More Thoughts on San Miguel de Allende

This was a great & fun visit to San Miguel. Different from the first trip. This time was lacking the wonder of a totally new experience. Now, I arrived and sort of knew my way around. It didn't take long to re-familiarize myself with the town. I still had to use a map, especially when I was in an area I hadn't explored before. Many times I knew the correct route to take. On a couple occasions I even helped other people find their way. NOTE: I thought the best visitor map to use was the one available at the tourist office next to the old municipal building, across from the jardin.

I enjoyed staying at a B&B only four blocks (or so) from the jardin. Other than the climb up Canal to el centro, being close to the center of things was much easier than staying out on the edge of town. Quinta Graciosa, my friends Maggie & Charlie's casa, was a very enjoyable experience last year. However, almost always needing to take the bus or a taxi cut down on casual getting around town. Maggie was right that I would like being close to all that was happening in San Miguel.

Maggie was also right that I would really like stayng at Casa de la O. Lilia is a wonderful, friendly, and welcoming host. The rooms were nice and I felt right at home. Which is only right because it has been Lilia's home for 30-some years. The breakfasts cooked by her staff were delicious and varied. And the conversations around the breakfast table were fab. It seems like everyone became instant friends and all had a good time.

To say the least, the food I ate in San Miguel was terrific. Some meals were better than others, but none disappointed. I'd have to say my favorite restaurants were a tie between Bugamvilia and Pueblo Viejo. If I had stayed longer I don't know if I could have kept up going to great restaurants every night. Next visit I think I'd like to explore some of the more neighborhood-type places.

Both times I've been to San Miguel I have gone on field trips sponsored by Instituto Allende. Not only have they been fun and informative excursions (muchas gracias, Cesar!), but you meet other travelers who become friends during the rest of your stay in town. It's great being in a new place and seeing someone you know walking down the street. Next time, I'd like to go on the overnight trip to Mexico City.

Money exchange is an interesting issue in Mexico. It's pretty easy to keep in mind that it is roughly 10 pesos to the dollar. Actually, it was about 10.7 to 1, but 10 to 1 is easy to compute on the fly. So when you are thinking of buying a beautiful rug for 800 pesos, you think, "Gee, that's not bad for only 80 bucks." On the other hand, when contemplating tipping the band playing at a restaurant, you might think, "I'll give them a twenty." Then you have to remember that a "twenty" in pesos is not even two US dollars. Goes both ways, I guess.

I hope I can get back to San Miguel de Allende sometime soon. Now that I've been there twice in January I'd like to go at a different time of the year. January is rather dry (good for outdoor activities!) but perhaps in the fall after the rainy season would be nice. Maybe in the late spring, or maybe DURING the rainy season. I hear it rains a bit then the sun comes back out. That would be OK. Anyway, sometime soon.