San Miguel de Allende-Day 2

Today is a holiday. It is festival de los tres reyes .... festival of the three kings. Our house cleaner, Celena, tells us it marks the end of the holiday season. Tonight, gifts will be exchanged. The mercado two blocks from here was packed today as parents were buying toys for their children. After today, the decorations can come down, children can go back to school. Tonight, there is supposedly a parade, but we have been invited to have cocktails with some friends from the Bay Area who now live here, and we will likely miss the parade.

After another day of walking, and lunch at a sidewalk bistro, we have returned to our home which is about 4-5 blocks from the Jardin, the center of town where the huge Perroquia cathedral is located. Today, we wound through the narrow cobble stoned streets, again marveling at the beauty that has been preserved in this centuries old villa.

The streets are lined with weather worn wooden doors, that give little indication of the scene that awaits within. For example, the house where we are staying.


The street we are on, Calzada de la Presa, is home to a genuine mix of people. In the attached house next to ours, a large Mexican family lives in a very plain abode. The father and sons appear to be day laborers. On the other side, I've seen an older white couple, perhaps retirees from the U.S. or Canada who apparently live here with their dog. In between, our house is a three story (if you include the patio on the roof) home, that in recent years was remodeled into a contemporary Mexican home.

While many of the older homes are very dark, here many of the walls have been removed and replaced with glass to allow sunshine to spill inside. The ceilings in the main living area are high with recessed lighting, the walls painted with vibrant colors. There is a large kitchen (but no garbage disposal or dishwasher). There are three bedrooms and two baths ... all very modern.

Outside, there are three patios, one on each level. The patio/courtyard on the ground floor contains many potted plants and feels tropical in this high elevation. From the roof top, there are views of the entire city.

Like many European countries, there is no garage here. We parked the car in a lot about two blocks away where it will stay until next Sunday when we leave. Parking is at a premium here, and taxis are abundant.

The cost for all this ... US$1350 for one week with daily maid service included. Parking is an additional US$55.

After staying home last night, tonight, we will likely go out to dinner at one of the outstanding restaurants here. And tomorrow, more walking and hiking about