Thursday, July 28, 2011

Inching along in San Miguel de Allende

 


While I was at Casa de la Cuesta the other day, this little guy came inching along across the floor. I was transfixed for several minutes. I couldn't get over how fast he moved. Or how determined he seemed to be to get to the other side of the immense patio.

Even though I was talking to Heidi, the owner of the B&B, I stopped dead in mid-sentence to observe this force of nature.
Heidi told me that these are common on their patio about this time of year. She also told me that it would be one of those large black swallow tailed butterflies that just glide around in my garden.

I so wanted little Matilda to be with me. She is so facinated by all kinds of bugs and insects. When she comes to my house, the first thing she wants to do is look for "rolly pollies" in the garden. Maybe she'll grow up to be a wildlife biologist like her Dad! I toyed with the idea of bring "Senor Inchalong" home with me until this weekend when I hope to see Mati, but, I hated to take him away from his appointed rounds.

Isn't this photo fascinating? Well, it is to me! Is that an eye? Who knows? Can anyone tell me more?
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Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Casa de la Cuesta B&B

 

 

 

 

 

 


I have no idea why I haven't written about the house on the hill before. Maybe because I'm so familiar with it. I pass it every time I walk down the hill. From the outside it is nondescript. But, oh my, once the door opens it is a fantasy world of fabulous architecture, whimsical folkart, and two of the most knowledgeable people in San Miguel on folkart and masks.

Before I even moved to San Miguel someone suggested that I meet the owners. It was suggested because I used to be an avid folkart collector. Now due to lack of space, I'm not acquiring but still radically interested in the informative side of the collections, artesans and the work.

This might be a B&B which Trip Advisor has named the TOP B&B in San Miguel, but it is sooooooooo much more. I needed to stop in today to see Heidi, who is one of the owners with her husband Bill. Heidi is the most laid back, sweet, kind, lady you can imagine. She also used to handle tours in Mexico City through the anthropolgy museum I think. Bill is truly an expert in "danced" masks of Mexico. To the point that there is now a Mask Museum in San Miguel that can be seen by appointment. It is very, very well designed along with clear and concise descriptions. A must see if you're interested in gaining knowledge from an expert, which is indeed Bill.

I've actually never stayed at Casa de la Cuesta. I've made reservations there many, many times for friends and family. They always leave oooohing and aaaahing. Some of it is because of the tasty, incredible breakfasts. I HAVE experience those - YUMMY! Luckily, it is only around the corner from my house.

Those people that I have had stay there always leave feeling that Bill and Heidi are good friends. And, of course, they send their friends there too.

If you're interested in seeing their website with more photos, go to www.casadelacuesta.com and just think about the first or next time you're coming to town! I guarantee you'll be as awed with the place as I am.
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Monday, July 25, 2011

Churches in the Sunset

 


Usually at sunset I'm photographing the sunset or the beach and sunset. But this photo was taken while I was at a dinner party a couple of months ago at a friend's home.

I didn't realize until I got home and looked at it on the screen that I had gotten twelve of the thirty-two churches in San Miguel in one shot.

I was so enamored with the light and the view, I truly didn't know what I had done.

That rose hue is lovely, isn't it?

The only reason you can't see the other twenty churches is that either they don't have a bell tower or they are in different parts of town. I must confess I haven't been in all thirty-two. Nor have I been in the capillas in the campos.

They have just set up tours on Friday and Saturday to go to see the capillas. The plan is ingenious. Each village is responsible for charging admission which reminds me of Chiapas where some villages won't let you enter without paying 20 pesos. A brilliant idea in my opinion. Anyway, not only are they charging, but they also have little food kiosks and stands set up with food cooked by the village women. While perched on a stool, I can just imagine a hearty soup or whatever that village is known for cooking to perfection.

Hopefully the plan will cause people in San Miguel to see the capillas. Hopefully it will also cause the people to see the villages, leave a few pesos and have a good time.

