tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-74788249277357165902024-02-07T04:59:46.784-08:00Bucket List AdventuresPeggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07909913811643561413noreply@blogger.comBlogger145125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7478824927735716590.post-8135103228355130862018-03-25T15:02:00.000-07:002018-03-25T15:11:14.153-07:00A New Day A New Blog...<br />
Well, to make a long story short, I gave up blogging with blogger and resorted to FaceBook posts on my last trip. Yes, I did do the whole Camino Frances again end to end and a helluva lot of sightseeing in Spain last year. Maybe when I get a quiet year I might have the time to write about it - at least the highlights. But that won't be soon if this year is anything to judge by.<br />
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I have another Camino planned and this time I am hoping to blog it all, in fact, I would like to take up my blogging habit again and make it a regular thing. We shall see. The first thing I have to do is get a better blogging tool than this Blogger site and software has turned out to be. So I am continuing my blogs on WordPress, <a href="https://epeggyh.wordpress.com/2018/03/25/a-new-day-a-new-blog/" target="_blank">you will find me here </a>fumbling around for a bit as I figure out how it works. I have my fingers crossed that there will be a better access for composing offline and uploading pictures. Since Google purchased Blogger and Picasa they seem to be content to let them die a slow death, and that seems to not be the case with WordPress.<br />
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Hope you will wander over for a visit sometime... with encouragement I might be able to resurrect this blogging habit!<br />
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To Keep In Touch you just need to remember epeggyh... as in //https:epeggyh.wordpress.com.<br />
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<br />Peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07909913811643561413noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7478824927735716590.post-24126780849278356762017-05-19T12:14:00.000-07:002017-05-19T12:14:26.730-07:00Nájera - Day 13Ok, so it is two steps forward and one step back... seems there is a spanner in the works keeping me from getting photos uploaded into the post, so I will write the blog and may need to post without pictures for the moment. *sigh* technology...<br />
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As you might have guessed from the title, I am in Nájera. Yesterday, as promised, was a cold and rainy day, at least it was full on rain until I finished up at Navarette about 1 p.m. My Altus raincoat is fabulous, it keeps me and my pack dry from the knees and elbows up despite several good long torrential downpours. I discovered the hard way that my boots are not very rainproof and in fact have a two inch tear on the uppers which lets the rain or puddle water free admission to the boot. It felt like I was walking in a mobile cold water foot bath. I arrived with prune feet and impossible to dry out boots. I also had to stop using my poles as the rain was running up my arms. <br />
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This morning I walked in my Keen hiking sandals and discovered that the money I'd spent on custom orthotics for my boots were well worth it. I can't use them in my sandals and after walking without them today I have the beginnings of a blister on my baby toe - same spot as last time. Tomorrow my boots will be dry and hopefully all will be well. On the plus side, I am sure I was more comfortable in my hiking sandals than wet boot.<br />
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I have found the most amazing little keyboard that weighs next to nothing and is tiny tiny. Sadly, when it comes to technology, nothing is perfect but it does solve some issues I have when using the viritual keyboard with the blogging software. I noticed that the keyboard was a Spanish one - that is with spanish letters and symbols, but discovered upon use that it is marked as a Spanish keyboard but the keys do not match the markings, and there is no evidence of Spanish letters e.g. the ñ and it isn't North American either so when I use it it is a bit of a hunt and peck exercise for special characters. It is really cute though and despite the downside, it is still better than the iPhone viritual keyboard which pops up on top of the text I am writing on my blogging software making it very difficult to see what I am doing. Did I mention that my preferred offline blogging software was abandoned by the developer when Google bought out and shelved the essential photo software (Picasa) which was used to house the blogs's photos? Google also bought out Blogger, my online blog software and while I can still use it it is now as buggy as hell. oh well.<br />
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My walk today was just 13 km long - I am settting a slow speed record. The weather was cool and partly sunny. Nice walking weather. There are a lot of people walking these days, and today we had an extra lot - some 20 or so students from the University of La Rioja, who were out for a 1 day jaunt. I chatted with a young man from Taiwan who explained that they were International Students from all over the world who were studying Spanish and Spanish culture at the University. They were skipping down the trail as only possible for someone out only for the day.<br />
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You may have noticed that I didnt blog yesterday as promised. Meeting a new cohort of Perigrinos takes time and lots of wine to both tell and be told the obligatory "bonding stories" (you will recall that my previous Pilgrim "family" as moved forward). Once you fall into the same pilgrim's company a number of times, you need to swap stories of origin, motivation and feet/leg/knee injuries. Having slowed my walk, I am now with the walking injured of my cohort and the regular walkers of the cohort which was once days behind me. I heard someone state today "I can't believe that I am 11 days in already". That is n-2 days from my start. <br />
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The other reason I didn't blog was that I spent an hour or so in joyous contemplation of my "transfer credit" report from York University. A brief explanation is in order for those of you who are not aware that I am in my 1st year of an undergraduate degree in English Literature and in the midst of a process to transfer to a different university that does not charge seniors tuition. I was amazed to discover that they granted me 45 transfer credits out of the 120 required for an honours degree. The rub is that I am not sure how many of these credits apply to the English courses in my program. The admissions office granted me 1 3 credit course with a promise that the English department may decide to give me more. We shall see. The did say that they waived all the general education courses so it seems that I will just need to take the English courses. I am very happy with this news.<br />
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I am staying tonight at the Puerta de Nájera albergue. I chose that one over the 90 beds in 1 room municipal abergue I stayed in last time. It is a vast improvement. Once I can add some pictures you will see why. Last night I stayed in El Cántaro. Not recommended. While the room was fine - 5 beds (no bunks) in a room but it was in a 2nd floor unit of an apartment building with the living room covered to a bedroom. For 10 EU I expected better - at least a common room. Today's was 10 EU as well, but it is far nicer. <br />
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Tomorrow I will walk only about 16 km to Circeña. It is a little bit of a climb and about 6km short of the next large city - Santo Domingo. More about that in my next blog.<br />
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If you haven't read my blog from my last walk of this section (or want to see some pictures from the wonderful La Rioja wine area, go hereL:<br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">http://peggysbucketlistadventures.blogspot.com.es/2015/05/najera-to-granon-may-17.html</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Buenas Noches mes Amigos!</span></div>
