Even at night, the Mission San Antonio de Valero – forever known by history as the Alamo, teems with people. While catching a short break from San Japan after dinner, I snapped a few pictures of the chapel before returning to the hotel.
Texas weather can be described as hot and humid – it was anything but that inside San Antonio’s Marriott Rivercenter hotel for San Japan 4TW. Once again, the Alamo City was taken over for a weekend of Japanese pop-culture with colourful costumes that which occasionally clashed with the white and blue of Dallas Cowboys fans, also in town for their training camp. Being my second San Japan, I had great time catching up with old friends and getting to make new ones. The three day convention ran from August 5th to 7th, 2011. A collection of photos taken during the weekend are available on Gallery.
Read the rest of this article…
It’s hot in Texas, and that’s not describing the weather! San Japan 4TW had sizzling style as costumes paraded through the Marriott Rivercenter hotel in the heart of San Antonio. Want more? Check out the rest on Gallery!
While the Alamo is the most well known mission in the state of Texas, four other missions provide a glimpse into Spanish colonization back in the 18th century. These four outposts are all conveniently located within proximity to the San Antonio River, a vital resource for survival in the often unforgiving landscape. The missions are active churches and part of the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park which is operated by the National Park Service.
Mission EspadaThe furthest south, the Mission Espada, was founded in 1731. The grounds are mostly in ruins, save for the church itself and a portion of the south-eastern corner which holds the visitor’s centre and offices. A path follows the original walls where footprints of the original residences and storerooms.
Mission San Juan CapistranoA short distance north of the Mission Espada is the Mission San Juan Capistrano, was settled in 1731. The church is intact with the remains of another chapel that was under construction across the plaza. The convento, or dormitories for the priests, and Indian residences are in ruins with only the walls left.
Mission San JoséOne the larger outposts, the Mission San José was founded in 1720 with the main church constructed in 1768. The expansive grounds feature many residences built into the outer wall, storerooms and a functional mill powered by water from a local acequia (an irrigation ditch). The National Park Service maintains a gift shop and theatre inside the visitor centre.
Mission ConcepciónAll that remains of the Mission Concepción is the church and some adjacent supporting structures. The mission, from 1731, is well preserved, with some of the side rooms furnished with statues of saints and other religious icons.
The missions don’t attract as much attention as the Alamo does, but are full of displays and exhibits that delve into life of the priests and Indians. Start early and take some time to stroll the many paths that wind through each location for the full experience. Don’t forget to bring a bottle of water, especially during the warmer months. Can’t make it? Browse through the photos from all four missions on Gallery.
Texas is known for its size, cowboys, oil, big belt buckles, the heat, the Alamo, Big Tex and so on. But for anime fans, Texas also has its conventions and lots of them. At the invitation of a friend, I was invited to come down and attend San Japan 2.x in San Antonio to get a feel of what it’s like to be in the heart of convention country. Pictures are available on Gallery.
The Alamo at night.
I recently returned from a short visit to southern Texas to attend an anime convention in San Antonio, called San Japan 2.x. While there, I had the opportunity to tour the city and take in the sights of one America’s fast growing cities.
Despite the heat (which averaged over 100° F, or 37° C, on most days), my journey was a very pleasant experience. However, the one thing that really stood out was how friendly everyone is — from those at the fast food counters to security guards. Very impressive.
There’s quite a bit to do in San Antonio, visit the historic Alamo, stroll along the beautiful River Walk, have fun at Six Flags Fiesta Texas, take in the view from the Tower of the Americas or spend some money in one of the many shopping malls.
I hope to return again soon, to see more of this gorgeous city and to take advantage of the wonderful Texan hospitality. If you’re interested in more information, stop over at the San Antonio Convention & Visitors Bureau web site for a free guide that offers a look into this amazing city.
Pictures from my trip are available on Gallery.
Recent Articles
After all the film festivals, premieres and screenings in North America and around the world, Fullmetal Alchemist: The Sacred Star of Milos is finally coming to DVD and Blu-ray. Edward and… Keep reading
There’s a new convention in town. Fan Expo Vancouver is bringing the best of likes of Toronto’s Fan Expo Canada to the West Coast for the first time with big… Keep reading
Following numerous setbacks, funding issues and debates on where rapid transit should be expanded in Metro Vancouver, the Evergreen Line is finally rolling forward. Through years of determining how to… Keep reading
