Texas Travelogue
Historic, diverse, and growing
Historic, diverse, and growing
Part 2 (Conclusion)
By Susie "Chie" R. Cuñada
San Jacinto Battleground / Houston Space Center
USS Texas Battleship-As a backgrounder, USS Texas was the second ship of the U.
S. Navy named in honor of the US state of Texas. It was decommissioned in 1948,
having earned a total of 5 battle stars for service in WWII, and is presently a museum
ship near Houston. She is also noteworthy for being one of only six remaining ships
to have served in both World Wars. Among U.S.-built battleships, USS Texas is
notable for her sizable number of FIRSTS: the first US battleship to
mount anti-aircraft guns, the first US ship to control gunfire with directors and range-
keepers (analog forerunners of today’s computers), the first US battleship to launch
an aircraft, one of the first to receive CXAM commercial radar in the US navy, the first
US battleship to become a permanent museum ship, and the first battleship declared
to be a U.S. National Historic Landmark.
San Jacinto Monument-The San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site includes the
location of the Battle of San Jacinto and the USS Texas. It is located off the Houston
Ship Channel in LaPorte, Texas. A prominent feature of the park is the San Jacinto
Monument. The San Jacinto Monument marks the very spot where Texas won its
independence from Mexico and is a must-see for history
buffs.
Steeped in Texas history, the San Jacinto Monument and Museum of History are
actually one and the same, as the museum is located in the base of the monument
which, at 570 feet, is the world's tallest. The museum features exhibits with a tie to
Texas’ past.
Space Center Houston is the visitor center for NASA’s Johnson Space Center. It’s the
By Susie "Chie" R. Cuñada
San Jacinto Battleground / Houston Space Center
USS Texas Battleship-As a backgrounder, USS Texas was the second ship of the U.
S. Navy named in honor of the US state of Texas. It was decommissioned in 1948,
having earned a total of 5 battle stars for service in WWII, and is presently a museum
ship near Houston. She is also noteworthy for being one of only six remaining ships
to have served in both World Wars. Among U.S.-built battleships, USS Texas is
notable for her sizable number of FIRSTS: the first US battleship to
mount anti-aircraft guns, the first US ship to control gunfire with directors and range-
keepers (analog forerunners of today’s computers), the first US battleship to launch
an aircraft, one of the first to receive CXAM commercial radar in the US navy, the first
US battleship to become a permanent museum ship, and the first battleship declared
to be a U.S. National Historic Landmark.
San Jacinto Monument-The San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site includes the
location of the Battle of San Jacinto and the USS Texas. It is located off the Houston
Ship Channel in LaPorte, Texas. A prominent feature of the park is the San Jacinto
Monument. The San Jacinto Monument marks the very spot where Texas won its
independence from Mexico and is a must-see for history
buffs.
Steeped in Texas history, the San Jacinto Monument and Museum of History are
actually one and the same, as the museum is located in the base of the monument
which, at 570 feet, is the world's tallest. The museum features exhibits with a tie to
Texas’ past.
Space Center Houston is the visitor center for NASA’s Johnson Space Center. It’s the
product of the joint efforts of NASA and Disney Imagineering. Easily the most
popular attraction in the Houston area, there’s nothing like it anywhere else in
the world.
As a backgrounder, the Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center (JSC) is the
National Aeronautics and Space Administration's center for human spaceflight
training, research and flight control. The center consists of a complex of 100
buildings constructed on 1,620 acres in Houston. The Space Center is home
to the U.S. astronaut corps and is responsible for training astronauts from
both the U.S. and its international partners. It is often popularly referred to by
its central function, "Mission Control."
The center, originally known as the Manned Spacecraft Center, was
constructed on land donated by Rice University and opened in 1963. On
February 19, 1973, the center was renamed in honor of the late U.S. president
and Texas native, Lyndon B. Johnson. JSC is one of ten major NASA field
centers.
NASA’s Christopher C. Kraft, Jr. Mission Control Center (MCC-H), also known
by its radio callsign, Houston, at the Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center
manages all American human space flight; including US portions of the
International Space Station (ISS). The center is named after Christopher C.
Kraft, Jr., a retired NASA engineer and manager, who was instrumental in
establishing the agency's Mission Control operation.
