The more things change? The more they all remain the same. Ain’t that the way it goes?
I was reading a little more in Lone Star Nation, and I found a couple of telling passages.
“Berlandier said that ‘Ciudad Bexar resembles a large village more than a municipal seat of a department.'” (page 143)
It was comment from a French biologist attached to a Mexican general’s commission to survey the Texas frontier in 1828.
“Sanchez observed wryly, ‘The character of the people is care-free; they are enthusiastic dancers, very fond of luxury, and the worst punishment that can be afflicted upon them is work.’
“The prevailing distastes toward work wasn’t entirely a deficiency of character; circumstance conspired to prevent work from being rewarded. Most of the families at Bexar were connected to the army, and their military obligations precluded regular farming.” (pages 143-4)
170 years later? Ciudad Bexar is now called San Antonio, Texas. In Bexar County. And there are four or five military bases located within the city limits. Can’t say about the dancing, but I’m sure about the work thing. And the “village” thing, too.
It is a favorite spot, and I’d long-forgotten how much fun the town was. It really lacks a central “downtown” with skyscrapers and such. There is the “riverwalk,” but even I find that quaint, but perhaps a little over rated. Too much like Austin’s fabled 6th Street – nothing but bars.
Remember the whole “6 degrees of separation” with its concomitant 6 degrees of Kevin Bacon? I once amended that for austin, as in one is never more than two degrees away from a musician. In SA? One is never more than two degrees away from military.
Unrelated:
More about Marcus Aurelius
Brothers and sisters:
Caught about three, just at dusk. He ain’t much, but he was fun, and, I’m sure, he’s my girlfriend’s boyfriend. Since the girlfriend didn’t show up, I’m beginning to feel like she was just using me on Valentine’s Day.