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<br />Peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07909913811643561413noreply@blogger.com126300 Nájera, La Rioja, Spain42.4167413 -2.729462399999988542.4050188 -2.7496323999999883 42.428463799999996 -2.7092923999999887tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7478824927735716590.post-5802156061441571192017-05-17T10:16:00.000-07:002017-05-17T10:16:07.538-07:00Logroño - Day 10<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I arrived in Logroño yesterday. This is the view that greets you as you enter the city. Not too shabby. Logroño is located on the Ebro river and is the capital of the autonomous community of La Rioja (as in the well known wine region). Population 151,000. </div>
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I am staying at the Entresueño Albergue, right on the main drag, on Portales. It is a wide boulevard filled with sidewalk cafes and shops in the centre of all the action. Just perfect. I am sitting at a cafe with a glass of local wine while I write this. I took today as a "rest day", meaning staying in place, walking the city rather than to a new location. I spent most of today trying to sort out my blogging software and after mucho hours I seem to be in business. Well, as best as I am going to be anyway. I could bore you with a long description of the challenges in getting this together, but I can feel your eyes gloated over at the thought. I have to catch up with the blogs, but I will start with today and try to both keep up with future days and slowly catch up with those I have missed.</div>
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This is the crowd I have been loosely travelling with. We all met in St. Jean Pied de Port and for the most part have pretty much kept together (minus 2 losses due to injury) for the last 10 days but yesterday the group seemed to come undone when time pressures and other priorities resulted in a divergent path for many of us. I am in no rush as I have plenty of time to mosey down the camino trail, but others are on tighter schedules. So it seems I am falling behind. The good news is that I may have more time to blog. That said, my blogging software is not working well and taking me a long time since it is screwing up regularly. Hopefully I can get things sorted out. </div>
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We got to see some performance art in the main plaza yesterday. Apparently this is what happens when you have too much "informatíca". Looked like a disaster practice for the Red Cross in the war of the boat anchor PCs. LOL </div>
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I am heading to Navarette tomorrow - about 12 km - and according to the weather forecast I will be walking during a full day of rain. Good thing I brought my Altus raincoat, which covers my pack and keeps me dry above the knees. Perhaps tomorrow's picture will be me impersonating a drowned rat.</div>
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Well it seems that the rain is almost upon us so I will need to abandon my courtyard and seek cover. Will post this and try and sort out some more software wrinkles before posting again. Buenas Tardes.</div>
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One thing you may wish to check out is my last blog when I walked the Camino in 2015. I have been dying to catch the town's I missed last time (hence Logroño), last ime I walked from Viana to Navarette from Estelle. This time I will walk tfromn Logrono to Logroño. Anyway, if you want more Camino blog of a similar time of year in a place about 10 km east, go here></div>
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<a href="http://peggysbucketlistadventures.blogspot.com.es/2015/05/viana-to-navarrete-may-15.html" target="_blank">2015 camino Viana to Navarette</a></div>
Peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07909913811643561413noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7478824927735716590.post-48747995962768911442017-05-06T01:10:00.001-07:002017-05-06T01:14:21.464-07:00A New Camino Begins<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Just testing this new manner of creating blogs - having just discovered that my blogging tools from my last trip don't work. Before writing more, I will upload this photo showing the albergue I have stayed in these past 2 days, to acclimatize prior to my bus ride to St Jean Pied de Port today, and camino start tomorrow. Got to head out now into this gorgeous day so will put up a proper post sometime in the next day or so, presuming this works, <br />
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Unfortunately, the google software blogging software is not available offline, so I may not be able to post as often. We shall see.<br />
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<br />Peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07909913811643561413noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7478824927735716590.post-8020488508374389342015-11-27T08:00:00.001-08:002015-11-27T16:57:01.978-08:00The last week at San Miguel<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;">It has been a busy week, and I scarce have time to write this blog before I head out on today's trip to Comonfort, a small town to the south-east of here to shop. So I will be brief with my text and promise more commentary and some SMA observations on my blogs yet to come. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2UZ78FwkUDE/VliAh0_bpqI/AAAAAAAAV0w/KJNJ96DIdCY/s2048/Photo%25252020151127100932755.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2UZ78FwkUDE/VliAh0_bpqI/AAAAAAAAV0w/KJNJ96DIdCY/s500/Photo%25252020151127100932755.jpg" id="blogsy-1448671448284.7676" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a>"</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;">Tuesday, we bussed out to the "Tuesday Market", on the edge of town. The local buses are cheap and frequent here on the main routes - only 5 pesos a ride. First we visited the real mall - an outdoor mall with an almost tastefully subdued MacDonalds (no Golden Arches) - the only fast food joint I have seen since coming.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"> <font color="#000000" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_WKRSzU7-CM/VliCfsfs_rI/AAAAAAAAV1k/NLFrsR-d480/s2048/Photo%25252020151127101809007.jpg" target="_blank" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_WKRSzU7-CM/VliCfsfs_rI/AAAAAAAAV1k/NLFrsR-d480/s500/Photo%25252020151127101809007.jpg" id="blogsy-1448671448302.546" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></font></div><p>The Tuesday market is a big flea market style market which is set up for a day in San Miguel and moves to another community for the next day. It is huge and it is hard to believe that they put everything out for the day and then pack it up and haul the stuff elsewhere, only to do the same again tomorrow. There were all manner of stuff and at reasonable prices.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7YvaSnah8tE/VliAtGc2ItI/AAAAAAAAV00/xgcljJsXz8A/s2048/Photo%25252020151127100933240.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7YvaSnah8tE/VliAtGc2ItI/AAAAAAAAV00/xgcljJsXz8A/s500/Photo%25252020151127100933240.jpg" id="blogsy-1448671448264.8386" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IklhA48ia5k/VliA700OlMI/AAAAAAAAV08/ykJ_0jRnIuk/s2048/Photo%25252020151127100933727.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IklhA48ia5k/VliA700OlMI/AAAAAAAAV08/ykJ_0jRnIuk/s500/Photo%25252020151127100933727.jpg" id="blogsy-1448671448282.4243" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-K7kc-mi2_ns/VliBNLjdUmI/AAAAAAAAV1E/vUtbL_5mUZY/s2048/Photo%25252020151127100934243.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-K7kc-mi2_ns/VliBNLjdUmI/AAAAAAAAV1E/vUtbL_5mUZY/s500/Photo%25252020151127100934243.jpg" id="blogsy-1448671448238.8586" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-e1MNk6C0QEY/VliBbvA3dGI/AAAAAAAAV1M/_hQqtkqPUWs/s2048/Photo%25252020151127100934753.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-e1MNk6C0QEY/VliBbvA3dGI/AAAAAAAAV1M/_hQqtkqPUWs/s500/Photo%25252020151127100934753.jpg" id="blogsy-1448671448302.029" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pguLH4NyXo8/VliBtk0SQdI/AAAAAAAAV1U/d3kTX8qaVSE/s2048/Photo%25252020151127100935279.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pguLH4NyXo8/VliBtk0SQdI/AAAAAAAAV1U/d3kTX8qaVSE/s500/Photo%25252020151127100935279.jpg" id="blogsy-1448671448314.5317" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pFbMwMvsjI8/VljzRduw8QI/AAAAAAAAV2E/e8m1z8faJiU/s2048/Photo%25252020151127181916427.