Thursday, August 29, 2013

Getting "Goosed" in San Miguel


For over a year, there has been a "creature" looming over the horizon of San Miguel.
About eight months ago I discovered that a friend of mine is responsible for the existence of the "Goose of San Miguel". He is the visionary who created the environment.

When I found that out I emailed him and sent him a photo of a goose in New York state with a request to come visit his goose.

I finally got there today with my friends from Houston.

Other then the goose leading the way, one would NEVER know what is behind the gates of Plaza San Arvino.

I was absolutely astonished once inside to see the size of the property.  Along with that are many warehouse spaces and individual loft spaces that reminded me of artist lofts in Manhattan.

But, I'm getting ahead of myself.  The Goose was all encompassing.

Inside a huge space that will soon be a party venue location, it is possible to look up and see the underside of the goose.  It is also possible to see the structure that not only keeps him (or her) up there, but also allows for the wings to flap mechanically.

Oh wonder of wonders.  Soooooooooo cool.

It took many layers of materials to create the goose.  It will be around for a long time.

The vision of Arvino is staggering.  For once I was speechless.
The size of the property.  The amount of work that has been done to not only build all the buildings but just the paving alone is humongous.

Off to one side is an outdoor amphitheater.  My mind was reeling with all the possibilities of  this property.  The other positive aspect is the close proximity to the libramento (the highway around town).  Easy access and egress for large groups.

This photo actually gives you a good perspective of how large  an area this property covers.

Tucked in the corner, near the goose, is a four room hotel.  No, I didn't see the rooms.
Although I did see the big rooms that could be used for a myriad of activities.

One just NEVER knows what is behind the gates in Mexico!
Posted by Picasa

Wednesday, August 28, 2013

Here's How We Roll...........in San Miguel de Allende!


Last week I posted a photo of a green car with a black and white sawtooth design around the area below the windows.

A couple of days ago I spotted this car parked.  It was in front of the croquet court!  There are a few more vehicles around town that I'll try to catch as I get the chance.

I've been an art car fan for at least twenty-five years.  Houston has the most amazing art car parade every year the first part of May.  If I remember correctly, it is over 200 vehicles, not always cars.

My favorite art car in all the years I've been coming to San Miguel was a car with a luggage rack attached to the top of the car.  Inside the luggage rack were all kinds of cactus planted.  It was here for years and then it disappeared.  I know whose car it was and that person is still here.

I miss that wacky cactus garden car.

When I have to take my US plated car back to the states because my residency status will change,  I'm going to get a VW bug and turn it into an art car.  I've got lots of ideas and nothing but time to do it.

Anyone interested in helping work on it with me?
Posted by Picasa

Tuesday, August 27, 2013

On the Road to Delores Hidalgo


It's strange that in the last couple of weeks, I've been out on this road for dinner, twice.

I quite frankly, when we have a zillion restaurants in San Miguel, don't understand why
people drive out here to eat.

But I did on Sunday with my friends from Houston and a couple of locals here in San Miguel.
Destination, La Burger.

I had heard lots about it since it opened probably at least a year ago.  The most frequent comment was the fact that a burger cost around $14USD.  Absurd, I thought and think.

The restaurant is super casual and has a fun vibe.  The company was great fun, as always. The wait was twenty minutes which astonished me for a table!  


More then the food, I was extremely impressed with the wait staff.  From the hostess who had us in a wait mode for a table to the servers.  All were very well trained and were extremely hospitable in a good way.

It's a limited menu.  Also a good thing, I think.  They hand roll all their burgers.
They are cooked on this grill gizmo which is unique.

I got the smallest burger which was too small for the big bun.  Other then that, it was ok.

I should mention that when I go out, unless its to Tookie's in Seabrook, I'm not planning on eating a burger.  Therefore burgers don't typically impress me.  Today was no exception.

Sadly, I have to say if you only took the food into account, it was not worth the price.
When you take the people, the ambiance, the waitstaff, then maybe.

You be the judge, go try it.
Posted by Picasa

Monday, August 26, 2013

The Road Home


While out running errands this morning, it was impossible not to notice the dark, threatening rain clouds all around San Miguel.

It's unusual not to have azure blue skies with white puffy clouds or no clouds.  This is kind of fun to see.  For a while that is.