The MCC currently houses two operational control rooms, from which flight
controllers coordinate and monitor space shuttle missions and the ISS.
These rooms have many computer and data-processing resources to
monitor, command and communicate with spacecraft. From the moment a
space shuttle clears its launch tower in Florida until it lands on Earth, it is in
the hands of Mission Control. When a shuttle mission is underway, its control
room is staffed around the clock, usually in three shifts. The ISS control room
operates continuously, but with fewer controllers.
You will find plenty of exhibits and activities in the Space Center to interest
both adults and children, and they do a great job of introducing the visitor to
different aspects of space exploration. The center banks heavily on interactive
popular attraction in the Houston area, there’s nothing like it anywhere else in
the world.
As a backgrounder, the Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center (JSC) is the
National Aeronautics and Space Administration's center for human spaceflight
training, research and flight control. The center consists of a complex of 100
buildings constructed on 1,620 acres in Houston. The Space Center is home
to the U.S. astronaut corps and is responsible for training astronauts from
both the U.S. and its international partners. It is often popularly referred to by
its central function, "Mission Control."
The center, originally known as the Manned Spacecraft Center, was
constructed on land donated by Rice University and opened in 1963. On
February 19, 1973, the center was renamed in honor of the late U.S. president
and Texas native, Lyndon B. Johnson. JSC is one of ten major NASA field
centers.
NASA’s Christopher C. Kraft, Jr. Mission Control Center (MCC-H), also known
by its radio callsign, Houston, at the Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center
manages all American human space flight; including US portions of the
International Space Station (ISS). The center is named after Christopher C.
Kraft, Jr., a retired NASA engineer and manager, who was instrumental in
establishing the agency's Mission Control operation.
The MCC currently houses two operational control rooms, from which flight
controllers coordinate and monitor space shuttle missions and the ISS.
These rooms have many computer and data-processing resources to
monitor, command and communicate with spacecraft. From the moment a
space shuttle clears its launch tower in Florida until it lands on Earth, it is in
the hands of Mission Control. When a shuttle mission is underway, its control
room is staffed around the clock, usually in three shifts. The ISS control room
operates continuously, but with fewer controllers.
You will find plenty of exhibits and activities in the Space Center to interest
both adults and children, and they do a great job of introducing the visitor to
different aspects of space exploration. The center banks heavily on interactive
displays and simulations, on the one hand, and actual access to the real
thing on the other. For instance, the Feel of Space gallery simulates working
in the frictionless environment of space by using an air-bearing floor
(something like a giant air-hockey table). Another simulator shows what’s
like to land the lunar orbiter.
Another attraction is an exhibit of all the different space suits worn by NASA
astronauts.
For a direct experience of NASA, the facility offers a tram tour that takes
visitors all over the Johnson Space Center; among other places, the
International Space Station Assembly Building where one can get an
extensive, in-depth look at the making and evolution of space history. You
also get to see things as they happen, especially if there’s a shuttle mission
in progress, and where you might also see astronauts in training.
San Antonio
What better time to hold our HS class reunion than during the town’s fiesta,
right?
San Antonio will take your breath away. As a backgrounder, built on the
banks of its age-old river, San Antonio gains present-day fame from both the
water and from the Alamo, the symbol of freedom that is now the city’s
landmark. A brash confident representative of the Lone Star State, San
Antonio was actually one of the major cities founded before Texas broke
from Mexican control. Native Americans first inhabited San Antonio along the
San Antonio River. They called the area Yanaguana, which means
refreshing waters. But once the Spanish explorers came, they renamed it
after the feast of Saint Anthony, or San Antonio. However, the
city of San Antonio did not begin until after Father Antonio established the
Mission San Antonio de Valero. This today is where the Alamo stands.
The city’s history is jam-packed with multiple cultural influences, given life by
the original Native Americans, the first Spanish explorers, Mexican residents,
German immigrants, and Southern transplants. They’ve all added
immeasurably to the melting pot that is today’s San Antonio and that has
given rise to everything from barbecue to Tejano, architecture to dialect.