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pFbMwMvsjI8/VljzRduw8QI/AAAAAAAAV2E/e8m1z8faJiU/s500/Photo%25252020151127181916427.jpg" id="blogsy-1448671448282.7468" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Bjs3BBKtDQo/VljziT3AuZI/AAAAAAAAV2M/F12xQBfLnH4/s2048/Photo%25252020151127181916928.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Bjs3BBKtDQo/VljziT3AuZI/AAAAAAAAV2M/F12xQBfLnH4/s500/Photo%25252020151127181916928.jpg" id="blogsy-1448671448243.1892" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;">On the way back to the centre of the city we wandered into the gardens at the Hotel Misión, which hosts the local Rotario Service Club. They are having a pancake breakfast on Saturday.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-N_ykWLr392M/VljzsoVzInI/AAAAAAAAV2U/tmwN55RSlvE/s2048/Photo%25252020151127181917396.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-N_ykWLr392M/VljzsoVzInI/AAAAAAAAV2U/tmwN55RSlvE/s500/Photo%25252020151127181917396.jpg" id="blogsy-1448671448322.484" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_pgUhI_5BD8/Vlh8-SJUglI/AAAAAAAAVz0/xCQNlbG-6Ko/s2048/Photo%25252020151127095437070.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_pgUhI_5BD8/Vlh8-SJUglI/AAAAAAAAVz0/xCQNlbG-6Ko/s500/Photo%25252020151127095437070.jpg" id="blogsy-1448671448232.409" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><p>As we walked back to town, we wound our way down the big hill upon which half the town is perched. There were stairs down and some very nice condos with spectacular views.</p></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0f3BEu5ZQhk/Vlh9MCD6iKI/AAAAAAAAVz4/CX6MHqG-X9g/s2048/Photo%25252020151127095437499.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0f3BEu5ZQhk/Vlh9MCD6iKI/AAAAAAAAVz4/CX6MHqG-X9g/s500/Photo%25252020151127095437499.jpg" id="blogsy-1448671448284.5476" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><p> On Wednesday, we went to a friend's home for a pot luck lunch and a few games of <a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rummikub" target="_blank" title="Rummikub">Rummikub</a>. I had never played it before but it was easily learned and lots of fun. Organized games are big in SMA - some clubs meet in the various bars and cafes and others meet in homes. There is also a Pickleball League here which plays every weekday morning. Rummikub was a little like rummoli and a little like dominos - matching tiles on the table to get rid off the tiles in your hand. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QkDAy15pxTo/Vlh9kHkJT_I/AAAAAAAAV0I/zjp1MGVL50w/s2048/Photo%25252020151127095438261.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QkDAy15pxTo/Vlh9kHkJT_I/AAAAAAAAV0I/zjp1MGVL50w/s500/Photo%25252020151127095438261.jpg" id="blogsy-1448671448263.1895" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><p> That night we went to Los Milagros for their 2 for 1 happy hour for the senior set. For only 60 pesos (less than $5.00!) and we got dinner as well! They served a complementary plate of enchiladas as part of their 2 for 1 offer. There were about 20 of us sat around a long row of joined up tables, enjoying the live music. This is a must go stop for a lot of the local gringos each week.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iHcngy9gblM/Vlh9yKDY0UI/AAAAAAAAV0U/nSmPQC5hLjc/s2048/Photo%25252020151127095438652.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iHcngy9gblM/Vlh9yKDY0UI/AAAAAAAAV0U/nSmPQC5hLjc/s500/Photo%25252020151127095438652.jpg" id="blogsy-1448671448283.7786" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><p> Thursday was American Thanksgiving and Marc and Sue's friend Ellen was kind enough to extend an offer for me to attend. We all brought a dish or two and so there was enough food for an army!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4tsE9MXZHiU/Vlh-L91dRJI/AAAAAAAAV0g/pq66oqHOVo4/s2048/Photo%25252020151127095439460.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4tsE9MXZHiU/Vlh-L91dRJI/AAAAAAAAV0g/pq66oqHOVo4/s500/Photo%25252020151127095439460.jpg" id="blogsy-1448671448270.277" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><p> Down the street from my Casa is a garage which uses the street as its repair bays. Quite frequently, when I am walking by, they are preparing and painting cars right on the street.</p><p> <font color="#000000" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dMZNB08mSE4/Vlh99U-7DiI/AAAAAAAAV0c/5TDyy9ubN84/s2048/Photo%25252020151127095439035.jpg" target="_blank" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dMZNB08mSE4/Vlh99U-7DiI/AAAAAAAAV0c/5TDyy9ubN84/s500/Photo%25252020151127095439035.jpg" id="blogsy-1448671448233.8616" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></font></p><p>I am heading into my last days here, so not sure if I will get to write another blog before I am on my way home. Tomorrow we are taking a bus into the larger city of Guanajuato to spend the day site seeing. Sunday there is a gallery opening followed by a Grey Cup party. Monday morning I am being whisked to the Queretaro airport for my flight home.</p><p>I plan to write a blog to reflect on my time here and compare it to my previous "wandering pilgrim" holiday, walking across Spain. Stay tuned next week for that.</p><p>Buenos noches mi amigos!</p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07909913811643561413noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7478824927735716590.post-15771664900521985102015-11-23T07:54:00.001-08:002015-11-23T09:47:30.494-08:00Going out to the Campo to Zandunga<p>Yesterday, we went with a friend of Marc and Sue's to an afternoon meal/musical event at a venue out in the campo - the country - to an event known as Zandunga, which is held every Sunday afternoon. For 400 pesos we got an all you can eat Mexican buffet and a small sample marguarita and a few hours of music in a beautiful country setting. It was the first time I had been out of the city since arriving at SMA and it was wonderful to get out and see some wide open spaces, fields mostly, with a gentle foothills mountain backdrop.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7zzf_LRbQaY/VlNN5xGaoxI/AAAAAAAAVzc/xdJP3uufaLQ/s2048/Photo%25252020151123113233082.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7zzf_LRbQaY/VlNN5xGaoxI/AAAAAAAAVzc/xdJP3uufaLQ/s500/Photo%25252020151123113233082.jpg" id="blogsy-1448300774038.5632" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XzLZPONqPKo/VlM5Uzp7nLI/AAAAAAAAVyo/2hFXjN97AAc/s2048/Photo%25252020151123100430346.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XzLZPONqPKo/VlM5Uzp7nLI/AAAAAAAAVyo/2hFXjN97AAc/s500/Photo%25252020151123100430346.jpg" id="blogsy-1448300774057.935" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="386"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EmH9mlLMe7g/VlM5hEmJmWI/AAAAAAAAVys/aTJw4WBjS8I/s2048/Photo%25252020151123100430770.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EmH9mlLMe7g/VlM5hEmJmWI/AAAAAAAAVys/aTJw4WBjS8I/s500/Photo%25252020151123100430770.jpg" id="blogsy-1448300774024.0593" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="345"></a></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-J6cm2j01fog/VlNIgFWWepI/AAAAAAAAVzE/LDxOVpXkMxo/s640/Photo%25252020151123111010522.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-J6cm2j01fog/VlNIgFWWepI/AAAAAAAAVzE/LDxOVpXkMxo/s500/Photo%25252020151123111010522.jpg" id="blogsy-1448300773972.5217" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A relaxing afternoon!</td></tr></tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-241n1WZDfTw/VlM1ROXKQgI/AAAAAAAAVxk/zFS4oIIFsJI/s2048/Photo%25252020151123094717468.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-241n1WZDfTw/VlM1ROXKQgI/AAAAAAAAVxk/zFS4oIIFsJI/s500/Photo%25252020151123094717468.jpg" id="blogsy-1448300774010.604" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waiting in line for food</td></tr></tbody></table><p> There were samples of local olives and olive oil to scoop up while in line.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QyfrDkRkOmE/VlNIyWaXUzI/AAAAAAAAVzM/-2a8z4Vx5aU/s2048/Photo%25252020151123111011134.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QyfrDkRkOmE/VlNIyWaXUzI/AAAAAAAAVzM/-2a8z4Vx5aU/s500/Photo%25252020151123111011134.jpg" id="blogsy-1448300774005.6697" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><p> We were served 2 quesadillas of choice (I had the pollo de chipotle) and 2 filled tortillas with some sort of meat on a vertical spit which reminded me of a Greek gyro. There were a dozen or so sides and toppings which made for a very tasty dish. There was also BBQ chicken, although I was so full after the main I did not go back for the chicken. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-p031Jn0Fyro/VlM1gb6rNQI/AAAAAAAAVxo/2fWfOcMkWAo/s2048/Photo%25252020151123094717917.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-p031Jn0Fyro/VlM1gb6rNQI/AAAAAAAAVxo/2fWfOcMkWAo/s500/Photo%25252020151123094717917.jpg" id="blogsy-1448300774035.88" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><p> The sun was not at a good angle for the picture of the restaurant/concert venue, but here it is - much nicer than shown. I would guess it could seat around a hundred or so. I heard the venue was sold out - all to gringos of a certain age by the look of things. LOL</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-P_Rdw_Hdszw/VlM1uovh2JI/AAAAAAAAVxs/GBg7KMkVeYo/s2048/Photo%25252020151123094718316.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-P_Rdw_Hdszw/VlM1uovh2JI/AAAAAAAAVxs/GBg7KMkVeYo/s500/Photo%25252020151123094718316.jpg" id="blogsy-1448300774047.8252" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><p> The music was very good, although we were quite preoccupied in the outer part of the restaurant chatting with new friends, local residents and neighbours in the Campo.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XaxrDjruo6E/VlM18v87TII/AAAAAAAAVxw/cBGbDRNfTjQ/s2048/Photo%25252020151123094718694.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XaxrDjruo6E/VlM18v87TII/AAAAAAAAVxw/cBGbDRNfTjQ/s500/Photo%25252020151123094718694.jpg" id="blogsy-1448300774050.9248" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--_oOWvZGyXc/VlM2GCUGSHI/AAAAAAAAVx0/SU9QJrPFpJU/s2048/Photo%25252020151123094719083.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--_oOWvZGyXc/VlM2GCUGSHI/AAAAAAAAVx0/SU9QJrPFpJU/s500/Photo%25252020151123094719083.jpg" id="blogsy-1448300774065.1353" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hjT7__ci3sg/VlM2TD17pGI/AAAAAAAAVx8/dnWiLb8Gu9A/s2048/Photo%25252020151123094719452.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hjT7__ci3sg/VlM2TD17pGI/AAAAAAAAVx8/dnWiLb8Gu9A/s500/Photo%25252020151123094719452.jpg" id="blogsy-1448300774016.9941" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qealNGWeJi0/VlM2cdCYd7I/AAAAAAAAVyA/DbReuxK93hg/s2048/Photo%25252020151123094719832.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qealNGWeJi0/VlM2cdCYd7I/AAAAAAAAVyA/DbReuxK93hg/s500/Photo%25252020151123094719832.jpg" id="blogsy-1448300773990.5466" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A cow crossing as we headed back to the city. </td></tr></tbody></table><p>Once we were back in the city we stopped at Restaurant MX - a Milongas venue with Joanne, who is a tango dancer. Tango dancers meet here twice a week. I am not able to tango, but enjoyed watching the couples glide over the dance floor.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QdB4hNtasrA/VlM2oZlJpHI/AAAAAAAAVyI/NNzV36YzCUU/s2048/Photo%25252020151123094720292.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QdB4hNtasrA/VlM2oZlJpHI/AAAAAAAAVyI/NNzV36YzCUU/s500/Photo%25252020151123094720292.jpg" id="blogsy-1448300774001.8582" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><p>On the way home we passed the Jardin Principal, where they had set up a stage and a band was playing. Every weekend here is a cause for celebration. The night was warm and it seemed everyone was out enjoying the music. This weekend's Fiesta was in honour of St Cecilia, who is the patroness of musicians and whose feast day is Nov 22nd.</p><p>Only one week today and I will be in the air on my way back to Toronto. Back to cold and snow by the sounds of things. Not my preference, but maybe I will be able to get away again soon and escape some of the winter weather.</p><p>I have a busy week as I try to cram on all the important sights and activities. Stay tuned for my next post on Friday. </p><p> </p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07909913811643561413noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7478824927735716590.post-80170176784234798242015-11-21T09:07:00.001-08:002015-11-21T10:25:35.311-08:00A Walk in the Park<p> I am sitting here listening to firecrackers, firecrackers that sound like small blasts going off a few houses over. I guess they are still celebrating the 1910 War of Independence as I can also hear music and celebrations. There were lots of these explosions going off last night - so it just may be they have some left over. Fireworks, the loud kind, are a part of life here. They set them off for festivals, birthdays, weddings - seemingly any reason at all. They are homemade and really more for the noise than anything else, I think, given that I hear them day and night, at least several times a day. I wonder how many people end up in hospitals with their homemade mini bomb blowing up in their face?</p><p>Anyway, I must get on with today's blog as I am meeting folks at Hecho at noon! This is a bit of a catch up for the week past as yesterday I covered Friday's parade. </p><p>Tuesday night I again went to the Women's Club happy hour and enjoyed some company and chit chat before wandering home. Wednesday was writing and the walking and was followed by dinner at Francesco's, an Italian restaurant where there was 2 for 1 pasta. We were joined by another friend of Marc and Sue's who lives here year round and hails from New Jersey.</p><p>On Thursday, I got up and headed straight out to walk the 40 minutes uphill through the Balcones neighbourhood to the El Charco Del Ingenio Jardín Botánico y Reserva Natural in order to arrive by 10 am for a guided tour of the park. The El Charco is a nature preserve of some 500 acres including and surrounding a large canyon and a small lake formed by a man made dam. There are also small pools down below the dam which are fed by fresh spring water. The Jardin is maintained by a private non profit foundation with the mission to preserve and maintain the garden and park trails and to plant and encourage local plant species. They have also a large area transplanted with "rescue plants", taken from sites endangered by construction of local dams. </p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSHHOR_uPE9GDi7MBYXEJh0JaEioa3lFyr4LRE0-UaS49xFtVDBicQcUaKygBM83M6ctEncSyGA9R0yMiBeEYUa9jK86euYY9ZGK4iGBKknZKm4nLwZxeLbyQrSC6dja3EXqxxmxc8hWA/s2048/Photo%25252020151121105402071.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSHHOR_uPE9GDi7MBYXEJh0JaEioa3lFyr4LRE0-UaS49xFtVDBicQcUaKygBM83M6ctEncSyGA9R0yMiBeEYUa9jK86euYY9ZGK4iGBKknZKm4nLwZxeLbyQrSC6dja3EXqxxmxc8hWA/s500/Photo%25252020151121105402071.jpg" id="blogsy-1448130280112.4592" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Map from the Brochure </td></tr></tbody></table><p>There are two tours a week, on Spanish and one English (80 pesos). The revenue from tours plus park admission (40 pesos) and a small cafe are used to raise money to support the Jardin. Our guide was a volunteer at the Jardin, a Seattle native and geologist by profession, who with his wife and then 8 year old son had sold all and gone off travelling through Asia and the Pacific several years ago. They ended up in San Miguel last year, not quite ready to go home, and they have set down roots here, at least temporarily while they figure out what is next. I have met many wandering sorts here...San Miguel has a lot to offer those who can get away from the rat race.</p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9UsW7IlTEmg/VlCoSiqBRPI/AAAAAAAAVvg/9FrLW_CbBzg/s2048/Photo%25252020151121112110566.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9UsW7IlTEmg/VlCoSiqBRPI/AAAAAAAAVvg/9FrLW_CbBzg/s500/Photo%25252020151121112110566.jpg" id="blogsy-1448130280203.132" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking down on the dam from the lookout point at Plaza of the Four Winds</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KPyFfqKOA_8/VlCoe9ges8I/AAAAAAAAVvo/coJ7_4tPLsE/s2048/Photo%25252020151121112110940.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KPyFfqKOA_8/VlCoe9ges8I/AAAAAAAAVvo/coJ7_4tPLsE/s500/Photo%25252020151121112110940.jpg" id="blogsy-1448130280201.7854" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Xq0NqpL5hc4/VlCotLH0u-I/AAAAAAAAVvs/fFrOTDvsXTs/s2048/Photo%25252020151121112111308.