I started taking photos on the way home on the cobble stoned road that is part of the Royal Road up by the Botanical Garden entrance.  The road home.

The clouds are dramatic to say the least.  Tropical depression Fernand is
headed this way.

We are starting to get the outer bands of rain and winds.  It's not a strong storm
nor is it supposed to do anything other then lots of rain. 

Possibly 4 - 8 inches of rain and in isolated areas 12 inches, which is a LOT for Mexico at one time.
I check these warnings on several weather sites on the internet along with getting advisories from my friend Vandy in Galveston.  I'm fascinated by tropical weather.

I guess if you lived on the Gulf Coast most of your life, as I did, you never stop looking up at the skies when tropical weather is threatening.  We need ten more inches in San Miguel before the rainy season is over - but not all in one day!
Posted by Picasa

Sunday, August 25, 2013

Saturday Adventures in San Miguel de Allende


Kids are so creative!  Take them to some place where they can run and play at which time they'll come up with all kinds of scenarios.

There is a railroad car in Col. San Antonio sitting in a parking lot.  Off we walked to
play and explore the rail car.

Mati discovered this wheel that if she tried really hard she could turn.

Sebastian, when he has a chance, is all over the place and his Dad has to retrieve him from time to time.

We ran, we climbed and we played on the train car and in the parking lot.  Always seeing who was faster.

Wouldn't this rail car be a great little cabin in the woods?  I can see turning it into a home.  Adding a deck around it.  Putting in an efficiency kitchen and potty along with a sofa/bed.  Looking through the windows got my creative juices flowing.

I've seen all kinds of wondrous homes built out of the orange shipping containers. Why not this train car?

Sebastian tried to turn the wheel.  His grin just lifts my heart.

And, last but not least of the photos, I said, "SMILE so I can send this photo to Aunt Julie in Texas"
.
He came over, bent over and gave me the biggest, most wonderful smile to send alllllllllllll the way to Texas!
Posted by Picasa

Friday, August 23, 2013

Sugar and Salt


First, let me clarify that this photo of the bluffs taken from my roof terrace has nothing to do with today's post.  In a natural, raw way though I do think its beautiful during the green rainy season.

I'm going to write about sugar and salt.

I've hesitated to write this post.  If I read it somewhere else, I wouldn't believe it.
It's rather personal but I hope my writing this it might spare someone else the pain that I have endured for close to a year.

About a year ago I had difficulty walking.  Especially when I got ready to stand up the pain that shot up my legs caused me to lean over like the "crooked man" from fairy tales.  It was very severe.  I have a high tolerance for pain so I knew something was wrong.

Going to the Dr. he took x rays and said "sciatica".  What?  What to do?  Specific back exercise and pain meds like Ibuprofen until I couldn't tolerate it anymore and then perhaps surgery.  WHAT?
No way.

I adapted.  Instead of walking down the hill, I started using the car.  The pain affected my balance and in the period of a couple of weeks, I fell three times.  Nothing serious - just bruises and swelling.

To go up the stairs after a while from my bedroom to the living room/dining room/kitchen required that I hold the wall and walk slowly.  It was darn depressing.

Then the next thing that hit was unbelievable pain in my lower legs like the nerve endings were being rubbed with sandpaper.  Went to the Doctor.  He said "Gout".  WHAT?  Gave me meds which I never took.

About a month ago there was a convergence of events that caused me to sit up and take notice.  First was a show on TV about knee replacement and the recovery period.  I was astounded at how complicated and long the process would be. My knees and hip have hurt for years.

Then the National Geographic magazine came out with Sugar on the cover.  I read the article and was astounded at the statistics and the toxicity of sugar.

Then I ran into a friend who has lost 45 pounds in a year by eating correctly.

That was it!.  That very day I said, "I'm through not eating correctly".

I have eliminated sugar and salt.  I have not had processed foods only seafood such as salmon, tuna and tilapia. Fruits and vegetables along with beef once a week. A piece of bread a day.
No cheese, pasta or potatoes.   I hardly miss any of it.
If I do eat something I shouldn't have, I'm back to being "correct" at the next meal.

