San Antonio

I have traveled to San Antonio, Texas this week to attend the American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS). It is the giant conference for all of the criminalists, medical examiners, and coroners in the country. Those of us from JPAC also attend because we are also in the business of identifying people based upon only their physical remains. This has been a new experience for me as a person who has primarily worked in archaeology up to this point in my career.


San Antonio is home to the Alamo. It is located right in the middle of town. It plays a very prominent role in the city and tourism in the town is based around it. Interestingly, all of the signs and labels in the entire place are ONLY in English. Apparently, the Alamo was only an important event for the Americans. It seems really ridiculous to me that there is not a single sign in Spanish. This might also be one of the unique places in history where the losers got to write the story.

Another highlight of San Antonio is the river walk. The San Antonio River flows right through the middle of town and it has been modified to provide a wonderful green tree lined attraction for tourists and locals alike. There are numerous restaurants and bars to feed and entertain. Every evening they have all been packed by conference attendees. The sunny 80 degree weather has made it extra nice.

I hope that everyone has enjoyed reading about my trip to Australia. I am happy to let you know that the international adventures will continue next month as I journey to Laos for my first deployment with my new job. I leave March 5th and will try my best to update the blog while I am away.