While San Antonio has changed drastically from its early days, it’s still an
incredibly hospitable town and one that boasts a healthy economy. Major
military bases call the area home, providing an interesting counterpoint to
the bustling tourism industry. Even so, the juxtaposition is hardly surprising
in a town that, from its inception, accepted diversity and incorporated it into
everyday life. As Texas’ second-most populated metropolis, this southern
city has evidently
gotten the mix right, as any visitor or resident would attest.
Riverwalk
There is, perhaps, no more visible emblem of contemporary San Antonio
than the Riverwalk, that three-mile stretch of picturesque waterside terrain
that gives the city a focus and a soul. Richly populated with restaurants,
shops, clubs, and sights, it’s a model of urban renewal for other cities and a
cautionary advisement to make the most of natural resources and beauty. A
huge draw and a showpiece of the city, the river was, curiously enough, once
cursed for overflowing its banks and was slated to be paved over.
The Riverwalk is one of Texas’ most popular tourist attractions. In addition to
breathtaking views and excellent shopping, it is home to some of San
Antonio’s finest restaurants. I have said this before, but I will say it again.
San Antonio Riverwalk is one of the best highlights of San Antonio. It is the
perfect symbiotic relationship between city and nature. Amidst the daily battle
of the bustling metropolis, you can find relief in the winding sidewalks of the
Riverwalk, while browsing past the windows of your favorite shops.
thing on the other. For instance, the Feel of Space gallery simulates working
in the frictionless environment of space by using an air-bearing floor
(something like a giant air-hockey table). Another simulator shows what’s
like to land the lunar orbiter.
Another attraction is an exhibit of all the different space suits worn by NASA
astronauts.
For a direct experience of NASA, the facility offers a tram tour that takes
visitors all over the Johnson Space Center; among other places, the
International Space Station Assembly Building where one can get an
extensive, in-depth look at the making and evolution of space history. You
also get to see things as they happen, especially if there’s a shuttle mission
in progress, and where you might also see astronauts in training.
San Antonio
What better time to hold our HS class reunion than during the town’s fiesta,
right?
San Antonio will take your breath away. As a backgrounder, built on the
banks of its age-old river, San Antonio gains present-day fame from both the
water and from the Alamo, the symbol of freedom that is now the city’s
landmark. A brash confident representative of the Lone Star State, San
Antonio was actually one of the major cities founded before Texas broke
from Mexican control. Native Americans first inhabited San Antonio along the
San Antonio River. They called the area Yanaguana, which means
refreshing waters. But once the Spanish explorers came, they renamed it
after the feast of Saint Anthony, or San Antonio. However, the
city of San Antonio did not begin until after Father Antonio established the
Mission San Antonio de Valero. This today is where the Alamo stands.
The city’s history is jam-packed with multiple cultural influences, given life by
the original Native Americans, the first Spanish explorers, Mexican residents,
German immigrants, and Southern transplants. They’ve all added
immeasurably to the melting pot that is today’s San Antonio and that has
given rise to everything from barbecue to Tejano, architecture to dialect.
While San Antonio has changed drastically from its early days, it’s still an
incredibly hospitable town and one that boasts a healthy economy. Major
military bases call the area home, providing an interesting counterpoint to
the bustling tourism industry. Even so, the juxtaposition is hardly surprising
in a town that, from its inception, accepted diversity and incorporated it into
everyday life. As Texas’ second-most populated metropolis, this southern
city has evidently
gotten the mix right, as any visitor or resident would attest.
Riverwalk
There is, perhaps, no more visible emblem of contemporary San Antonio
than the Riverwalk, that three-mile stretch of picturesque waterside terrain
that gives the city a focus and a soul. Richly populated with restaurants,
shops, clubs, and sights, it’s a model of urban renewal for other cities and a
cautionary advisement to make the most of natural resources and beauty. A
huge draw and a showpiece of the city, the river was, curiously enough, once
cursed for overflowing its banks and was slated to be paved over.
The Riverwalk is one of Texas’ most popular tourist attractions. In addition to
breathtaking views and excellent shopping, it is home to some of San
Antonio’s finest restaurants. I have said this before, but I will say it again.
San Antonio Riverwalk is one of the best highlights of San Antonio. It is the
perfect symbiotic relationship between city and nature. Amidst the daily battle
of the bustling metropolis, you can find relief in the winding sidewalks of the
Riverwalk, while browsing past the windows of your favorite shops.