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Xq0NqpL5hc4/VlCotLH0u-I/AAAAAAAAVvs/fFrOTDvsXTs/s500/Photo%25252020151121112111308.jpg" id="blogsy-1448130280107.9993" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gtyUuwJKw88/VlCo7kWFu6I/AAAAAAAAVv0/Ucadc5y_n5k/s2048/Photo%25252020151121112111672.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gtyUuwJKw88/VlCo7kWFu6I/AAAAAAAAVv0/Ucadc5y_n5k/s500/Photo%25252020151121112111672.jpg" id="blogsy-1448130280138.8342" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3z9OP1nhSEA/VlCiMM_BwmI/AAAAAAAAVt8/CIrEktNbiVA/s2048/Photo%25252020151121105402470.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3z9OP1nhSEA/VlCiMM_BwmI/AAAAAAAAVt8/CIrEktNbiVA/s500/Photo%25252020151121105402470.jpg" id="blogsy-1448130280133.9033" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><p>I was joined on the tour by 2 women who were from, guess where? - Toronto, Canada. As I say that I realize that the majority of gringos I have met here are Canadians. I have been told that the number of Americans coming here reduced a lot after the 2008 downturn and maybe that is the reason, but in any case, I have not found a majority of Americans here, as I was expecting. Equally surprising, is that the majority of tourists seem to be Mexicans, mainly here on the weekends. I had not expected that either.</p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXSjes-O6nmMnepADYmeeTUA4VNQJhcjETEixV9erZXyi0pcs28LWsgAzOWhGmXciACyQejAra29jBKADW8R1ilOp3j8hnQTA6vMONk4Z111_RRSQjzwd7KIkg0n2FJj_gcYaDFBAbBdA/s2048/Photo%25252020151121105403153.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXSjes-O6nmMnepADYmeeTUA4VNQJhcjETEixV9erZXyi0pcs28LWsgAzOWhGmXciACyQejAra29jBKADW8R1ilOp3j8hnQTA6vMONk4Z111_RRSQjzwd7KIkg0n2FJj_gcYaDFBAbBdA/s500/Photo%25252020151121105403153.jpg" id="blogsy-1448130280110.8975" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="667"></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A greenhouse conservatory of Mexican plants, some of which are local to lower altitudes and in need of night time protection against cold.</td></tr></tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_9-i6DydPKc/VlCiuLM1zcI/AAAAAAAAVuE/GUqEDm32gM0/s2048/Photo%25252020151121105403584.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_9-i6DydPKc/VlCiuLM1zcI/AAAAAAAAVuE/GUqEDm32gM0/s500/Photo%25252020151121105403584.jpg" id="blogsy-1448130280176.2097" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The greenhouse - a conservatory of Mexican plants which are native</td></tr></tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHDPeeEntxC6RpSXowHh9r6hKHj7_Srxkaj_ThASscPJk3KlFuKI1uxGzxtEnPp7zmEtqWKoUFl1FU0uBsePICUujpUvZUWsC7sUS7Sba9Jd-4UuAN35QhDq9G4ZPj8hY3hMyHfFu0HN4/s2048/Photo%25252020151121112112071.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHDPeeEntxC6RpSXowHh9r6hKHj7_Srxkaj_ThASscPJk3KlFuKI1uxGzxtEnPp7zmEtqWKoUFl1FU0uBsePICUujpUvZUWsC7sUS7Sba9Jd-4UuAN35QhDq9G4ZPj8hY3hMyHfFu0HN4/s500/Photo%25252020151121112112071.jpg" id="blogsy-1448130280150.1772" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Plaza of the Four Winds</td></tr></tbody></table><p> This is a ceremonial place which overlooks the canyon. The aboriginal Mexican beliefs are intertwined with the Caltholic symbols here.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3f7FtooJFkk/VlCjYdzvIEI/AAAAAAAAVuQ/vmYfKn9VKdk/s2048/Photo%25252020151121105404785.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3f7FtooJFkk/VlCjYdzvIEI/AAAAAAAAVuQ/vmYfKn9VKdk/s500/Photo%25252020151121105404785.jpg" id="blogsy-1448130280190.1848" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2uRK1kJAYsg/VlCpUQZTJ3I/AAAAAAAAVwA/r9nYdr3NBK8/s2048/Photo%25252020151121112112752.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2uRK1kJAYsg/VlCpUQZTJ3I/AAAAAAAAVwA/r9nYdr3NBK8/s500/Photo%25252020151121112112752.jpg" id="blogsy-1448130280172.687" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="667"></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sorry, the morning was cloudy and the pics are not so good, will try to go back and retake these, if I can before I leave.</td></tr></tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vCu1y--sJEc/VlCpj5C9ySI/AAAAAAAAVwE/0DwqvDAeKzg/s2048/Photo%25252020151121112113237.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vCu1y--sJEc/VlCpj5C9ySI/AAAAAAAAVwE/0DwqvDAeKzg/s500/Photo%25252020151121112113237.jpg" id="blogsy-1448130280206.0476" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The suchil is replaced each year with a new one made by local aboriginals.</td></tr></tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Er8jSku-qNM/VlCjmYKGBXI/AAAAAAAAVuU/hZJ02z9FMnQ/s2048/Photo%25252020151121105405217.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Er8jSku-qNM/VlCjmYKGBXI/AAAAAAAAVuU/hZJ02z9FMnQ/s500/Photo%25252020151121105405217.jpg" id="blogsy-1448130280182.9368" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This structure is used as a solar observatory.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-l8HnujDcJfc/VlCj1YxcnGI/AAAAAAAAVuY/J2qtx91AsFo/s2048/Photo%25252020151121105405622.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-l8HnujDcJfc/VlCj1YxcnGI/AAAAAAAAVuY/J2qtx91AsFo/s500/Photo%25252020151121105405622.jpg" id="blogsy-1448130280167.415" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BfJZlqNVEh0/VlCpzjKto4I/AAAAAAAAVwM/fXuMDy8FXwg/s2048/Photo%25252020151121112113646.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BfJZlqNVEh0/VlCpzjKto4I/AAAAAAAAVwM/fXuMDy8FXwg/s500/Photo%25252020151121112113646.jpg" id="blogsy-1448130280193.4417" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><p> This display is to remember t<a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Iguala_mass_kidnapping" target="_self" title="">he 43 men who were kidnapped in 2014</a>. It reminds that Mexico is still a dangerous place, although SMA seems to be almost a Garden of Eden within its borders.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-B69dcJO5A1A/VlCkCsNI0PI/AAAAAAAAVuc/QOPDFBQwO44/s2048/Photo%25252020151121105406002.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-B69dcJO5A1A/VlCkCsNI0PI/AAAAAAAAVuc/QOPDFBQwO44/s500/Photo%25252020151121105406002.jpg" id="blogsy-1448130280118.697" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy6OECBQ2j45a5vC15r0D58x6n6gxtHt6Vaj2Odp-WeiA-O0NhmkoKWCbZRvp2n3Mf1MfZhiXT9UCmvcfVT9giMzGceeu6Vne-KBxrOKpBy52Wy3D0CHXZ-cIDvfMyERjOVeE0Vjv2t0o/s2048/Photo%25252020151121105406389.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy6OECBQ2j45a5vC15r0D58x6n6gxtHt6Vaj2Odp-WeiA-O0NhmkoKWCbZRvp2n3Mf1MfZhiXT9UCmvcfVT9giMzGceeu6Vne-KBxrOKpBy52Wy3D0CHXZ-cIDvfMyERjOVeE0Vjv2t0o/s500/Photo%25252020151121105406389.jpg" id="blogsy-1448130280153.5676" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You can walk across the cement dam to access the trails on the other side, as well as the "Ruinas de la Haciendas" which is sometimes used as a sweat lodge.</td></tr></tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSQ4YXXethFSc_avlrti05-iEUerHm5ZkG-ME__6E8Sd15HnC_Iwy-HcMDYx2MrFskKdiVYtuk77yuaxF70N0UP6lJci75GJqMiRNue5X8EEs8AHPUlEd0t1pPgoLKSpfVI-LEgPjjjFw/s2048/Photo%25252020151121105406798.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSQ4YXXethFSc_avlrti05-iEUerHm5ZkG-ME__6E8Sd15HnC_Iwy-HcMDYx2MrFskKdiVYtuk77yuaxF70N0UP6lJci75GJqMiRNue5X8EEs8AHPUlEd0t1pPgoLKSpfVI-LEgPjjjFw/s500/Photo%25252020151121105406798.jpg" id="blogsy-1448130280147.7131" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The watermill ruins</td></tr></tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;">Below the dam is an area which used to be an area of mill works from long ago.</td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The watermill ruins</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-at47VylYpzM/VlCkt5EX0oI/AAAAAAAAVu0/26j2qfTcW7U/s2048/Photo%25252020151121105407184.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-at47VylYpzM/VlCkt5EX0oI/AAAAAAAAVu0/26j2qfTcW7U/s500/Photo%25252020151121105407184.jpg" id="blogsy-1448130280198.1956" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><p> There is an annual concert in this area at spring equinox time, taking advantage of the natural amphitheater .</p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2tKqns-peh4/VlCqFa1prLI/AAAAAAAAVwQ/wyagmYjtFjA/s2048/Photo%25252020151121112114059.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2tKqns-peh4/VlCqFa1prLI/AAAAAAAAVwQ/wyagmYjtFjA/s500/Photo%25252020151121112114059.jpg" id="blogsy-1448130280171.2063" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking down into the the natural spring pool, "El Charco del Ingenios, after which the Park is named. </td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WGw05Egn0WQ/VlCqYVBjBII/AAAAAAAAVwY/J7ui0izVma4/s2048/Photo%25252020151121112114509.