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!