A win, win for everyone.

Of course most of the capillas are not as grand as the churches of San Miguel. However that doesn't mean that they don't have a charm or history of their own. Stay tuned. I'll regale you with the stories and photos after I've gone.
In the meantime, enjoy the churches in this photo.

Viva Mexico!
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Sunday, July 24, 2011

842 and counting!

Someone once told me that women speak 5,000 words a day and men about 1,000. Now I don't know if that was a joke. Or even if it was true or statistically correct. I don't really talk very much. But I do enjoy posting the blog.

It's beyond me what I could possibly have written in 842 posts. Probably less then 30 were worth reading. Well maybe a few more. But, in my opinion, not many more.

For some reason people do read it - close to 5,000 a month. I've mentioned this before and just writing that number is surreal.

Two very pleasant things happened this weekend that would not have happened had I not been writing the blog.

A woman from Lindale, Tx and her husband saw me on my "Friday bench sitting" and came up and said, "You're Babs aren't you?" Blow me over. I had on sunglasses and my hair pulled up - to me I didn't even look like Babs. But she recognized me and we had a delightful, brief conversation. It turns out that she has been reading the blog for over three years.

Then on Saturday Marc of Merida who writes a blog on living there after moving from ALASKA, took the bus over from Queretaro to see Steve, who he had met before and myself.

We had the longest conversation I've ever had on blogs. Interesting how the three of us each approach the writing and the end result in completely different ways.

In the conversation, I discovered that Steve writes his post out in long hand. His are very detailed and full of facts. Marc said sometimes he works a day or two on a post. His too are full of information. I, on the other hand, just sit down and write. It shows. I'm seldom detail oriented, not to their extent.

It's kinda like I designed restaurants for twenty years. I would create the concept in my mind. I would let it roll around up there - move the food counters, or the windows and doors - always in my mind. Think of the finishes and furnishings. Then when I sat down at the drafting table to create, it all flowed out. Elevation drawings, floor plans, lighting plans, finish schedules, all that was required just came out of somewhere. Up to 10 pages, not the MEP drawings which were contracted out.

It's just how I think. I didn't know other people couldn't walk through rooms in their heads or see elevations until I mentioned it to a client and he looked at me like I was an alien.

So, I guess there will be a few more posts. Hopefully I still have a few things to say and more pictures to post.

I'm even contemplating another blog if I can figure out how to do it anonymously.

Saturday, July 23, 2011

The Mornng Fog

No, I'm not talking about the weather. I'm talking about the fog in my brain many mornings that is only satisfied by a good cup of coffee. Do you have that issue too?

Yesterday on my long list of things to do while in centro was to go by La Ventana and buy freshly ground coffee. I love the coffee from Chiapas. I also enjoy immensely the fragrance of freshly ground coffee. If it would taste as good as it smells in solid form, I think I would like to eat it!

Everywhere I went after buying the coffee, the fragrance followed me. Kinda like the comic strip Charlie Brown when the cloud followed Pig Pen. Ha. The fragrance actually made my stomach growl. That could be either because of the smell or the fact that I have no been on a diet for two weeks.........who knows?

After lunch of a god awful bunch of greens that I'm convinced was picked out of the fields surrounding San Miguel - nary a piece of lettuce - I reached home and set the bag of coffee in the kitchen. Anticipating Saturday morning coffee.

Instead, the WHOLE house now smells like Chiapan coffee. No floral fragrance here.
Just strong coffee. Delightful.

I've had my one cup this morning. The fog has lifted. I'm in rare form and ready to tackle and enjoy the day. How about you? Do you have to have a cup or two of coffee to get going in the morning?

Thursday, July 21, 2011

Atotonilco

 

 

 


I have taken so many photos at Atotonilco where the third most visited religious site in Mexico is located. The difference today was that our daily rainstorm was coming. The coloring of the dark clouds against the white of the building was a stark contrast.

