Life in San Miguel de Allende

Inspired by several blogs I've been following recently (my cousin Joel traveling in SE Asia; a local visitor blogging about food in San Miguel), I suddenly thought, "WHY NOT?"  I've been living permanently in Mexico for 10 years now and, while I send lots of emails to friends and family, maybe it would be fun and useful to have a running 'diary' of my life here, maybe just for my own purposes, maybe because it would be interesting to others.  So here goes!

Let's start with where I live - in the beautiful, magical town of San Miguel de Allende, set on a hillside in the very center of Mexico, NE of Mexico City, E of Guadalajara, 8 hours south of the Texas border. 

Life is different here.  The pace is slower.  The light is brighter.  The people are from everywhere.  They say that there are people living here from over 50 different countries.  I personally know people from Italy, Canada, Germany, Spain, England, Ireland and South Africa.  I also know quite a few Mexicans!  The two below are locals!  

 

Did I mention that the pace is slower?  The Jardin (central plaza) is called 'San Miguel's living room'.  In the center of town (or Centro as we say), you pass through it on your way to daily errands and are always sure to meet someone you know.  You can stop for a quick chat, or you can settle onto a bench and spend a pleasant hour or so visiting with friends  -- and strangers, too!

These people all live here and typically spend an hour or so here in the morning, then go somewhere for lunch, then probably for a siesta.  Most everyone is involved in charitible organizations and good works, helping the local orphans, widows, stray animals, or teaching English, or building homes in the campo for people who would otherwise be living in dirt shacks.  There's plenty of need and plenty of volunteers, to help raise money, to donate their time and talents to the never-ending needs of those less fortunate.

I myself have been known to spend an hour or two hanging out in the Jardin.  This was taken several years ago, but very little has changed.  Other things you can do in the Jardin are have a coffee or a meal at a sidewalk cafe.....

...pet a lovely local dog (and there are many!)......

 ...and on Sundays there is Danzon for anyone who wants to dance in the sun in the middle of the day!

Not too bad for a first posting.  More tomorrow.  Stay tuned - and thanks for reading my blog.