Dreamscapes Travel & Lifestyle

Of course, one of the most inspiring of these is the history of The Alamo. It was here that, in 1836, some 200 Texans, including Davy Crockett and Jim Bowie, died fighting Santa Anna's force of 1,500 Mexicans. Their 13-day battle inspired the words used to this day to rally Americans, "Remember The Alamo!" But The Alamo wasn't a fortress; it was a Spanish mission called San Antonio de Valero, one of five built in the early 1700s by Franciscan friars, who strung them like gleaming white pearls along the San Antonio River. Together, these five missions represent the largest collection of 18 th -century Spanish architecture in the U.S. and have been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. All five missions are accessible along the 13-kilometre extension of the River Walk. If walking 13 kilometres seems daunting, there are also bus tours. The more energetic can rent a bike. Or try a unique approach with Mission Kayak—the paddle is all downstream and there's a comfy ride back at the end. There's even a paddleboard tour. Whatever your mode of transport, the mis- sions are a must. In their weathered stones and brick archways, their painted plaster and bevelled bell towers, San Antonio's colonial past comes to life. As the sun sets, I'm standing with dozens of others in the city's Main Plaza to see some of that history come to life. Here stands the oldest Catholic Church in the USA—the Cathedral of San Fernando, begun in 1738. It was here that Santa Anna raised a red flag to warn those defenders of The Alamo that there would be no mercy. And here too, it's said that Davy Crockett is buried. The stone walls of this church form the screen for a magnificent son et lumière presentation, San Antonio—The Saga, depicting the history of the city. It's colourful, fascinating and enlightening. After the show, I can't resist a stroll up the road to the Spanish Governor's Palace nearby. I want to see if I can spot a spirit. According to the Sisters Grimm Ghost Walk, the mansion is haunted. Their ghost walk is wonderfully entertaining and informative, but neither my visit with them, nor this one, raises a single spectre. If he's still haunting his mansion, the ghost of the governor would undoubtedly be proud. This year San Antonio celebrated its tricentennial. Founded in 1718, it's worth a visit to encounter the past and see what 300 years have wrought in this unique piece of Texas. DREAMSCAPES WINTER 2018/2019 18 TRAVEL PLANNER San Antonio, Texas, is less than a four-hour flight from Toronto and Air Canada (aircanada.com) offers direct service between the two cities with convenient connections from other gateways. The local bus company, Via, sells a day pass for just US$2.75. For children, the Witte Museum showcases a variety of interactive displays. The Mercado is a vibrant little piece of Mexico on Commerce Street, featuring three blocks of restaurants and colourful stalls where you'll find intriguing little knick-knacks to take home as gifts. For more information on all there is to see and do in San Antonio, log onto VisitSanAntonio.com. ABOVE AND BELOW: San Antonio's world-renowned urban waterway is lined with restaurants, shops and hotels. BOTTOM: San Antonio—The Saga is a fascinating sound and light show at the San Fernando Cathedral. DS

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