I traveled to Atotonilco with Steve from Melaque who is spending this month in San Miguel. I figured he needed to see at least one tourist site. I think he was underwhelmed. Maybe the history of the restoration would have an impact on anyone who sees it if they could have seen what it looked like ten years ago. Luckily locals of San Miguel and Atotonilco came together years ago and contacted the UN World Heritage Site committee. Upon inspection of the church and the hand painted murals done by a naive painter of the area, they added the church to the list of structures in danger of disappearing from neglect and disrepair.

A few thousand dollars here and a few thousand there were collected. Little by little as money came in architectural restoration work began. It was slow going. I had a group of Mexican folk art collectors who came to San Miguel on a tour and they donated $5000US dollars to the restoration. I was so proud of those people for this huge donation to this building referred to as the "Sistine Chapel of Mexico".

It's not a style of frescoes that I enjoy. A lot of it is very severe and shows a lot of self-flagalation and the pain of sacrifice. But the fact that it was done in the 1700's, had a huge part in the Revolution and is very important to the Mexican people, is important as a whole.

Obviously the United Nations World Heritage Site committee felt the same way in designating it a UN World Heritage site.
Restoration has been going on at a galloping pace ever since then. There is even restoration of the central part of the small village as well.

Viva Mexico!
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Wednesday, July 20, 2011

YAHOO! MAIL

The new YAHOO! Mail is beyond irritating. It is driving me crazy........and that is a SHORT trip.

This morning I tried to send an email to someone. Their email address wouldn't come up. So I tried every way possible to get into contacts to get the email address. No can do.

If people are happy with someone, why does a company arbitrarily change it. Isn't the customer always right? I wrote to Yahoo, customer service. Of course, no response.

I am SO irritated right now.........AAARGH.

Whew, now I feel better! Ha..........

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Cycle of Life

 

 

 

 


I thought about titling this A Typical Day in San Miguel, but there is no such thing. I like it that way. Never knowing what to expect. It adds adventure to every day.

I started down the hill yesterday morning to the "Monday Morning Coffee Klatch" group. On my way, one section of the street had houses decorated with crepe paper flowers in pink and blue. Ahh, a birthday on the weekend. No one would have a hard time knowing where to go for that fiesta. What fun! I remember as a little girl being so excited before my birthday that I couldn't sleep the night before. I'm sure it is still the same for children nowadays.

As I passed Plaza Civica, which is another place where many events occur, lots of children in their school uniforms were getting ready to watch other children playing musical instruments. It is summer vacation. I wondered as I passed if you could get kids in the USA to dress up in their uniforms to go listen to music. Hmmmm.

I met the coffee klatch group. We discussed all manner of subjects such as where to find this or that; how great the weather is; who is going where this week. In other words, nothing of great importance. I like it that way. It's more about just being with friends then subject matter. I only hang around about 45 minutes and then head off to run errands.

On my way back up the hill, I passed one of the thirty-two churches in San Miguel. There was a very new, black, shiny hearse with flowers on top. A surprising sight. Typically it is an older, smaller not so fancy hearse that the people walk behind to the cemetary. This must have been an important person.

From birthdays to death, the cycle of life. And, another day of life in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico.
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Monday, July 18, 2011

Looking at Old Photos



I was looking for something else in some photos this past weekend and came upon this old passport photo from 1986. It was a shock! Did I really look like that? Wide open eyes?

One should not look at old photos of oneself and then look in the mirror at the person one has become. It was truly a shock. I guess, if I last another twenty five years I'll be even more shocked.......

There are many women in San Miguel who go the surgery route to keep that "youthful" look. Not me. One, I'm too scared to do that. Two, I don't like pain. And three, I don't care enough to go through that.

But I must tell you a funny story that happened this past week which made me roll back on my heels and think. Geez, am I really THAT old?

