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Austin, Texas
A group of RV travel friends, members of the Traveling Supremes and friends, met and stayed in San Marcos, TX to visit the area. We had a fun time together, visited the many historical sites of the area, and of course sampled the local cuisine… barbecue!
Our first visit was to the LBJ library, where we had a chance to revisit the history of the LBJ presidency. This was followed by a visit to the Bullock Texas State History Museum, where we learned more about Texas and its founding. I highly recommend this to anyone, not just Texans… very interesting! That evening, Dave Phillips brought in the “Fajita King”, who made some excellent Fajitas from scratch.
Our next visit was to the San Marcos Springs, a natural spring site located on (or near) Texas State University. There we visited the aquarium and took a glass bottom boat tour to see the bottom of the lake and the springs themselves. A pot luck meal completed another satisfying day.
Then, another trip took us to the Texas State Capital building, where a guided tour introduced us to the largest state capital building in the US. The history of this marble building was a story all to itself. Most interesting! After this we visited the University of Texas, and went to the top of the Clock Tower, notorious for being one of first public mass murders in recent history.
A final meal at the Grist Mill in Gruene helped end a most interesting visit. Thanks to the Phillips and Hoovers for putting together a fun gathering!
The group at the LBJ Museum
Les, Ida, LBJ and Romola
The “Fajita King”!
View of the Texas Capital
Showing when the Capital was built
Looking down on the Rotunda floor
Looking up inside the Rotunda dome
State legislature
Down the east hallway
A view of the clock tower
Cruise, Cartagena Columbia
Although people have lived in this area for 4,000 year, it wasn’t until the mid 1500’s before the city as we know it was founded. Originally an important port for Spanish trade, it has withstood numerous attacks by foreign governments and pirates. A large part of this has been the construction of a major defensive wall, most of it still exists today.
The old city has a wall of some 9 miles long, and entrance is through the clock tower. Inside, you will find narrow roads, but colorful buildings, many with balconies with flowers and decorations. There are parks and museums, but it is hot here…. the average high temperature is 90F all year round!
Once outside the old city, it is a large and modern place. High rise apartments and office complexes as far as the eye can see. Truly a city with both the old and the new.
Below are some pictures; for a full album click on the Flickr link (below right) and click on Albums.
Clock tower and entrance to the old city
Colorful buildings
Showing off the local dress
Many works of golden art
The Inquisition Building, scene of awful tortures
Cartegena stree
Decorative door knocker
Colorful buildings
On top of the wall
A defensive outpost
Canons on the walls
Shopping in the shade
Colorful parrot
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