Also known as the Paseo del Rio, the Riverwalk has been described
as the “The American Venice” because of its sinuous romantic walks
along the riverbanks. You will pass by lush landscaping while walking
over cobblestone walkways headed towards restaurants and
shops. You will be blanketed by shade from cypresses, oaks and
willows. Alongside the Riverwalk are gardens of flowering ornamental
plants. It is an urban designer’s feat of artistic ingenuity, and it is this
jewel that is attracting millions of visitors each year.
The Tower of the Americas
We then went to the photo gallery to have our “official” reunion picture.
The Tower of the Americas is a 750-foot observation tower/restaurant
in San Antonio. The tower was built as the theme structure of the 1968
World’s Fair, Hemisfair ’68. The tower was the tallest observation
tower in the U.S. from 1968 until 1996, when the Las Vegas
Stratosphere Tower was completed. Construction of the tower began
in 1966 and was completed in approximately 18 months, just in time
for the opening ceremonies for the fair. The tophouse of the building
was constructed at ground level and hoisted to the top of the poured
concrete shaft. As the tophouse was being hoisted into place, some of
the cables used to hoist the tophouse snapped leaving the tophouse
resting on and precariously tilted on the tower’s shaft.
Eventually oil pipes were used in lieu of cables to complete the job.
San Antonio is apparently the second biggest city in Texas, next to
Houston. As you can imagine, the scintillating view of the city from the
top of the Tower is part of the reason why so many people include this
attraction on their itinerary while in town.
The Alamo
The Alamo is an excellent attraction in San Antonio, and a major focal
point in the state of Texas. “Remember the Alamo” – yes, it is a hard
one to forget. It is in movies, books and even on license plates and
has become the legend in the creation story of Texas. Thousands of
tourists come each year to walk the grounds and see where this battle
erupted. People want to witness where this courageous stand took
place, see the names on the walls who fought the battle of the Alamo
and above all, pay their respect to these men. The Alamo has become
a symbol of patriotic sacrifice that deserves to be remembered.
The Fiesta
The Fiesta is the biggest festival in San Antonio and has been going
strong since its inception in the late 1800s. The Fiesta events actually
span more than a week, with early April being the time when things get
underway. The second Friday of the Fiesta is arguably the biggest day,
as it is when the Battle of Flowers Parade is held. This parade attracts
more than 300,000 people on an annual basis and is produced by
the all-women Battle of Flowers Association. The other parades that
help to celebrate Texas history and culture during the Fiesta are the
Fiesta Flambeau Parade which is one of the nation’s biggest
illuminated parades, and the Texas Cavaliers River Parade which
sees floats actually floating down the San Antonio River. Regardless
of which San Antonio Fiesta parade you choose to take it, a big show
awaits.
as the “The American Venice” because of its sinuous romantic walks
along the riverbanks. You will pass by lush landscaping while walking
over cobblestone walkways headed towards restaurants and
shops. You will be blanketed by shade from cypresses, oaks and
willows. Alongside the Riverwalk are gardens of flowering ornamental
plants. It is an urban designer’s feat of artistic ingenuity, and it is this
jewel that is attracting millions of visitors each year.
The Tower of the Americas
We then went to the photo gallery to have our “official” reunion picture.
The Tower of the Americas is a 750-foot observation tower/restaurant
in San Antonio. The tower was built as the theme structure of the 1968
World’s Fair, Hemisfair ’68. The tower was the tallest observation
tower in the U.S. from 1968 until 1996, when the Las Vegas
Stratosphere Tower was completed. Construction of the tower began
in 1966 and was completed in approximately 18 months, just in time
for the opening ceremonies for the fair. The tophouse of the building
was constructed at ground level and hoisted to the top of the poured
concrete shaft. As the tophouse was being hoisted into place, some of
the cables used to hoist the tophouse snapped leaving the tophouse
resting on and precariously tilted on the tower’s shaft.
Eventually oil pipes were used in lieu of cables to complete the job.
San Antonio is apparently the second biggest city in Texas, next to
Houston. As you can imagine, the scintillating view of the city from the
top of the Tower is part of the reason why so many people include this
attraction on their itinerary while in town.