I am back on Senior People Meet dating site hoping to find someone wonderful to share my remaining years with. It seems that the "site" in some way attempts once a week to "match" you with another participant. This past week they matched me with an eighty-nine year old man! I was shocked beyond words. Then I thought, well maybe I'm older then I think I am........then I thought, "NO".

I'm usually looking in the 59-70 range and 89 just doesn't seem right to me. But it certainly was a wake-up call. One that I didn't want to hear........ha.

I laughed about it all weekend. I think I'm a 45 year old trapped in a 69 year old body. Ironically I was about 45 in this passport photo. Ahh, youth.

Sunday, July 17, 2011

One Never Know

 

 

 



One never knows what to expect when walking into the jardin. The jardin is the center of life in San Miguel de Allende and most villages throughout Mexico. The Parroquia is the religious centerpoint. Most things of importance occur in front of the Parroquia and the jardin.

It's always fun to walk in and see if there will be Aztecan dancers. Or the taxis with their hoods open waiting to be blessed which I have seen. Another day all the new office furniture was stacked in front waiting to be blessed to be taken to the Municipal building. Nothing fancy. Metal desks and file cabinets.

I find these things charming and innocent.

One day last week upon entering the jardin I saw a row of ATV's. Not my favorite thing. Noisy, polluting things, in my humble opinion. I had to stand and watch for a while before I could figure out why they kept circling on the streets surrounding the jardin.

Finally I got it. They were filming a commercial for something - ATV's I presume. I thought it was very interesting that the participants were wearing bandanas over their faces. I wondered if it was to hide their faces or because of the noxious fumes. Probably both?

It just goes to show you that no two days in Mexico are ever alike. No sterile environment here. It could as easily have been a llama in the back of a truck or a parade or a Zumba class which has happened many times. The list goes on and on.............

Viva Mexico!
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Saturday, July 16, 2011

Quiet Mornings

 

 



This morning as I meditated and then drank my coffee, I thought about how silent it is up in my hilltop haven. The sounds that I do hear are not jarring. The wind blowing through the pine, chinaberry and huge avocado outside the living room. The distant sound of a rooster. Someone sweeping. Velcro purring. The birds singing.

As I sat and said "Aaaah", there was the daily horn honking one house down from me. It was the pickup truck that delivers milk. It is goat's milk, I think. Out of doors come the Mexican women with ladle and bowl in hand. Some bring pitchers but usually it is just a bowl. Presumably that is how much they use on a daily basis. It is of course unpasturized.

It is so guiet that I can hear the hummingbirds zipping from bloom to bloom.

It enhances my life to be aware of the silence.
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Friday, July 15, 2011

Life in Mexico - Another Lesson

 



I'm always learning from the Mexican people lessons that I need to know. It's part of the journey of life. Today was no exception.

Javier the handy man/gardener repaired the stairs to the guest house last week. He said he would get sand and concrete and repair them. He did. He went to the store, got the materials and filled in the holes in the old railroad ties that were put in place about thirty-five years ago. Now people's heels won't get caught and it is smoother.

He and I were pleased with the work. I assumed since he had been infermarecently for a couple of days, and is always paid, that I didn't need to pay him for that extra hour of work. I was surprised last Monday when he saw me in the jardin and asked for that one hour's pay. I was on my cell phone and said we would take care of it on Friday.

Today we had a discussion about sick pay and why I had not paid him for that hour. He then said that he was sorry but he needed 20 pesos to pay his phone bill that day and that was why he asked. I replied, "Well, why didn't you tell me?" And his reply, "I feel shame".

Oh my, that was about three hours ago and I still have a knot in my stomach. My lack of sensitivity embarasses me. My vow now is to be more aware of the needs of both Josefina and Javier. They give so much to me.

I remember several years ago when Javier first came to work for me and I asked him to light the gas water heater. He didn't know how to do so. I remember having a second of irritation and then that turned to dismay when I realized he didn't know how to light it because he and his family do not have hot water. I was so ashamed.

