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By Lee Hyon-soo
Sister Kim Ae-ran's article titled "Promising Texas", which recently appeared in this column evoked memories of my trip to San Antonio.
I once went to Houston, Texas, on business. While staying there for two weeks, I took a side trip to San Antonio over the weekend. I drove and it took me roughly three hours to get there.
The first place I visited was the Alamo, an old Spanish mission that was the site of a famous battle between Texan rebels and Mexican forces in 1836. The Battle of the Alamo was a pivotal event and military engagement in the Texas Revolution.
Following a 13-day siege, Mexican troops reclaimed the Alamo, killing nearly all of the Texan defenders. This galvanized support for the Texan cause, leading to eventual victory and the creation of the Republic of Texas with Sam Houston as its president in 1836. Texas was admitted to the United States as the 28th state in 1846. The nickname of Texas is the "Lone Star State" and Texans pride themselves on their rugged individualism and independent spirit.
The Alamo is now the No. 1 tourist site in Texas. Visiting the Alamo was a sobering experience as I was able to learn about the events that shaped Texas' history.
Next, I visited the River Walk, a network of scenic walkways along the San Antonio River. The River Walk is a popular tourist destination, and it is easy to see why. The walkways are lined with restaurants, shops and hotels. I took boat tours to explore the area by water. I particularly enjoyed the beautiful landscaping and the colorful umbrellas that lined the river.
I also visited the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park which is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site preserving four Spanish missions. These outposts were established by Catholic religious orders to spread Christianity among the local natives. They offer a fascinating glimpse into the history of the region. I took a guided tour and learned about the daily lives of the people who lived and worked at the missions as well as the role they played in the development of Texas.
Another memorable experience was visiting the Tower of the Americas, a 229-meter tower. Built in 1968, it is the tallest occupiable structure in San Antonio. I took the elevator to the top of the tower where there is a revolving restaurant that provides panoramic views of San Antonio and the surrounding area.
Finally, I had to try some of the famous Tex-Mex food that San Antonio is known for. I visited several restaurants during my stay and enjoyed everything from tacos and enchiladas to margaritas and guacamole. The food was delicious and always served with a friendly smile.
Overall, my tour of San Antonio was a wonderful experience that I would highly recommend to anyone. The city is full of history, culture and natural beauty, and there is so much to see and do. I can't wait to go back and explore more of this amazing city.
The writer (tomhslee43@gmail.com) is the author of "Tales of A Korean Globetrotter."
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