Mexico SM Week 6

I think we must do a better job for all our readers in describing the neighbourhood we're living in better know as Colonial San Antonio. 

For the record 85 % of the population is Mexican, ranging from crushingly poor to quite wealthy - all the expats falling somewhere in between. 

The charm of colonial style homes that surround us with their cantera stone doors and window surrounds, and moulded cornices, all combine to give way to a certain grace and sense of form - truly the 1750 look is sufficiently cutting edge here:-) it's in the arches and domes, the high ceilings, the fountains and courtyard gardens. 

Some might say it all looks a little bit like Europe on the cheap and though that might be somewhat true- the larger sense, sees this longstanding approach toward living in one's house with a relationship to nature - well at least my perspective, as gardener I believe this to be absolutely true.

In looking around our neighbourhood, there are certainly signs of much earlier inhabitants. Though the casita we're renting was built approximately ten years ago and there are indeed many others nearby of this same vintage. 

When we chose our location for this three month getaway we hoped to become a part of a community that offered us an experience different from home, one where we could feel connected. -and low and behold "Ladyfortune" smiled upon us. Note: that's not lady fortune below but she sure is cute don't you think?

So how well do we two snowbirds from the distant north really fit into this neighbourhood you might ask? Well in truth most Mexicans have already seen their fair share of foreigners, though perhaps we might appear a bit more exotic I'm thinking particularly with my exquisitely coiffured facial hair I've recently grown. In truth we seek only to be good neighbours, and most all the locals here I believe understand that. As posted a few weeks ago most every resident here is really friendly and informal towards us always with a quick smile and a few words -all of which is very positive - though we're seen as being very rich and as such we'll never truly fit in but that's okay. Perhaps some folks are observing us more closely with each days pass wondering amongst themselves just how much long I'm going to keep wear this same black t-shirt:-) for sure as you all know we seek only to demonstrate that we respect the Mexican people their culture and values. After all we've always found in our lifetime no matter what the country mutual respect and goodwill, approach always works out. Or maybe my inspiration for these comments come from watching Justin Trudeau this week on CNN. :-)

Hi Everyone, it's me, Sue, adding to Bill' blog and filling you in on our past weeks entertainment. As Jazz Week comes to a close, we attended our 3rd Jazz concert on Wednesday evening. Earlier in the day at the Instituto Allende's Lifelong Learning Program for was an Academic Course on "Madama Butterfly", which premiered in Milan in February 1904. The course focused on the story and different performances of this popular opera. Madam Butterfly the opera played here on Saturday, but unfortunately due to illness (ours not Puccini's) we were at home nursing colds. But, Saturday we felt much better and walked to the Playhouse Theater for a revival of Patsy Cline and Brenda Lee. Talk about stretching our musical appreciation eh?

Also this week, we met a real estate agent to view some properties for sale. Lucky for us they were way out of our price range! We weren't serious about buying anyway, just curious to see what was available. 

Churro, crueller like pastry sprinkled with sugar and can be filled with chocolate, yummy! With a hot chocolate to wash it down. Extreme pleasure!

I said to Bill, we seem to be doing a lot of walking but I don't feel I've lost weight! We walk to the grocery store, walk to the bakery, walk for ice cream!! 

To end our blog for this week, a picture of the sky at sunset taken last night from a park bench in the Jardin, center of town. HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!