San Jacinto Battleground & Historic Site

( This post is a bit delayed - everything has been delayed as a matter of fact! I need a new secretary!)

Earlier this year, I took a trip to San Jacinto Battleground & Historic Site, just outside of Houston, Texas. As some of you may know, I spent the cold winter down south for a bit!

This monument stands 567.31 feet high, which is even taller than the Washington Monument in Washington, DC. It commemorates the Battle of San Jacinto which was a decisive battle of the Texas Revolution.

The weather was beautiful as you can see, just a little windy perhaps! No camera filter needed here.

Now as I walk up the stairs, I can see there is something carved at the bottom of the monument. It's a story about how Texas was born. Texas used to be a part of Mexico, but as Mexican rulers became more hostile towards Texas colonists, a revolution started.

There were many battles that led up to this battle. The Texas side was led by General Sam Houston and Mexican army was led by General Santa Anna.  In the end, the Texas side won, and this battle would eventually lead to the annexation of Texas by the United States.

And did you also know that --- huh... DROOPY?

"Hi Ajdin!" Droopy said.

"Droopy, what a coincidence to see you here! We must have the same travel agent or something," I replied. (Do you remember when we bumped into each other in Iceland and Chichen Itza?)

Here's another shot of the monument looking up.

Just across the road from the monument is also the location of the USS Texas, a former United States Navy battleship. Let's go take a look!

The USS Texas is famous for being the first US battleship to become a permanent museum ship. They were renovating the ship inside so we could not go on a tour - maybe next time. She is also famous for being one of only 7 remaining ships to have served in both World Wars.

While she enjoys a mostly quiet life now, the USS Texas was also known for being a ship with lots of new technology at the time. She was the first battleship to mount anti-aircraft guns, the first battleship to launch an aircraft, to control gunfire with high-tech computers, and the first to receive advanced radar systems.

What a career! Thank you for your service, USS Texas!

Cruise and Chichen Itza

Over the holiday, my mom and I went on a cruise. I have never been on a cruise before, have you? I saw some large ships in the dock where we were leaving from.

But soon, we left the safety of the harbor and went out into the great, big sea! I wonder how many salmon are swimming around right now.

For some reason, I was left in the stateroom a lot (*AHEM*) so I didn't get many pictures of the cruise ship itself. But I did tag along for one of the shore excursions. We stopped in Progreso in the Yucatan in Mexico and went to Chichen Itza.

Wow! This structure is called El Castillo. It is one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World. There is a lot of symbolism going on here. You know how there are 365 days in a year? Well, here there are 91 steps on each side of this structure.

91 x 4 sides + one step for the temple at the top = 365

How interesting!

Hey... I think I see a familiar face over there. Could it be?

Yes, it's Droopy!

"Droopy! What are the chances of meeting you here at Chichen Itza?" I said.

"I heard there is a lot of Chicken Pizza here. That's why I came," he replied.

It really is a small world, isn't it?

They used to allow visitors to climb the stairs, but not anymore.

I'm standing in the ball court. Do you see those rings in the wall behind me? Ball players had to get a 10 pound rubber ball through it using only their elbows, knees, and hips. The team captain of the winning team would be sacrificed to the Gods! It was considered an honor to be sacrificed.

And with that, I think it's time to leave...

I enjoyed the cruise and the trip to Chichen Itza!