The lesson today will NOT be forgotten on this journey of life. Viva Mexico and thank you Universe for Josefina and Javier.
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Thursday, July 14, 2011

A Democrat from Texas

 

 

 


Other then going to the Democrats Abroad annual Fourth of July party recently and voting when appropriate, I don't get involved in politics down here. No one that I know really talks about those things and if we are from opposite parties, we're respectful of the other person's views if the subject does come up in conversation.

Boy, that is not the case in the USA or Texas! I recently received a message from someone who discovered that I'm a Democrat. He said that he had no desire to continue corresponding with me as I was from the party that has destroyed the USA. Pretty strong stuff. But someone who would be that intolerant isn't someone that I would want to continue to correspond with anyway. He was from Texas. Although I wasn't born in Texas, I lived there 34 years and consider it "home" - whether I ever return or not.

It raises the question however, where has this intolerance come from? Is it the media dividing the country? Is it that people feel powerless to change the status quo so they only want to be with "their kind"? I truly don't know the answer and wonder what you think about this issue. Let me hear from you.

By the way, San Miguel is a counterpoint, in my humble opinion, to hostility and anger so I've sent a few street scenes that, to me, are calming and what life is all about.
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Monday, July 11, 2011

Donde esta el bano?

 



The idea for this post came to me yesterday while having lunch at the new "hoity toity" hotel, Rosewood. After brunch with ten lovely women and on my way to leave the hotel, I decided to stop and use the "facilities". I noticed that the commode was an automatic flush. Everything in the style, finish selections and appointments of the restrooms were beautifully detailed.

As I walked to my car I sort of chuckled to myself remembering one place after the other I have stopped over the years while traveling the backroads of Mexico. There could be NO comparison to Rosewood's banos.

One of the first phrases I learned back in the 70's was "Donde esta el bano?" That was when I was travelling back and forth to Mexico City. I was thrilled at my mastery. Well, until someone answered me. Truly the very first time someone answered me, he had a very large gun. Here is the scenario. I managed a US State Dept contract in Mexico City for drug interdiction. We were teaching Mexican nationals with American A&P mechanics how to maintain the Atty General's fleet of aircraft for spraying paraquat in the fields of Michoacan and other states - the year, 1974. I was walking from one airplane hangar at the airport to another, and as I came around the corner of a building, there in full flak jacket and uniform was a soldier. All I could think to say was, "Donde esta el bano?" He lowered his gun and answered me. Very politely. I attempted to look as though I knew what he said. No way, and I do not have a poker face. I wonder what he thought.

Later that day in my hotel room I realized that I needed a cram course back in the USA on Spanish. If I told you how many times I've taken Spanish, you would just shake your head in disbelief. I'm too mortified to tell you. Of course now I can get my point across and do and get to where I need to go. But, fluent not even now, as much as I've tried.

Other bano scenarios also come to mind. Back in the olden days, at least to me, when I first started driving down here in the 80's, Pemex stations were NOT plentiful. One of the great pieces of advice were, "Never let your gas tank go below a half tank". Even nowadays with PEMEX stations more plentiful then potholes, I still keep a half tank.

But back in those days there definitely weren't PEMEX stations with clean restrooms, just barely restrooms. However beggars couldn't be choosers and one used whatever was available.

It was THOSE times when there was nothing that the adventures occured. One of my funniest experiences was heading toward Guadalajara. I was in the area near San Luis Potosi - nothing in sight - nothing. Then I spied a little concrete block house. I swooped in and stopped the car in front. Knocked on the door and asked for their bano. The girl who was there very politely walked me through that room, out the side door to the outhouse which faced HWY 57. What's a girl to do? I laughed.

There is a restaurant here in San Miguel that started out in a parking lot with a tarp for a roof. They had to have a bano........and they did, but the door was a serape. It was basic. We girls learned to stretch our leg out so our shoe showed, so the guys wouldn't flip the serape and catch us in there. That restaurant now is in a brick and mortar location. Somehow it just doesn't have the same ambiance........although it does still have darn good barbeque.........

