South of the Border
Decision made....
Vamonos !
clang-
ring-
ding and dong
every 15 minutes
24/7
in
San Miguel de Allende
This quaint colonial town
now a UNESCO site
200 miles north west of Mexico City
dates back to the 16th century and Spanish
colonialism
FIVE STAR - Third World
The old world meets the new
Optical fiber cable is laid beneath cobbled streets
Every level of hotel accommodation is available
from the very edgy modern
Hotel Matilda hidden behind an 18th century facade
to the all new Rosewood
...but if you are especially lucky
to have friends with a home in San Miguel
you might score a room where even
the bathroom has a spectacular view
If you are not so blessed
then you can still become a temporary local .
Find the perfect
holiday rental through
Firecracker transplant from Birmingham, Alabama
gone native
Her rentals are fully staffed so you can opt
have your meals cooked for you or
try your hand with the local ingredients
There are many really good restaurants using only fresh
ingredients and innovative recipes
DO NOT EXPECT A US BURRITO
For authentic Mexican food eat at the stands in the markets
Try the Carnitas (confit of pork)
The town is pristinely clean
charm - charm- charm
Petrol
Pharmacia
Architectural eye candy
and history
...everywhere you look
House of the Inquisitor
The Spanish Inquisition found it's way to New Spain and
the church official in charge in San Miguel lived in this house until
the inquisition was abolished with the liberation of Mexico in 1820
Could it be the house carries bad juju
making it a difficult sale
despite it's glorious architecture ?
BTW
The modern world's leading authority on the Spanish Inquisition
died recently at the age of 102
BEN ZION NETANYAHU
1910-2012
Father of Israeli prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu
and
Yonathan Netanyahu
the leader of the succesful raid on Entebbe, 1976
YONI
1946-1976
FOLLOW ME
The recently made documentary film
about Yoni's extraordinary accomplishments , is
a well deserved tribute to a modern day hero
San Miguel had it's own hero
IGNACIO JOSE ALLENDE
1769-1811
Inspired by the Revolutions in France and in the United States
Allende was a leading figure in organizing the uprisings that led to
Mexican independence
His home built in the first half of the 18th century
on the main square of San Miguel
is now a museum
San Miguel locals
( many of them Gringos - US expats living the good life)
are all friendly and welcoming
The native residents are as colorful as they are friendly
Street scenes are so charming they border on cliche
but it's all real
Life is lived in real time unrushed-unharried
yet completely integrated with 21st century conveniences
Leave Manolo at home
Get some rubber soled footwear
for navigating the cobbled streets
GOLD SANDAL-PRADA
Never sacrifice fashion completely
This great little number will dress up any outfit
and will handle those cobbles nicely
With the right walking footwear hit the steets
Shop with the locals like the locals
...and spice up your life
The visual overload is fantastic !
The Butcher
The finest meats are available
The Baker
Interior designer, Jeffry Weisman,
now a San Miguel local,
shops daily for fresh baked breads and pastries
Pick up a hat like Jeffry's and you can blend right in
The Candle maker
Fine hand-made beeswax candles
I shipped home a huge carton of assorted sizes and
I am crossing fingers and toes they don't arrive melted
:)
The Green Grocer
and every other color you can imagine
The Cheese Maker
CRISTINA GEREZ
Artisan Cheesemaker
El Capricho
Cristina is self taught (over the internet)
on everything goat
EL CAPRICHO
Goat Cheese
Some of the very finest you will ever taste
" TRY IT-You'll like it "
The local daily market
Squash blossoms at the Organic Farmers' Market
Breakfast at
The Farmers'Market
Handicrafts at the MERCADO ARTESENIAS
Elaborately hand embroidered textiles in sizes ranging from
toss pillows to bed covers are a terrific buy
Embroidered Mexican cloths add a bright dash of color on this pool terrace
DESIGN-FISHER-WEISMAN
Metal work of all kinds is a BARGAIN worth shipping home
San Miguel is in the silver mining state of Guanajato.
Mexico still provides 25% of the silver used in
high tech manufacturing around the world
Silver jewlery can be irresistable
Be prepared to dig through a lot of stuff to find classic pieces
like simple beads and heavy ropes with toggle closures
"You must kiss a lot of frogs before you find your prince"
Artist and Interior Designer,
Andrew Fisher has struck gold living in San Miguel.
His inspirations are prolific
Hundreds of gold leafed paper squares
are handstitched into his glorious creations
ranging from small jewels to majestic treasures
A week in San Miguel is barely enough -
there is so much to see and do in town-
but there is also much to see in surrounding towns and villages
like this Baroque 17th century church
just outside San Miguel
You could have a local stone carver
carve you a sink just like this antique font
Charming frescoes combine christian symbols
with those of the native indians cleverly interwoven
San Miguel has been unjustifiably hit by Mexico's recent bad press
of "narco terrorism"
that has plagued the northern areas and the Pacific coast.
We felt completely safe and always welcomed
Mi Casa Su Casa
Bien Venidos
Rela
