margaritas and mexican food. i think it wouldnt be hard to get them to go again.
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RebAl
Senior Member
Civil War Photographer
Posts: 296
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Post by RebAl on Apr 9, 2007 8:35:10 GMT -5
Sounds as though you had a fantastic time and all your pictures are excellent.
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Post by Greg C. on Apr 9, 2007 9:19:14 GMT -5
still more pics to come!
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Post by Bromhead24 on Apr 9, 2007 9:21:01 GMT -5
I'm glad you had a good time Greg and thank you for the post card..
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Post by neferetus on Apr 10, 2007 13:13:12 GMT -5
I'm glad you had a good time Greg and thank you for the post card.. Ahem... Postcard?
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