So, those are just a few of my banos stories - hope they have given you a chuckle today. They've caused me to smile as I have written them. I saved some of the more unsavory ones from the blog - after all, this IS a family oriented site.
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Sunday, July 10, 2011

Tolantongo, Vizarron de Montes, and Pena de Bernal

Three other destinations in close proximity to the Sierra Gorda which was mentioned in the last post are Pena de Bernal and Vizarron de Montes.

Pena de Bernal is the second largest monolith in the world. Second only to Ayers Rock in Australia! It is outstanding to see as one is heading toward the tiny village of Bernal. I suggest if going there that you go on a Friday and avoid the weekend crowds of a Saturday or Sunday. The beginning of the week most stores are closed. At least they were the last time I tried to go to the shops. Products sold in Bernal are wool items. Shawls, hats, mittens, socks - wool, wool, wool.
Once when I WAS there on a Friday nothing was open. It was graduation at the high school. Pretty cool, huh? Bernal is about 15 minutes from Tequisquiapan.

Heading north toward Jalpan and the Sierra Gorda, one passes through Vizarron de Montes. STOP! Look in the stores along the main street through the town. You will be amazed at the absolutely spectacular furnishings, lighting, sinks and anything else that you can think of made out of marble, quartz and other natural materials.
Beautiful! The prices are so inexpensive you won't believe it and the workmanship is first class. There is a pretty little jardin there where one can have a cold drink and something to eat, if desired.

East of Queretaro is Tolantongo. A hot water river resort that caters to Mexican families. One must leave the paved road near Ixmilquilpan and take a dirt road down into the canyon to the land set aside by the ejido families - all 112 of them - that run the resort. "Resort" is a loose term as the cabins are rustic. There are waterfalls, a small restaurant, great hiking and hot pools of water from the river to relax in. Tolantongo means "place where the little heat is felt". It is located in the state of Hidalgo.

All of these places can be googled for additional information. Sorry can't find photos to share........guess you'll have to go there on your own. Happy travels!

Saturday, July 09, 2011

Travel Itineraries

 

 

 

 



I've been going through all the literature that I save from each trip. In addition, articles I saved over the years, some as far back as the early 80's, of places in Mexico I wanted to see. Most are on "road less traveled" places. Ones that are not necessarily that easy to get to - hence not touristy.

The above photos are of Las Pozas up on the edge of the states of San Luis Potosi and Queretaro. It is the sculpture gardens designed and built by Edward James over a twenty year period. A six hour drive from San Miguel, it is well worth the trip. I seldom go back to places but I first went there in 1999 and have been back several times since.

In addition to going to Xilitla to see Las Pozas (and staying at El Castillo), one can see the missions that were built and overseen by Fr. Serra. He is the missionary who after being in that area until these missions were completed, then walked to California and built and supervised the missions up the California coast. Can you imagine accomplishing all that in a lifetime? Especially during THAT time?

This morning I was going through photo boxes, pre-digital camera, and my oh my, have I been blessed to see and be in amazing places. The photos of Guatemala almost made me cry due to their beauty. So many memories flooded back from hiking through Tikal; the church in Chichicastenango; the ponga to the villages on Lake Atitlan. What an incredibly beautiful country. I'll post some of those photos in days to come.

I also came across photos of Tequisquiapan and Malinalco. Two villages that were total surprises. It's enchanting to have no expectations of a place. Both of those towns are two of my favorites. Tequisquiapan because the centro is compact and sparkling clean. The mercado had some of the most incredibly beautiful specimens of minerals that I've seen in a long time. In my past life, I loved to shadow box those and use them in room decor in hotels rather then paintings.

Malinalco said "Shangria La" to me - truly. I was leaving the village and I just said out loud, "This is Shangria La". It had an aura unlike any place, and I do mean any place, I have ever traveled to. A very tiny village but it has two very important historical sites to see. A monastery whose murals have all been restored. And the most amazing pyramid, built by the Aztecs. I'll write more about this in a later post.

