Texas: It's Like a Whole Other Country

Hold on a second Tanja, you won't believe what I just saw.

What?

I was currently sitting outside on the plastic shag like carpet covered steps at a Days Inn in San Antonio, listening to an elaborate story of a weekend back in Madison, Wi. However intrigued i truly was in the story, I couldn't help but interrupt.

I just saw a huge stretch hummer limo drive by my hotel...

...and?

It was a huge stretch hummer PICK UP TRUCK limo! And there were people in suits and dresses wearing cowboy hats in the back of it!

* * *

Seeing as it once was 'a whole other country,' and the fact that that it still today reserves the right to become 'a whole other country,' it is only normal I suppose that it really does feel like 'A Whole Other Country.'

I've been in Texas for about two days now and I'm liking what I'm seeing. Upon entering the state, my dad and I began our drive south for Padre Island and Corpus Christi. Besides seeing a huge increase in the number of trucks on the highway, the road signs began to change as well. Official state highway signs read "Buckle Up In Your Truck" and "Don't Mess With Texas, Pick Up Your Trash."

At one point I saw a big truck pulled over on the side of the highway with a man out in the grass, throwing around his huge lasso. I couldn't help but be a rubber neck in my little Wisconsin plated Focus for that one. 

When I was choosing which car to get, part of my decision to buy American was so that I'd fit in a bit in Texas. While there are a ton of Fords on the road here, having a Ford isn't enough apparently- you need the 'Texas Ford' silver metal brand name on the back with the Texas Star below it.  

I'll have to buy a decal instead.

* * *

About a month ago I was watching the Antique Road Show, when one of the men who was having some book be appraised was from Texas. The road show guy was having the Texan explain what he knew about the book, or documents, I can't really remember. 

The man began by saying, "these documents date back to year we signed the Declaration of Independence in 1836..."

The road show guy stopped the man abruptly. "Hold on there a second...who's Declaration of Independence?"

The road shower must have been as confused as I was. 1836 is not the year most Americans have in their head when they hear 'declaration of independence.'

Unfazed, the Texan replied proudly, "The Declaration of Independence of Texas, of course."

as if to say, 'the only independence I know!'

I on the other hand thought...oh my, I'm moving to Texas- a land of really really proud TEXANS! What I'm in for- I have no idea!!

* * *

Today I began to get a feel for the reason behind all of that pride. Last night we got to San Antonio and my dad and I went to the Alamo today. Now I basically knew the story of the Alamo....kinda; and I saw the 'Remember the Alamo' movie at some point way back in elementary school...but to be honest I really didn't know a whole lot about it.

When we got there we sat for 30 minutes to an old man tell the dramatic story of the Alamo. 

HOLY SHIT! What a story!

I was practically moved to tears by the end of it thinking that where I'm standing 189 men decided to fight an army of roughly 2000 Mexicans under General Santa Anna, knowing they would rather die than surrender. Well all 189, including David Crockett and James Bowie did perish at the Alamo, which would become a rallying cry for the colonists to joining together and fight for and win independence from Mexico.

Before the battle began, Santa Anna flew a red flag signaling, if you fight us, all of you will die and there will be no mercy.

The bad ass 26 year old commander of the Alamo responded with a single cannon, fired directly at the flag .

I am beseiged, by a thousand or more of the Mexicans under Santa Anna -- I have sustained a continual Bombardment & cannonade for 24 hours & have not lost a man -- The enemy has demanded a surrender at discretion, otherwise, the garrison are to be put to the sword, if the fort is taken -- I have answered the demand with a cannon shot, & our flag still waves proudly from the walls -- I shall never surrender or retreat. Then, I call on you in the name of Liberty, of patriotism, & every thing dear to the American character, to come to our aid, with all dispatch -- The enemy is receiving reinforcements daily & will no doubt increase to three or four thousand in four or five days. If this call is neglected, I am determined to sustain myself as long as possible & die like a soldier who never forgets what is due to his own honor & that of his country --

VICTORY OR DEATH

William Barret Travis
Lt. Col. Comdt.

* * *

All I can think of now is how bad-ass of state Texas is, and how excited I am to live here.