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WGw05Egn0WQ/VlCqYVBjBII/AAAAAAAAVwY/J7ui0izVma4/s500/Photo%25252020151121112114509.jpg" id="blogsy-1448130280161.3784" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BGfKOI4lnbk/VlCqnaAjVnI/AAAAAAAAVwc/23qvNoAK8MM/s2048/Photo%25252020151121112114912.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BGfKOI4lnbk/VlCqnaAjVnI/AAAAAAAAVwc/23qvNoAK8MM/s500/Photo%25252020151121112114912.jpg" id="blogsy-1448130280194.2183" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a> </div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--ustVXB-Dt8/VlCq4vtlRjI/AAAAAAAAVwg/dWPZP-q7isU/s2048/Photo%25252020151121112115327.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--ustVXB-Dt8/VlCq4vtlRjI/AAAAAAAAVwg/dWPZP-q7isU/s500/Photo%25252020151121112115327.jpg" id="blogsy-1448130280161.519" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The big pipe called "tubo", which originally brought water down to the textile mills at Fabrica Aurora. </td></tr></tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bB7aSmGke6U/VlCrOGcEMRI/AAAAAAAAVwk/E34kgt85prg/s2048/Photo%25252020151121112115762.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bB7aSmGke6U/VlCrOGcEMRI/AAAAAAAAVwk/E34kgt85prg/s500/Photo%25252020151121112115762.jpg" id="blogsy-1448130280127.8704" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Golden Barrel Cactus in the plant rescue area</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sLkS7pUbbbA/VlCrb2MOmTI/AAAAAAAAVw0/UxcmIfSWuL0/s2048/Photo%25252020151121112116181.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sLkS7pUbbbA/VlCrb2MOmTI/AAAAAAAAVw0/UxcmIfSWuL0/s500/Photo%25252020151121112116181.jpg" id="blogsy-1448130280210.8682" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"> </div><p> I have posted far more pictures than I had intended to and I have so many more of the plants I saw in the park, but enough is enough! Later that day, I went down to spend some time at the Art Walk at the Fabrica Aurora, but that will need to keep for another day.</p><p>I hope you are enjoying my little travelogue and for those staying with me at a distance, I will post again on Monday.</p><p> </p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07909913811643561413noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7478824927735716590.post-24003293510898945862015-11-20T12:32:00.001-08:002015-11-20T13:50:18.417-08:00Everyone Loves a Parade<p> Today there was a parade celebrating the 1910 War of Independence. I am not sure how these holidays work, Monday was holiday for that very event I thought, but the parade is today, apparently the day the War of Independence is celebrated on. When I looked up holidays celebrated in San Miguel to find out it said it was on Nov 20th. Interesting, I also found out that there are 50 <a href="http://vivasanmiguel.com/festivals_%20fiestas_sma.htm" target="_blank" title="">festival days in SMA</a> - More than I could even imagine, I guess my friends were not kidding when they said it seemed there was a long weekend just about every week.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"> I was amazed at how many youth were marching in the parade, however when my friend Susan pointed out that the average age of a Sanmiguelenese is 18, then it made sense. 40% of the population of 59,000, the population which live in the city proper, are under 15. Every school and youth clubs, such as martial arts and gymnastics, seemed to be represented.The parade was made up just about entirely of these youth groups, well except one small group of abuelas (grandmothers) and a few police on motorcycles heading the parade.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-H5_Hl4NOLy0/Vk-BT6Utj1I/AAAAAAAAVr0/yFOO2BX2YLE/s2048/Photo%25252020151120142235782.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-H5_Hl4NOLy0/Vk-BT6Utj1I/AAAAAAAAVr0/yFOO2BX2YLE/s500/Photo%25252020151120142235782.jpg" id="blogsy-1448056143790.212" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiClg8m0vS7seg55_InCVsPXVZb4FvrGkNBwwS064clj22ATwKfx7E4pgVRxyafGuQwBEXeWv96aop_Zq4FG_VJuWnmOe_meaRVO7JRzkGCEvb3QhbyQKEwM2pkKXmp_NtKlo5FOPranNo/s2048/Photo%25252020151120152626666.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiClg8m0vS7seg55_InCVsPXVZb4FvrGkNBwwS064clj22ATwKfx7E4pgVRxyafGuQwBEXeWv96aop_Zq4FG_VJuWnmOe_meaRVO7JRzkGCEvb3QhbyQKEwM2pkKXmp_NtKlo5FOPranNo/s500/Photo%25252020151120152626666.jpg" id="blogsy-1448056143850.5723" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3Rp75u9P1w0/Vk-QgGu6GMI/AAAAAAAAVtQ/-qolqg8Bkuk/s2048/Photo%25252020151120152627121.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3Rp75u9P1w0/Vk-QgGu6GMI/AAAAAAAAVtQ/-qolqg8Bkuk/s500/Photo%25252020151120152627121.jpg" id="blogsy-1448056143862.5908" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;">The group would walk a bit, then stop and perform their "show", dancing, drumming, gymnastics, skipping and baton twirling. The parade moved slowly as each group moved 100 paces or so and then repeated their routine. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yN1H38m7nZ4/Vk-Qu1pRNqI/AAAAAAAAVtY/ZNaQg5qhyr4/s2048/Photo%25252020151120152627520.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yN1H38m7nZ4/Vk-Qu1pRNqI/AAAAAAAAVtY/ZNaQg5qhyr4/s500/Photo%25252020151120152627520.jpg" id="blogsy-1448056143805.5073" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kTfTK-dZfgY/Vk-Q7d6bYjI/AAAAAAAAVtg/5b9qdsPk8rk/s2048/Photo%25252020151120152627914.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kTfTK-dZfgY/Vk-Q7d6bYjI/AAAAAAAAVtg/5b9qdsPk8rk/s500/Photo%25252020151120152627914.jpg" id="blogsy-1448056143792.3247" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HNpWlCMRkN0/Vk-BieM32GI/AAAAAAAAVr8/sjBvx79GGn4/s2048/Photo%25252020151120142236326.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HNpWlCMRkN0/Vk-BieM32GI/AAAAAAAAVr8/sjBvx79GGn4/s500/Photo%25252020151120142236326.jpg" id="blogsy-1448056143842.1675" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"> A favourite costume was a revolutionary, gun in hand, bullet clips on shoulder belts.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-er5aFdGNh8U/Vk-BvgUFhhI/AAAAAAAAVsE/wSPTsnWgpkU/s2048/Photo%25252020151120142236720.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-er5aFdGNh8U/Vk-BvgUFhhI/AAAAAAAAVsE/wSPTsnWgpkU/s500/Photo%25252020151120142236720.jpg" id="blogsy-1448056143813.275" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4kA6XyB456Y/Vk-B9zSnYnI/AAAAAAAAVsM/qNGqi7IDFF8/s2048/Photo%25252020151120142237129.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4kA6XyB456Y/Vk-B9zSnYnI/AAAAAAAAVsM/qNGqi7IDFF8/s500/Photo%25252020151120142237129.jpg" id="blogsy-1448056143815.452" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;">There was even a group dressed in their football uniforms, as if ready for a game.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nD9M5PAS0xA/Vk-CMCbvrvI/AAAAAAAAVsU/tfmQsBTpU2k/s2048/Photo%25252020151120142237515.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nD9M5PAS0xA/Vk-CMCbvrvI/AAAAAAAAVsU/tfmQsBTpU2k/s500/Photo%25252020151120142237515.jpg" id="blogsy-1448056143796.9727" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"> Not sure what the board carrying paraders were all about.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7gLI8Ji-nF4/Vk-Cba-DMuI/AAAAAAAAVsc/Wr6Y2K9ndyw/s2048/Photo%25252020151120142237923.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7gLI8Ji-nF4/Vk-Cba-DMuI/AAAAAAAAVsc/Wr6Y2K9ndyw/s500/Photo%25252020151120142237923.jpg" id="blogsy-1448056143825.1538" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><p> There were a group on horses, the ladies In their finery, riding side saddle. This little girl was particularly cute.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wc92sBlhnnQ/Vk-CsO0FfGI/AAAAAAAAVsk/qBMdvM3gWbE/s2048/Photo%25252020151120142238352.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wc92sBlhnnQ/Vk-CsO0FfGI/AAAAAAAAVsk/qBMdvM3gWbE/s500/Photo%25252020151120142238352.jpg" id="blogsy-1448056143865.0686" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><p> The older University students were toward the end of the parade. Interesting - all dressed up and ready to fight a war. The older students either paraded as revolutionaries or they paraded as students - performing choreographed dancing to North American pop tunes as if they were being filmed for a music video,</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DJvqk9B5OrM/Vk-C5lLhauI/AAAAAAAAVss/vFEvPigbR8Y/s2048/Photo%25252020151120142238737.