There may not be a basement at the Alamo, but there is one in the Texas State Capitol Building. This was, perhaps, the most interesting part of the building itself. If I hadn't have forgotten my camera in Seattle, thereby forcing the use of disposable cameras, I would have tried to take some more interesting photos of the basement. Unfortunately I had the limitations of fixed aperture and shutter speeds combined with my already inept picture-taking. Ho hum.

Beyond the basement, the capitol building fulfilled the expectations I've acquired for capitol buildings. Marble everywhere, the weird urinal-looking water fountains inset in the walls, a rotunda. The Texas version was a little more "proud" than the others I've been in so far. In other words, this building does not let you forget you're in Texas. Everything that could have a Lone Star on it had one. The massive hinges on the massive doors proclaimed their location.

It is possible that the other state capitols are just as boastful, and I just don't notice it as much. Being a native Texan, I'm sure I'm a little skewed in my perspective. I thought it might be exciting to go to my home-state capitol, but I was disappointed. I didn't learn anything I didn't already know. The capitol grounds were very nice and peaceful. Even in the first days of November, the weather was near perfect.

Next stop, Denver.