Saturday, June 22, we waited until noon to venture out. We walked to the TianguisOrganico (organic market). We did not pause to look at any of the vendors; our mission was comida (lunch). The delicious quesadillas we shared were not made like in the US. The tortillas were hand made and flattened into oblong shapes and cooked on the grill; the queso (cheese) was sprinkled on and the tortilla was put back on the grill until the queso had melted. Then the fillings were added. We chose to share a tinga de pollo (chicken in chipotle sauce) and molé rojo con pollo (chicken in a red molé sauce). This was more like eating a taco in a long soft shell instead of a quesadilla as were used to. They were scrumptious!
Tonight was the night of the "Supermoon". Since it's closer to us, the moon appears up to 14 percent bigger and 30 percent brighter than usual. Ken arose early and, after climbing the stairs to the mirador, took this great photo.
'Supermoon' shines down on San Miguel
Sabado noche (Saturday night) we went to a Lebanese restaurant for dinner. This was definitely a healthy dinner - tabbouleh, babaganoush, hummus, falafel, kibbe (cooked), and crispy pita chips. We had to have Lebanese coffee afterwards along with a slice of havalah - oh heaven! After dinner, we walked to the jardin (garden - the park in front of the main church in the center of the town) to listen to the battle of the mariachi bands and people watch.
Dusk in San Miguel
People congregate in and around the jardin on Sunday afternoons to listen to music and dance. Sundays are also days for bike racing and family gatherings. We walked to the park just to see and be a part of all the happiness exuded from the people. When Ken felt a few drops of wetness on his arm, we knew it was time to return home. Jamey got the laundry off the clothesline just before the clouds opened up.
Finding someone in a strange place to cut our hair is nerve wracking. On Monday, both of us carried a photo to show Emily how we wanted our hair cut/styled. We had nothing to worry about. Emily was young, originally from MN, and well trained by Vidal Sassoon in NY. She was also very interesting to talk to. A good find! We were happy people as we walked away from the salon in her home.
Even though San Miguel is a colonial city of Mexico, it currently has been rejuvenated as influenced by the expats (internationals) and Nationals (those from other parts of MX) who have come here to live. Parks have been restored so that children have safe equipment to play on, public safety has been increased and better trained, and the economy has been revitalized with new business. One can see the older homes, behind the doors in the walls, are being structurally restored and people are turning them into architectural masterpieces. Making the old new again is wonderful to see rather than letting the old crumble to the earth or be knocked down.
Artist sketching dancers in El Jardin
Some say San Miguel is known as a woman's city (12:1 ratio). Whether or not this figure is accurate, we don't know. San Miguel is also known as a healing city. Nearby, there are natural hot springs, La Gruta, said to have healing powers. Many spiritual and healing workshops and conferences come here and attract large groups of people. One such conference was on 'breathing ovaries'. That does imply that there is a large group of women here. The population appears to have a very youthful appearance which is also good to see.
Iglesia de San Rafael and La Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel
It's so wonderful to know that the expats who come here give back to their new community of SMA (San Miguel de Allende). One charitable activity that a group of people do is make mattresses for children needing something to sleep on besides the bare floor (which usually means the bare earth). On Wednesday, June 26, Jamey went with a neighbor to a local church and helped do this. Volunteers sew and tuft the mattress sacks. The stuffing is plastic bags, like you get at the store which would, otherwise, become a litter problem. The mattresses are child size and have a pillow to match. The outer material is the same material used to make outdoor cushions so it is waterproof. A lady came in to see how the mattresses were made so she could send the information to a friend of hers living in India. This is a brilliant idea for any organization looking for a project. It would also be a great idea to do for the Humane Society to use for their dogs and cats. Even children could get involved in making these.
Stuffing mattresses for the needy
A friend we met earlier offered to be our guide through the Rosewood, a very swanky hotel. The hotels here let people wander through and will show them a suite, if requested. George had been a designer in San Francisco and had been through the Rosewood many times. The gardens were exquisite. The highlight was the rooftop bar with views all around the city. We sat and had a drink while enjoying the beauty stretched out beyond. Then we took a short walk to an Italian restaurant for a late dinner. It was a beautiful evening.
Typed a long comment and it vanished. Grrr. Oh well. Love the stories and the pictures. Here in Dallas, a group makes sleeping mats for the homeless by crocheting plastic grocery sacks. They can move them up and take them with them. Love the pictures and the stories! Love you.
Typed a long comment and it vanished. Grrr. Oh well. Love the stories and the pictures. Here in Dallas, a group makes sleeping mats for the homeless by crocheting plastic grocery sacks. They can move them up and take them with them. Love the pictures and the stories! Love you.
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