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DJvqk9B5OrM/Vk-C5lLhauI/AAAAAAAAVss/vFEvPigbR8Y/s500/Photo%25252020151120142238737.jpg" id="blogsy-1448056143777.318" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><p> Little kids in daycare were glued to the sights.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HffGOlOPs2c/Vk-DJMeOfyI/AAAAAAAAVs0/k0p6htgVVh4/s2048/Photo%25252020151120142239139.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HffGOlOPs2c/Vk-DJMeOfyI/AAAAAAAAVs0/k0p6htgVVh4/s500/Photo%25252020151120142239139.jpg" id="blogsy-1448056143829.7317" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><p> There were several princesses on top of cars.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mCPYVR6VPrs/Vk-DaL8CpII/AAAAAAAAVs8/j9PPvDGa80U/s2048/Photo%25252020151120142239553.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mCPYVR6VPrs/Vk-DaL8CpII/AAAAAAAAVs8/j9PPvDGa80U/s500/Photo%25252020151120142239553.jpg" id="blogsy-1448056143856.9902" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><p> The staging area where the older students were waiting their turn to parade. The parade lasted about 3 hours, which is impressive given that it was entirely youth groups.</p><p>Tomorrow I will blog about my tour around the Botanica Jardin and Reserva and the other things which have kept me busy since my last blog. The parade today kind of sidetracked me from my planned topic.</p><p> </p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07909913811643561413noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7478824927735716590.post-86698675334331990022015-11-17T13:25:00.001-08:002015-11-17T13:39:07.648-08:00Trying to Settle into a Bit Slower Routine<p> Since Sunday the weather has heated up a fair bit and today I have been enjoying time just sitting in the sun and reading, at least for a bit of the day rather than my usual dashing about. But time is marching so I thought I had better get a bit of a blog written and get on to my other writing.</p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Rkad4gMZLzI/VkuVyY8mRPI/AAAAAAAAVqA/FHr3EmTYXGM/s2048/Photo%25252020151117150056688.jpg" target="_blank" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><font color="#000000"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Rkad4gMZLzI/VkuVyY8mRPI/AAAAAAAAVqA/FHr3EmTYXGM/s500/Photo%25252020151117150056688.jpg" id="blogsy-1447796333251.0688" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></font></a><br></p><p>On Sunday, after my day's writing was finished, I got out for a walk to the Mega Store (the large grocery store I visited on my second day here), and picked up a few things with a mind to cook myself some dinner. I really didn't need much, but enjoyed the walk as I did a big circle tour around town. It is a long weekend here for Mexicans - apparently they have a lot of those, and at those times Mexican visitors come to town for the weekend from Mexico City and even further afield. The Plaza Principal was really crowded and so I did not stop long in that area. Instead, I visited the Artisanal market and spent a fair bit of time wandering through shops with crafts looking at locally made items, thinking about what I might like to bring home. </p><p>Once I got to my casita, I made a great pasta dish and some cream of broccoli soup for dinner, the second half of which waits in the fridge destined for today's main meal. Broccoli soup is dead easy to make when you have a blender and it is great that the Casa is equipped with one, so I can make cream soups as well as smoothies.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWWdmXM4ClqDms5jbok5Bbwl7Op3T-YE_XtwwUiglia4xPGXhyBRo4wRQySlTiuxjKBG6Oz5S1go6Tvk_X1B8HHhSd2EEAblQ8DEeB0WSC9deH8SXWoKwnytpuhtr47kupZE6Mj2spOvc/s2048/Photo%25252020151117150057330.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWWdmXM4ClqDms5jbok5Bbwl7Op3T-YE_XtwwUiglia4xPGXhyBRo4wRQySlTiuxjKBG6Oz5S1go6Tvk_X1B8HHhSd2EEAblQ8DEeB0WSC9deH8SXWoKwnytpuhtr47kupZE6Mj2spOvc/s500/Photo%25252020151117150057330.jpg" id="blogsy-1447796333267.3186" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="667"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;">On Monday I met a new friend for lunch and had the special,soup and sandwich, at the D'Martin Cafe across from the library. Good thing I enjoy broccoli soup as it was the soup of the day. I guess I will be eating that three days running with what I have left from my Sunday meal.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;">I met Sara at the film I attended at the library in my first week here. Since she summers in Toronto we decided to meet and chat for a longer time over lunch. I am making lots of new friends here, a surprising number of which are from Canada. Sara is not from Canada, but her partner is from Toronto, so she spends summers with him there. She has been visiting SMA for quite a few years.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jYcqR7q9oN0/VkuZIO3dYPI/AAAAAAAAVqU/4tad0Clt01M/s2048/Photo%25252020151117151458897.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jYcqR7q9oN0/VkuZIO3dYPI/AAAAAAAAVqU/4tad0Clt01M/s500/Photo%25252020151117151458897.jpg" id="blogsy-1447796333319.1235" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"> At the corner by the Library there were folks making and selling dried flower wreaths. The smaller ones could be worn around the head like a hat.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_etQ2M40otA/VkuZZGk8i8I/AAAAAAAAVqc/3pUquypU3WE/s2048/Photo%25252020151117151459322.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_etQ2M40otA/VkuZZGk8i8I/AAAAAAAAVqc/3pUquypU3WE/s500/Photo%25252020151117151459322.jpg" id="blogsy-1447796333337.4482" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><p>After lunch, I went for a long walk to work off some calories before dinner and then a bunch of us met at the Café Monet for their Monday night film special, where they serve up a fixed price dinner, salad, main, and dessert as well as a glass of wine and a coffee for only 200 pesos. All this and a movie too. The place was packed and they do this every Monday night. This week's movie was <a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trainwreck_(film)" target="_blank" title="">Train Wreck</a>, a baudy romantic comedy, written by and starring Amy Schumer. Excellent movie and fun night out with a bunch of new friends.</p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Q7IRM1YZQiU/VkuZpMJ2rCI/AAAAAAAAVqk/gGGAbdAOHuI/s2048/Photo%25252020151117151459746.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Q7IRM1YZQiU/VkuZpMJ2rCI/AAAAAAAAVqk/gGGAbdAOHuI/s500/Photo%25252020151117151459746.jpg" id="blogsy-1447796333261.8528" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This Casa is on my street. Look up in the balcony at the tree.</td></tr></tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mJIlsebVirs/VkuZ6b7wV_I/AAAAAAAAVqs/ybqDOeiECec/s2048/Photo%25252020151117151500212.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mJIlsebVirs/VkuZ6b7wV_I/AAAAAAAAVqs/ybqDOeiECec/s500/Photo%25252020151117151500212.jpg" id="blogsy-1447796333310.1377" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Imagine having pomegranates growing on your balcony!</td></tr></tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HIkoZtF3LT8/VkuaLfbaN1I/AAAAAAAAVq0/ylIMyGiddPA/s2048/Photo%25252020151117151500628.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HIkoZtF3LT8/VkuaLfbaN1I/AAAAAAAAVq0/ylIMyGiddPA/s500/Photo%25252020151117151500628.jpg" id="blogsy-1447796333343.2214" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This cell tower installation was hidden behind a wall. - look up!</td></tr></tbody></table><p> </p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mBky1Z4Jdj4/VkuaWbIOGuI/AAAAAAAAVq8/aM9JOzAm7yE/s2048/Photo%25252020151117151501302.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mBky1Z4Jdj4/VkuaWbIOGuI/AAAAAAAAVq8/aM9JOzAm7yE/s500/Photo%25252020151117151501302.jpg" id="blogsy-1447796333306.215" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="667"></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is what was hiding the cell tower! An artificial pine tree!</td></tr></tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GUjxcW6k8PM/Vkuakk3H75I/AAAAAAAAVrA/Ho-_L_jg1qc/s2048/Photo%25252020151117151501701.