I'm putting together possible "off the beaten track" tours for a friend. Places people would like to see, but won't go on their own. I hope that my grouping will pay off for them. In doing this I realized that Mexico City is a great place to use as your central point and then spoke out in various directions. I've come up with six tours, just doing that!

So much to see for some and so little time! I'm glad I have been so lucky as to have been to so many wonderful places in this fantastic, surreal country.
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Thursday, July 07, 2011

Cost of living in San Miguel de Allende

 



There is a perception among some ex-pats already living in Mexico that it too expensive to live in San Miguel. Not true. I'm going to give you real-life examples.

Many of the people I know live here on their social security - I being one of them. Mine is $1,200 a month. I have a female friend who lives here and has lived here for five years on $700 a month. Don't believe it? It's true.

Now lest you think that people living on that little bit are being deprived of a wonderful life, let me spell out some of the ways to save in this great place to live. Their lives are full and exciting.

Shopping at tianguis for Ann Taylor, Liz Claiborne, Ralph Lauren, Polo - in other words, name brands often for 20 pesos or a little more. Yes, you do have the fun of digging though stacks but just like finding a diamond in the rough - the thrill of the hunt is part of the joy. The vicarious thrill one gets when complimented on an outfit and thinking, "Geez, this whole outfit cost less then $4US", or $10US or even $15US.

Shopping at the mercado for fruits and veggies. One can hardly carry the bag that costs 50 pesos - stuffed with bananas, melons, tomatoes, lettuce, carrots, etc. etc.etc. Also Mega on Wednesday has the most amazing prices.....the place is a three ring circus of Mexicans and ex-pats getting the bargains.

When it comes to eating out, most of us on a budget eat out mid-day or for breakfast. Cafe Monet has an amazingly wide menu for breakfast at the startling price of 39 pesos. The palapa restaurant has tacos for 10 pesos and hamburger con queso for 25! Many, many restaurants have prix-fixe menus for around 60 pesos for a drink, entree, salad and dessert!

Meds come with discounts, if one gets the chains discount card or uses their INAPAM card for additional discounts.

We walk - don't use our cars except when leaving town. Don't eat out but a couple of times a week. Go to free concerts, lectures, art gallery openings and have meals at each other's homes - which is the most enjoyable.

Board games, cards, marjong, Scrabble and pool are a few other ways to spend time without spending money.

Books - we share - we pass on - we review in book clubs. We don't feel deprived.

Yes, there are people here with three cars, swimming pools, large amounts of money, and big houses. But, for the most part, they are generous and share. They share either with those of us who don't have as much or they share with all the charities here who raise funds for scholarships, schooling, uniforms, health care, meals, music lessons, computers. The list goes on and on and on. Volunteering, if you desire, is another free way to enjoy life.

Many ex-pats come here for creative endeavors such as writing, painting, sculpture or jewelry making, to name a few. Many pay rents of from $200 a month on up. And that $200 a month place that comes to mind is adorable - and that includes all the utilties and satellite TV with the most incredible views!

Bargains are here - you just have to look for them. And, for those who brag that it costs them thousands a month to live in Mexico or San Miguel, to be truthful, I feel sorry for them. They've missed the essence of the country.
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Monday, July 04, 2011

The Third Try!

 


This is the third try to get this gosh darn photo to print. AAAARGH. It probably isn't picasa or the computer, but operator error. Still is most aggravating...........
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Sunday, July 03, 2011

Big Blogger Bash

 



I started this post this morning at about 10AM - within a few minutes the grandbabies arrived and all thought of anything other then their needs was forgotten. I'm finally back to telling you about the fun evening last night.

It really wasn't a BIG blogger bash. But for what we lacked in numbers, we made up for in the ability to talk with each and every one. There were twelve of us. Seven bloggers and five, either mates or friends. In the above photo the ones missing are myself, Billie and Stew.

