Houston, we have a(nother) problem...

The grand finale of our road trip through the south: back to urban Texas.

What exactly is the "New World"? Christopher Columbus, to whose era this term goes back, was ultimately convinced that he had not simply lost his way and had arrived in India. In other words, in the "Old World" known to Europe at the time. However, other European opinions in Columbus' day were quite aware that the territory he had set sail for could hardly be India. The fact that this area could barely be called "new" in view of the indigenous population was only the beginning of a centuries-long European colonial history that was largely inhumane. And in the middle of it all: Texas.

What we know today as the US state was part of Mexico in the 1820s after its war of independence against Spain. However, there were US settlements on Texan territory in what was then the Mexican Empire. However, contrary to the customs of the nearby southern US states, slavery was soon banned in Mexico. Despite many other concessions to the settlements, that is why movements took shape demanding secession from Mexico, right up to the Texas War of Independence. One of the sites is still preserved today and has a strong identity for Texas: the former monastery and later fort "The Alamo" in San Antonio, which was besieged by Mexican troops for almost two weeks. With a tragic ending: all the Texan fighters died at "The Alamo".

The Alamo, a Texan place of remembrance.

Autumn 2023: The sun is shining in San Antonio and we are getting used to city life again after our Wild West adventure. Our first walk takes us to "The Alamo", whose history is well explained on site. A walk through the associated park not only shows us more historical traces, but also impressions of the local flora. Texas is the place in the USA where squirrels scamper across palm trees. "The Alamo" also tells the story of how the "Republic of Texas" finally came into being some time after the siege, before the USA finally made Texas a federal state.

Today, the Hispanic-American heritage is very visible in San Antonio. Over 60% of the city's residents have a corresponding cultural background, and the Spanish language is also present in the cityscape. Speaking of the cityscape, the San Antonio River Walk is particularly striking. It runs along the river as a network of canals through the city center, transforming San Antonio into a Texan Venice. We take part in a leisurely boat tour and learn more about the history of the city and its tourist side. We enjoy our tacos in the evening, take another stroll along the Christmas-decorated River Walk and pack for the last leg of our road trip.

Relaxed: the San Antonio River Walk.

 

The next day takes us back to the starting point of our Texas tour, the enormous metropolis of Houston. We want to get to know it a little better and therefore choose to stay in the uptown area, close to one of the largest shopping malls. In the Galleria, we discover a fine restaurant - and the buzz that surrounds us that evening reminds us again why we love big cities.

The following day is more than rainy. Water falls from the sky in such large quantities that the increased ground clearance of our small SUV actually has advantages. So we cruise through the city and decide to visit one of the largest art museums in the USA, the Museum of Fine Arts, which is also the oldest art museum in Texas. We take in the architecture of the various buildings, don't skimp on coffee breaks and accidentally discover a small installation by the incredible Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama. Our museum day flies by, and fly is also our key word, because it's time for us to pack our bags.

 

Even rain is bigger in Texas.

However, we didn't expect our last adventure to be like this. While we were checking in at Houston airport for our return journey via Frankfurt, we received a message from Swiss that we were being diverted to London instead. The staff at the check-in desk find the process just as puzzling as we do, but patiently get to the bottom of the situation. And indeed: London is our interim destination before we finally land back in Zurich the next day. Of course, this does not apply to our luggage.

Umm, Houston?

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Good to know

In San Antonio, we recommend staying on the River Walk. We chose the Canopy, which is located on one of the most beautiful parts of the River Walk and offers a wonderful restaurant with a view of the water, the Domingo. Please note: the valet parking service is very expensive, but there are also public alternatives in the area. The Alamo is an essential part of any visit to San Antonio. The audio guide is the cheapest option for a tour and is perfectly adequate.

In Houston, we were not impressed by our last accommodation near the Galleria, which is why we are not mentioning it here. However, the Joey Uptown restaurant is a nice find.

A must for art lovers is the Museum of Fine Arts Houston, where you can easily spend the whole day - make sure you have enough time.

Like the outward flight, our return flight was planned with a change of planes in Frankfurt, although this time United was to operate the transatlantic flight. This was also the case, but due to the weather situation in Germany we were rebooked on a flight via London Heathrow. The connection there worked - despite the delay - apart from the luggage being delayed again.