My first time in San Antonio was when the Alamo was enclosed in a case of scaffolding. We stayed in the historic hotel across the street. We had requested and got a room on the Alamo side. We took the river cruise during that Christmas vacation so the banks were completely lit. We bought some items in the Mexican mall. We toured the old missions and dined the local restaurants. It was an enjoyable part of our two week road trip.

            Our second visit was not enjoyable at all. The Alamo had been turned into a botanical park destroying the feel of the site. Several of the people I conversed with while waiting to be herded around thought a bulldozer should be used to put the Alamo back to its historic importance. A neighbor just returned from San Antonio’s visit to see some friends. They went to the Alamo to see the flowers and park; but not the purpose of the object of the memorial.

            When we stayed in the hotel the second time it must have been close to our first room. The Gaudily lit carriages at night enhanced the recreational touristy feel of what should have been a feeling of a heroic but misguided historic event. We have made our views felt to many others who have made their visits to Texas avoiding a San Antonio stay.

            Incidentally, the traffic in the area was the worst I have ever driven in including rush hour in other major cities.  Perhaps turning the surrounding streets vehicle-less would help. I would also suggest turning the Alamo into a historical monument with several re-enactments each year and tearing out the floral garden and the herding system with lines. I missed seeing any respect!