We started with appetizers and drinks at Billie and Ned's. After a while we trooped down their street in Col San Antonio to Rinconcito restaurant. It's unusual to see twelve gringoes walking in the rain in a line as we headed to the restaurant. The owners were waiting for us as Billie had given them a "heads up". Boy were they glad to see us - the only customers of the night.

Drinks ordered. Food ordered. Then everyone was able to get to the order of business - conversation. At my end of the table - Billie, Stew, Laura and John Wood, a friend of Jennifer's whose name escapes me at the moment - sorry! At the other end, Ned, of Billie and Ned (one of the nicest people you'll ever meet) the La Rosa's, Al, Steve and Jennifer Rose.

It was wonderful to see Laura and John. His blog was one of the first that I ever read. So well written about trips, life and very specific in details about this and that. I told him that I loved the posts on the beach south of Tulum that was the "nude" beach. He confessed that the photo of him that looked nude was because he pulled the pants portion of his suit up for the photo. A good chuckle. John is not writing at the present time as he recovers from brain cancer. Another funny or poignant thing. When John and Laura arrived at Billie and Ned's, Ned showed John his head scar from brain cancer and John showed his to Ned. It wasn't dramatic to them, just sharing something in common. I watched in wonder.

Stew and Al are a fun couple. Stew has a great sense of humor. We have mutual friends. Al is the writer as he wrote for the Chicago paper, I think the Tribune........oh I hope so, or I'll be in big trouble if I got that wrong. His blog is a delight to read. His photos are wonderful also. They live in Jalpa - a teeny tiny town about twenty minutes from San Miguel. I've not visited their house yet, but they are solar contained and even have their own water system. Love to hear that kind of information.

Unfortunately I didn't get to spend much time talking with Jennifer. I've admired her writing long before she had a blog. She would write very informative and interesting articles for publications about Mexico. I knew the name long before and was thrilled to finally meet her last evening. I've got to get to Morelia to talk more.

Another couple there that I didn't know........and unfortunately still don't due to the seating arrangement, were Suzanne and John La Rosa. I did overhear that she sells Mexican folkart in the USA. I'm dying to talk with her since I did that for twenty years back in the 80's and 90's. It will be fun to see how many of the same people we know who are artesans in Mexico. She writes a blog entitled Living in San Miguel on Wordpress.

Of course the great Steve Cotton was in the middle of the table with his head going back and forth as though he were at a tennis match. He was trying to keep up with many conversations. I think he enjoyed himself.

There were so many people we wished could have been there. Sr. Felipe from Patzcauro, Tancho, Don Cuevas, Bob from Irapauto, Todd and Shannon and all of you from farther away, just to name a few..........It was all about getting acquainted. Hopefully some day we all will meet.

This is the beginning of Sr. Steve's social whirl in San Miguel - he just doesn't know it yet!

Saturday, July 02, 2011

San Miguel Garden Club

 

 

 

 

 

 



The program for the garden club this past Tuesday was flower arranging. It was demonstrated by Josefina who has a concession at the mercado. Josefina is a talented, creative floral designer. She showed us the "tricks of the trade".

It was chaotic with about forty women working on arrangements as Josefina guided us. Since it appeared that it was going to rain, the meeting was in one room that was a bit crowded.

What was truly remarkable to me was the fact that we all basically worked with the same kinds of flowers but the arrangements came out all totally different. Some were compact and organized. Others looked like a spring bouquet just picked from the garden. While others were light and airy.

Five lucky women who found a sticker on their chair after the arranging were able to take an arrangement home.

Interestingly, one of the women is from a tiny town in Illinois where I spent many summers as a teenager staying with my sister and brother-in-law. We laughed at all the different memories we both had of Polo, Illinois.

So often this "small world" experience happens in San Miguel. But it still always surprises me.

It was a fun day with a group of delightful women. Life is good.
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