True, there is a strong, older N.American presence, but they tend to be of the quiet, inobtrusive variety, not only thoroughly into Mexican culture, but also off the streets and safely tucked up in bed by 9pm, so consequently the heart and soul of San Miguel, as essentially a Mexican town, remains very much intact.
I love coming here for a number of reasons. Firstly, as a woman of a certain age myself, it is a town where I always feel immediately rejuvenated and youthful with a spring in my step...Secondly the charm of the quiet cobbled, colonial streets in ochre, russet and dusky pink hues never fails to be a constant, calming source of wonder and delight....
Thirdly, and probably mainly due to its new community, it is full of a wide range of great local art work, crafts, galleries, restaurants and cafes. My favourite place for breakfast is "El Buen Cafe" and dinner a toss up between "Tio Lucas" and "The Restaurant". My favourite place to stay is the converted monastery "Las Monjas" (500 pesos a double ).Finally, what I really love most about this town and what keeps drawing me back for yet another weekend, is that you can always count on certainties never changing, and always being here in rather an iconic fashion......
The Mariachis always hanging out in the Zocalo...
The old, forlorn, disused petrol-pump always sitting on this corner...
The Mariachis always hanging out in the Zocalo...
The old, forlorn, disused petrol-pump always sitting on this corner...
The best looking bar cantina in Mexico always sitting on this corner...
And finally, the best looking horse in Mexico always standing outside the Cathedral......
What can you count on being there when you return to a much-loved, favourite place??
10 comments:
Ah....I know exactly what you mean! Not necessarily fancy, but constant, welcoming and dependable. For me: the Blue Dolphin Restaurant (diner) in St. Armand's Circle, Sarasota, FL. We have a second home in Sarasota, and going to the Blue Dolphin is a must!
I loved the second photo (top to bottom) mainly because it reminded me of Old Havana, same colonial style with cobbled streets.
Greetings from London.
I'm so glad you cleared that up. I've avoided San Miguel for exactly that reputation but it looks charming! Some of those streets remind my of Salvador, Brazil. A place that I love that I can always count on having familar scenes when I return is Jamaica. I get away from the tourist spots and head for the mountains of Mandeville where the view is always serene, the roads always slow-moving and picturesque and the people always forthright and friendly.
I read your description of san Miguel and it reminds me of Colonia del Sacramento in Uruguay. Beautiful pictures!
I especially like that photo of the abandoned petrol pump. Something anthropomorphic about it, like a petrol pump in a children's cartoon that's about to run away down the street.
Nice pictures.
I'd love to see the inside of that saloon...
Silvia and Natgeo...tried to access your blog but couldn't...leave me the details...
Cuban,Flygirl,Cecile,Wendy and Hobo-thanks for all the positive comments..especially about the photos...
lovely..a red hibiscus bloomed in my garden too today
I also love San Miguel!! although the last time i went it was raining all the time, even that was fun. There's a funny thing about the mariachis, they spin around the plaza playing their music if you ask them to do so. Well, not so funny if you're staying nearby! Finally, i can recommend a bakery called Les Petitfours-it was superb!!! and dont miss the design & crafts stores.
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