San Miguel de Allende-Day 1

For a few moments when I woke up at 5:00 this morning, cold, longing for another blanket on the bed (but too lazy to get it), I forgot I was in Mexico. With temperatures in the 30s, definitely, it wasn't Puerto Vallarta. But ... this is Mexico.


San Miguel de Allende


Following a nearly ten hour drive on Sunday, we arrived at sunset in San Miguel de Allende, a town that seems more European than Mexican. At an elevation of 6400 feet, it is a cross between high desert and alpine. Though the sun is warm by day, by early evening it takes on a feel of Lake Tahoe in the fall. No shorts and t-shirts here (the standard uniform of Puerto Vallarta); rather long pants, shirts, jackets, and even scarves add to the natural color that characterizes San Miguel.

We rented a spectacular home here. Narrow, wedged between two similar structures, from the street the old wooden door provides no clue as to the spectacle that awaits within. Thoroughly modern, with vibrant paints, and contemporary furnishings, a colorful courtyard, gas fireplace, this will be our starting point for a week of adventures.


Our courtyard



During a four hour walking/hiking trek today, we discovered perhaps the most magnificent church we've seen so far in Mexico. Parroquia de San Miguel was built in the late 17th century and has been maintained impeccably. By day, the interior almost accosts the senses .... candles, incense, sculptures, carvings, stained glass, an organ that is two stories tall, and an alter that is three stories. At night, lights shine on the church in the town center, where it towers over all else.



Parroquia de San Miguel




A few blocks from our house, a huge market that is to fresh fruit and vegetables in San Miguel that Pikes Market is to fresh seafood in Seattle. Nearby, a tiny restaurant roasts dozens of chickens on a rotisserie. It's all "to go" so we're staying home tonight and having chicken and salad and fresh bread from the bakery a half block away.


The Market



The town is also loaded with gourmet restaurants. San Miguel is also an enclave for artistry. We've got our eyes on a few pieces that may be loaded into the SUV for the trip back to PV next weekend. Today, we discovered what thousands of other Americans and Canadians already have. This town boasts a huge population of ex-pats.

If you've been here, you know what a special place this is. If you haven't, this week I'll try to make it seem like you have been here (or, do such a poor job of it, you'll have to come to see for yourself).