The Alamo
The Alamo is an excellent attraction in San Antonio, and a major focal
point in the state of Texas. “Remember the Alamo” – yes, it is a hard
one to forget. It is in movies, books and even on license plates and
has become the legend in the creation story of Texas. Thousands of
tourists come each year to walk the grounds and see where this battle
erupted. People want to witness where this courageous stand took
place, see the names on the walls who fought the battle of the Alamo
and above all, pay their respect to these men. The Alamo has become
a symbol of patriotic sacrifice that deserves to be remembered.
The Fiesta
The Fiesta is the biggest festival in San Antonio and has been going
strong since its inception in the late 1800s. The Fiesta events actually
span more than a week, with early April being the time when things get
underway. The second Friday of the Fiesta is arguably the biggest day,
as it is when the Battle of Flowers Parade is held. This parade attracts
more than 300,000 people on an annual basis and is produced by
the all-women Battle of Flowers Association. The other parades that
help to celebrate Texas history and culture during the Fiesta are the
Fiesta Flambeau Parade which is one of the nation’s biggest
illuminated parades, and the Texas Cavaliers River Parade which
sees floats actually floating down the San Antonio River. Regardless
of which San Antonio Fiesta parade you choose to take it, a big show
awaits.
As you may have noticed, we wore our “uniform” – white top and khaki pants. Not even close to our high school uniform of
yore, but it’s good enough. Besides, I don’t think we would have fit into our old school uniforms. It being a Sunday, and as it
would have been expected of us as alumni of a Catholic school, we had mass at St. Joseph’s Church in downtown San
Antonio. It’s a beautiful church, as can be gleaned from the photo above, left.
The Galleria
The Galleria is an upscale mixed-use urban development centrally located in the uptown district of Houston. The
development consists of a retail complex, as well as the Galleria office towers, two Westin hotels, and a private health club.
With 3 million total square feet of space that includes 375 stores, the Galleria is the largest mall in Texas and the seventh
largest mall in the U.S.
With my happy purchase of Steve Madden sandals, we then headed for Tokyo One Restaurant, a buffet restaurant, for our
last dinner together. Whew! What an event to remember! I had the best time ever in Texas, bonding with classmates,
some of whom I haven’t seen for the past 37 years. All of us were to leave the following day, back to the usual grind of
surviving. But through it all, even for just a few days, we were able to reminisce the “good old days” of the past.
To recap, I had a wonderful time in Texas, more than I bargained for. I really felt blessed to have seen and experienced
some of the landmarks of what Texas has to offer. The Segway tour in Austin was the highlight of my trip. San Antonio was
a dream fulfilled. The NASA tour in Houston was a wonderful bonus. And last but not least, seeing my classmates once
again was the icing on a yummy cake. What more, indeed, can I ask for?
yore, but it’s good enough. Besides, I don’t think we would have fit into our old school uniforms. It being a Sunday, and as it
would have been expected of us as alumni of a Catholic school, we had mass at St. Joseph’s Church in downtown San
Antonio. It’s a beautiful church, as can be gleaned from the photo above, left.
The Galleria
The Galleria is an upscale mixed-use urban development centrally located in the uptown district of Houston. The
development consists of a retail complex, as well as the Galleria office towers, two Westin hotels, and a private health club.
With 3 million total square feet of space that includes 375 stores, the Galleria is the largest mall in Texas and the seventh
largest mall in the U.S.
With my happy purchase of Steve Madden sandals, we then headed for Tokyo One Restaurant, a buffet restaurant, for our
last dinner together. Whew! What an event to remember! I had the best time ever in Texas, bonding with classmates,
some of whom I haven’t seen for the past 37 years. All of us were to leave the following day, back to the usual grind of
surviving. But through it all, even for just a few days, we were able to reminisce the “good old days” of the past.
To recap, I had a wonderful time in Texas, more than I bargained for. I really felt blessed to have seen and experienced
some of the landmarks of what Texas has to offer. The Segway tour in Austin was the highlight of my trip. San Antonio was
a dream fulfilled. The NASA tour in Houston was a wonderful bonus. And last but not least, seeing my classmates once
again was the icing on a yummy cake. What more, indeed, can I ask for?