Mexico SM Week 13 w/fond farewells

Located approximately 1.5 kilometres outside of San Miguel Centro lies a 300 acre botanical garden named El Charcoal Del Igenito "Jardin Botanico". It lies within a canyon having many pathways that lead you through a wonderful area of native plants to the Mediterranean climate zone of Chile -primarily cacti (80 species) and succulent species. 

Evidence remains of aqueducts built by conquistadores and a 16th-century wooden water-mill both historic treasures. A large lake centers the landscape as springs, streams, waterfalls overlook views of incredible beauty including the Guanajuato mountain range in the far off distance.

There are various activities offered here that include a full moon ceremony offered to those romantics at heart in the group, also bird-watch tours for the adventurers as well as guided garden tours for the majority of all who like to be surrounded by spirits and legends of the native, indigenous community. 

It's interesting to note that this Botanical Center is owned and managed by an independent Mexican nonprofit organization committed to preserving the natural and cultural heritage of San Miguel. 

San Miguel de Allende is located in the heart of Mexico's only wine region better referred to as the central state of Guanajuato. 

You may or may not be familiar with these wines as they're not exported into the USA. The  entire region has a very rich wine-growing tradition that dates back to the 16th century when  wine was strictly used by the church.- how sad.

San Miguel is the starting point of the Guanajuato Wine Route.  Indeed wine lovers can truly discover a new appreciation for the region, the art and the architecture with a glass of wine in hand. .. something about a laid back lifestyle in a serene setting that's very hard to beat when accompanied with a little wine:-)

Naturally there are many popular wineries in the area all located a short distance outside of town. We preferred rather a much shorter route to our local supermarket that carried many wines produced by local vintners. We hesitate to generalize to any great degree in providing an overview on Mexican wines other than to say they're all hard to resist. 

The Syrah Grape is very popular here and with the average purchase price of $12.00 bottle it's so much easier to swallow then the wine back home.  These wines have aromas of black cherries, often times with a silky rich texture of berries on the palate ... particularily enjoyed when served with cheese or Mexican chocolate (best in the world) 

Okay .. Well that's it for yet another wonderful winter getaway - we've just arrived home with enough time to recharge for a few days before tackling Spring cleanup of garden beds - 

This week written by Bill edited by Sue with pictures from both 

Cheers with happy trails to you yours! 

Mexico SM Week 12

San Miguel Conclusion

As we go into the home stretch of yet another winter getaway we can only say "Retirement is such a marvellous position to be in, particularly when coupled with terrific travel destinations. Yes!, travelling is such a rewarding experience and we sincerely hope that this will continue being a perpetual pilgrimage full of new experiences, challenges and opportunities for growth and development in the many years ahead. Now in our fifth year as official travelling retiree's, we understand better than ever that it's a journey without signposts, and like life itself, we're keeping it awesome. Often times to the untrained eye we might appear to be just a pair of tightrope walkers working without a net. Now doesn't that make you think of Barnum & Bailey's Circus and all of the fun in that? How about...it's our monkey, it's our circus. :-)

And on the topic of childhood experiences, San Miguel has been referred to as an adult Disneyworld. We didn't quite get that at first, but, watching performances of actors, musicians, dancers, listening to Playreaders, lectures, going out any afternoon or evening to watch movies, taste foods for almost any country and rides in buses down steep hills with break sqealing and never knowing if it would or could actually stop!! Just as thrilling as Space Mountain!!

On Friday evening we walked to the Jardin in Centro and witnessed the celebration of 3 separate weddings. After the service, the happy couple and guests are greeting outside of the church by dancing puppet bride and groom, a donkey carrying celebratory beverages, and a mariachi band to lead the party to their destination for dinner and dancing. We had heard about this tradition and are extremely pleased we captured the event.

Celebrating Spring Eqinox at the Botanical Garden. An annual event, one not to be missed.

5 more sleeps and then we'll be on our way home. San Miguel is highly recommended as we often found ourselves picking and choosing from numerous daily events. The weather is consistently warm and sunny and the Mexican residents are some of the happiest and welcoming people we have ever met. So many expats are here for the same reasons so everyone feels connected and free to give great suggestions on where to go for eats, treats and fun. 

   San Miguel de Allende--we love you!

     

            Written by and Editted by Guillermo & Susan            Pics by both and other strangers       

Mexico SM Week 11 correction

FAKE NEWS

My latest post contained incorrect reporting identifying Sarah as an "in-law" As you all know, my life is blessed with 3 of the bestest step-children one could ask for, Sarah😘, Kurtis😘 and Gillian😘.

The thoughts of the Thai massage obviously relaxed more than my muscles.

Mexico, SM Week 11

Where did the week go? We didn't do a lot of exploring, but I had a mani-pedi (didn't bring my own polish so toes are bare = not beach ready for sure!)  Later in the week I had a Thai massage. My daughter-in-law and I had made an appointment in Burlington in April 10 years ago and we had to cancel due to a major snow storm. It's taken that long for me to make another appointment and Sarah, you were right. It was soooo good that I've another appointment scheduled for Thursday. If you've never had a Thai massage, it is a lot of stretching, with masseuse using hands, arms, feet and legs while you lay relaxed on a mattress on the floor, fully clothed and you are massaged from the top of your head to the tips of your toes. The result is like doing an hour yoga class of stretches but you don't have do any work.

There wasn't anything unusual this week, so we'll blog about a normal day in San Miguel.

The day begins with fresh from the oven orange  glazed donuts and scones! 

Oh oh! Someone is sneaking a taste of the cranberry scone before the coffee is served. Yes, I see you!

A walk down Refugio Street.

We pass a factory that makes corn tortillas all day that are then packaged and delivered to the street food vendors and small, local variety stores. 

A picture in our garden with Marcilla who works hard keeping the yard and casitas clean. 

The young Nino carries fresh mangos into the fruit market where we buy veggies, fruit, eggs and fresh bread.

Then off to the library to purchase tickets for a movie.

Stephen sells PlayhouseTheatre tickets to us every week. He and his son, Noah, have a gallery in centro to exhibit their art work. He saves Section A, seats 1 and 2 for us, our favourite viewing chairs for live shows.

Another spot for music and movie tickets.

Lining up for ice cream. Flavours are exotic and delicious. They include garlic, avocado, rose petal, corn, hibiscus flower, chili, cheese, jalapeño and my fave...tequila with lime. Dos scoops por favor!

Streets are crowded, it is a another holiday!

It's the first day of Spring. And why not celebrate, days are getting longer and warmer. Just like being at home.......I hope!?

If you want to build a road, and a tree is in the way, why heck. Let the cars drive around it. After all, the tree was there first! This is on our street, Refugio, as we walk to town. Always makes me smile...as does the handsome hombre supporting the trunk.

Bill purchased these amazing lilies from a lady who knocked on our gate door last Friday. Everyday another 1 or 2 buds come into bloom boasting the most beautiful colours. 

HAPPY SPRING everyone.

Written by Sweet Sue            Edited by Guillermo         Pics by Both