By week three I had NO joint pain, back pain or any other kind of pain.  NONE.  I'm running around this house like a 50 year old woman on a mission. I have my energy and dexterity back.  Truly.  I'm no longer taking ibuprofen.  Of course since I'm eating correctly, I'm losing weight.  I wouldn't say I'm dieting.  I'm just eating healthy.

It is truly amazing.  More then I could ever have imagined.

Who knew that those two ingredients could be so hazardous to your health?
I certainly didn't.  I'm delighted that I have learned a very valuable lesson.

Hope this helps someone else who might be in joint, back and other pain.
Thanks for listening.
Posted by Picasa

Thursday, August 22, 2013

The "Sistine Chapel of Mexico" - Atotonilco


Since 1998, I've traveled to and visited the church at Atotonilco.
Yesterday was the first time that I was able to photograph inside the church.

When I first visited in 1998, most of the frescoes were gone.  It was disheartening.
It was explained that when Fr. Alfaro began to build the church, he built it on top of the thermal springs to prevent "frolicking and fornication". Atotonilco in the Nahuatl language means "the place of the Hot Waters" The springs are still under the building and the wicking of the humidity up the stone walls has year after year destroyed and loosened the frescoes.

Many statues adorn the sides and front of the church.  None more famous then "Our Lord of
the Column".  He is molded of cornstalks, corn starch and orchid bulbs.  I once read that the statue was made in the area of Patzcuaro with a destination of Queretaro but somehow ended up in Atotonilco.

On his cheek is the symbol of the kiss of Judas.

For the procession at Easter to San Miguel de Allende (which has taken place every year since 1812), the statue is covered completely with a multitude of silk scarves provided by the women of the area.  Once Semana Santa is over, the scarves are removed and used in funerals, weddings and other religious ceremonies throughout the following year.  It is believed they have been blessed.

The Procession of the statue to San Miguel signifies the beginning of Semana Santa.  The Procession of 12 Km. takes all night and arrives at Calle Independencia near dawn where the streets are covered with fennel, chamomile and flower petals along with colored sawdust.  Palm fronds, purple balloons and all manner of banners along with thousands of people wait to welcome Our Lord of the Column.

The participation of this Church in the War for Independence is shown with the painting of Our Lady of Guadalupe.  Fr. Hidalgo rode his horse to Atotonilco to get the banner of Our Lady to ride to Delores Hidalgo to meet with all that would participate in the Battle. In addition, Allende, another of the war heroes and the man that is honored in the name San Miguel de Allende was married in this church.

Above is the main altar. Much gold gilding, many statues and ALWAYS flowers. To the left side is a smaller altar which we could not access as it and two other areas of side altars are in the process of restoration.

To the right is this altar in honor of the Holy Mother.  Again much gold from the mines in Valenciana near Guanajuato.  All the framed mirrors are reverse painted images.  To the left of this altar is a banner that is a replica of the one carried by Fr. Hidalgo.

Besides the frescoes of images, there was also much written on the walls.  Some of it in Spanish and some in Latin.

There are more frescoes in this church then any other church in the World, I was told by the restoration architect many years ago.  Even more then the Sistine Chapel.  It makes sense that the images were important to tell the stories of the Bible since the indigenous were not educated and could not read.

Interestingly, on four sides of the entrance, there was homage paid to Europe and the King of Spain.  Also to Asia and Africa which I did not photograph.  They were in a dark corner.

This is the homage to America with an indigenous Indian in the fresco.

Two of the restored side altars are under lock and key with a large group of pews in front of the gates to prevent one from even getting close to photograph through the bars.  I have, in the past, been in that room.
There is a fresco of San Miguel de Allende from the 1700's on the left wall.

It's hard to believe, but it is said that all these frescoes were painted by one man. He was the celebrated artist D. Felipe  Miguel  de Martinez de Pocasangre from Queretaro.  He worked during the period from 1740 - 1777 in the church. There are some paintings also by Mexican artists Juan Correa and Miguel Cabrera.

I have written about Atotonilco or mentioned it in posts fifteen times throughout the years.  Pilgrims from all over, especially Latin America and Central America come to worship here.  It is the third most visited religious site in Mexico. The shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe and Chalma are one and two.

After fifteen years of visiting this Church, it was wonderful yesterday to finally be able to record the interior visions of this UN World Heritage site.
Posted by Picasa

Wednesday, August 21, 2013

Customer Service in Mexico


I wrote last week about the flat tire and also taking the car to the mechanic to check it all out.
It had not been checked since the end of April.  The engine light was on so that caused me
NOT to procrastinate.

Luis always checks the car out from front to back.  Top to bottom.  He noticed that a front headlight had a hole in it and he informed me that he would get a new headlight because he didn't want me
on the road with that broken.

I promptly forgot about it once he said it!  As long as I have four wheels that turn, I just keep on going.

Imagine my surprise this afternoon when my doorbell rang and it was Luis.  He had walked from his shop in Col Guadalupe with a new headlight.  Guadalupe is a darn hard walk from here.  Uphill.

I was dumbfounded that he would make that trek without calling to make sure I was at home.
He asked for the car keys.  He took out the broken headlight, put in the new.  Told me how much it was and voila, he was gone.

Can you EVER imagine that happening in the USA?

I've had a grin on my face all afternoon.

And some people say there is no customer service in Mexico.........guess they don't live here! I can tell you story after story of unbelievably wonderful customer service.
Posted by Picasa

Monday, August 19, 2013

San Miguel Scenes on Tuesday


Tuesday morning I jumped out of bed (well not literally) to head to the Tianguis.  The traveling Tuesday market.  My goal to find pants for Sebastian and shirts for my son. Mission accomplished.

In my perusing the aisles which are made up not only of clothes, but old and new tools, shoes, boots, junk, antiques, electronics.  Well you get the idea.  Anything, including food vendors.

The above photo is of a woman selling pomegranates.  It always astounds me the amount of work and time taken to display something in such an appetizing and beautiful manner.

As I left the tianguis, right before I realized I had a flat tire, I saw this painted car and stopped to take a photograph of it.  It could be an art car. I like that it is parked up against a wall with an old political sign painted in reds and greens.

After I got the flat tire fixed, I needed to drive over to Colonia Guadalupe to talk with the car mechanic that has worked on my car for twelve years.  His shop is on Cancion India.  It's a sweet street and an up and coming colonia which now has an art district filled with wall murals.

One of these days I'll get around to photographing all the murals and will share them.
WHERE does time go?  And WHY does it move so fast?
Posted by Picasa

Sunday, August 18, 2013

Pizza Pig - ven a comer oink!



Thursday evening I ventured out the road to Dolores Hidalgo to KM 5.5 for pizza at Pizza Pig.
Actually since I'm on a weight loss plan, my intention was to eat their Caesar salad or some kind of salad.

Traveling with my friends Bill and Trey, it was a whiz to get there.  About ten minutes. We typically go at an off time so seldom are there many people there.  But I've heard that often, especially on the weekends that it is packed with people from near and far. The waiters have kept tabs of how far people journey for their pizza.  They think the farthest are people from San Luis Potosi which is 1 1/2 hours away.

The owner, formerly from NYC definitely knows how to make pizza.  The great thing is he uses the best of the best ingredients.  All made to order.  Bill and Trey ordered the vegetarian and then added Italian sausage, pepperoni and  one more meat.

The owner, Tim, was telling us what isn't on their clever menus.  Sweet potato fries and chicken wings.  I love anything made from sweet potatoes.  My order was for a Caesar salad and an order of sweet potato fries.  I bake mine at home using olive oil.  I think these were fried.  To top off the meal, they have dessert pizzas with all kinds of fruits and/or chocolate.  WE ordered chocolate with bananas.
Oh well, back to the eating less the next day.  One piece of the dessert pizza was pure bliss.

The clever menu is what my friends are looking through for their photo shot.  The business card comes with a small piece of elastic and a place to cut out the center of the card so you can stick your nose through for a photo.  Very, very clever.  We did not test that though because I wanted to save the card.

It's so much fun when restaurants or retail establishments display a sense of play and humor.  It doesn't happen that often.

The restaurant is open Tue - Sat from 1-9 and Sunday from 1-8.  The phone # is 415 110-2153. Cash only.

Tim hopes in the near future to have delivery pizza from a kitchen in San Miguel.
I think all of his customers wish him well in this endeavor.

Great pizza, fun ambiance and a guy from NYC with a restaurant in San Miguel.
What's not to like?



Posted by Picasa