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GUjxcW6k8PM/Vkuakk3H75I/AAAAAAAAVrA/Ho-_L_jg1qc/s500/Photo%25252020151117151501701.jpg" id="blogsy-1447796333283.7705" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Poinsettias growing in the Parque Juárez. </td></tr></tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqYDerWY5SQQfk0hCplVF6NJGLoI3ppLmJoGX0lF0R-jBNjNdnjzyxog6Q-7fQfnEUP1kFqyDGxjI8M0OXIJ9jC4AXf24eZmjf_NyJQGfgX17AmOLozYelZ0vaXVFS9d8PqUiRtR02ehQ/s2048/Photo%25252020151117151502377.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqYDerWY5SQQfk0hCplVF6NJGLoI3ppLmJoGX0lF0R-jBNjNdnjzyxog6Q-7fQfnEUP1kFqyDGxjI8M0OXIJ9jC4AXf24eZmjf_NyJQGfgX17AmOLozYelZ0vaXVFS9d8PqUiRtR02ehQ/s500/Photo%25252020151117151502377.jpg" id="blogsy-1447796333290.1348" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="667"></a> </td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Interesting sculpture at Parque Juárez </td></tr></tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bbcz2clShZI/VkubI6jmDyI/AAAAAAAAVrY/0OHUgAKa_94/s2048/Photo%25252020151117151503019.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bbcz2clShZI/VkubI6jmDyI/AAAAAAAAVrY/0OHUgAKa_94/s500/Photo%25252020151117151503019.jpg" id="blogsy-1447796333289.0176" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="667"></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I always scan the real estate advertisements</td></tr></tbody></table><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivtH3K3NjTglpqqVTne3DOJkFogvUcgQPac4I-r_bIfCOPW9C-_TbFNxeizchLQM8g1AiTug2AV2R1kJOXyKs2spjgtNOE4ZlcOR5uPGne_J37McinisJ2EZqbh41WSlebP5I_kwVl_xw/s2048/Photo%25252020151117151503399.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivtH3K3NjTglpqqVTne3DOJkFogvUcgQPac4I-r_bIfCOPW9C-_TbFNxeizchLQM8g1AiTug2AV2R1kJOXyKs2spjgtNOE4ZlcOR5uPGne_J37McinisJ2EZqbh41WSlebP5I_kwVl_xw/s500/Photo%25252020151117151503399.jpg" id="blogsy-1447796333272.3416" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><p> My next blog will be on Friday</p><p> </p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07909913811643561413noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7478824927735716590.post-40950998869854314992015-11-15T09:56:00.001-08:002015-11-15T12:42:29.604-08:00Saturday - Just Another Day in Paradise!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-u0j-fatRWuc/VkjECOW738I/AAAAAAAAVnM/y-sVrIf5UFg/s2048/Photo%25252020151115114035233.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-u0j-fatRWuc/VkjECOW738I/AAAAAAAAVnM/y-sVrIf5UFg/s500/Photo%25252020151115114035233.jpg" id="blogsy-1447619664492.8376" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"> Yesterday afternoon I went on a walk with Marc and Sue up to the Balcones section of town, high on the ridge overlooking the town and then on to the Botanical Garden and large tract of land known as El Charco Del Ingenio - over 167 acres of nature preserve, which I will be touring next Thursday. We all just wanted to get out and walk, and since I had not been up there before it was a great way to orient myself on the area, get a personal tour and commentary as well as go to see the building lot that they had purchased. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghkEUPaIaH0Ls73Z-lB8cqQToJuxbAlx1c0UMGNNP4B0uFM2x_2vsVXhkT2DyzL3CpdvtiAgkovEB8GJb_jN5gGIEp5Ze7xJ_uurV0vYqom9AcODs3axY15-eCmPISSUW2TP0KXSn40-U/s2048/Photo%25252020151115114035610.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghkEUPaIaH0Ls73Z-lB8cqQToJuxbAlx1c0UMGNNP4B0uFM2x_2vsVXhkT2DyzL3CpdvtiAgkovEB8GJb_jN5gGIEp5Ze7xJ_uurV0vYqom9AcODs3axY15-eCmPISSUW2TP0KXSn40-U/s500/Photo%25252020151115114035610.jpg" id="blogsy-1447619664491.4758" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;">Marc and Sue's lot is an infill in an existing subdivision. It is not on the edge of the canyon, but one street back. Their plans to elevate the structure, making the roof top patio on what would be the 3rd floor, will provide a view over the lower buildings in front of their lot. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OqGC7hP13Is/VkjEZ8a-wdI/AAAAAAAAVnc/8h2RDC8o6Xk/s2048/Photo%25252020151115114035997.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OqGC7hP13Is/VkjEZ8a-wdI/AAAAAAAAVnc/8h2RDC8o6Xk/s500/Photo%25252020151115114035997.jpg" id="blogsy-1447619664474.8652" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;">The canyon is within the El Charco lands, but the large home seen within it was grandfathered, since it was built before the Reserve lands were assembled. There is a spring fed pool/reservoir up there and you can see the pipe leading down the canyon to the Fabrica Aurora, which was originally a textile mill, powered from the water surging down this pipe.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kg-Nma2rehQ/VkjEjCulvvI/AAAAAAAAVnk/WZ3GCop-a08/s2048/Photo%25252020151115114036401.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kg-Nma2rehQ/VkjEjCulvvI/AAAAAAAAVnk/WZ3GCop-a08/s500/Photo%25252020151115114036401.jpg" id="blogsy-1447619664425.5847" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhSbOYb2paOt3a5rhvY7txY_FoA-GzfzbSVPkgORE3P5R2rUQSoLxd5ptaFV9RXOILA6c8zDQRiyR5SyCjFJBe2N_q_2G4OKu-QLe3bS6pOsqP9eWezhUxKy5X-4Pxv22nCFEIV_IB08g/s2048/Photo%25252020151115114036803.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhSbOYb2paOt3a5rhvY7txY_FoA-GzfzbSVPkgORE3P5R2rUQSoLxd5ptaFV9RXOILA6c8zDQRiyR5SyCjFJBe2N_q_2G4OKu-QLe3bS6pOsqP9eWezhUxKy5X-4Pxv22nCFEIV_IB08g/s500/Photo%25252020151115114036803.jpg" id="blogsy-1447619664498.6292" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"> The homes which are in front of their building lot are not high and will not obstruct their views to the west.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_SgmIrmv9S6vwEHvpNUHcKEJ1vnx7n1I3vj9u_RLO-Bh_cjNWq4FJgw6gtf_A_BBH2hcTko-4YKITqVSzIqzhzKDzAR203v6ixfO0TLkSXTQAGSMvI-Z5UfthaztXZmsCAKzl6Wrzqss/s2048/Photo%25252020151115114037204.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_SgmIrmv9S6vwEHvpNUHcKEJ1vnx7n1I3vj9u_RLO-Bh_cjNWq4FJgw6gtf_A_BBH2hcTko-4YKITqVSzIqzhzKDzAR203v6ixfO0TLkSXTQAGSMvI-Z5UfthaztXZmsCAKzl6Wrzqss/s500/Photo%25252020151115114037204.jpg" id="blogsy-1447619664457.5105" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"> While the owners in Balcones are able to access the El Charco via a special gate, we walked up and around the canyon a bit until we reached the formal entrance to the Botanical gardens and reserve. We went inside to the little cafe and had a drink before heading back. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-I--KCjlA_sI/VkjFI1vOIXI/AAAAAAAAVn8/ast2-NxBWhg/s2048/Photo%25252020151115114037615.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-I--KCjlA_sI/VkjFI1vOIXI/AAAAAAAAVn8/ast2-NxBWhg/s500/Photo%25252020151115114037615.jpg" id="blogsy-1447619664461.846" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><p>On the way back, Marc and Sue pointed out the many places that they have rented for a time in the area and provided details about some of the homes which would be only known by a local. </p></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FVWtIj0Cuzg/VkjFSPb3nwI/AAAAAAAAVoE/lQIvJtjegjo/s2048/Photo%25252020151115114038002.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FVWtIj0Cuzg/VkjFSPb3nwI/AAAAAAAAVoE/lQIvJtjegjo/s500/Photo%25252020151115114038002.jpg" id="blogsy-1447619664407.1816" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"> We stopped in at a hotel with beautiful gardens, waterways and paths. It was built into the side of the hill. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HKaoxJnk_K8/VkjFiqisLFI/AAAAAAAAVoM/0NoXsWUcaIs/s2048/Photo%25252020151115114038420.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HKaoxJnk_K8/VkjFiqisLFI/AAAAAAAAVoM/0NoXsWUcaIs/s500/Photo%25252020151115114038420.jpg" id="blogsy-1447619664432.7954" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_2yLm4ESBAo/VkjFwuzSjwI/AAAAAAAAVoU/gLpqoAbYb_k/s2048/Photo%25252020151115114038826.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_2yLm4ESBAo/VkjFwuzSjwI/AAAAAAAAVoU/gLpqoAbYb_k/s500/Photo%25252020151115114038826.jpg" id="blogsy-1447619664448.457" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"> There were some very nice fountains and statues. In this fountain there are 2 bronze catfish swimming.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-H1wJgw9A6oc/VkjF_Y7pzqI/AAAAAAAAVoc/V_84pVZtW5E/s2048/Photo%25252020151115114039417.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-H1wJgw9A6oc/VkjF_Y7pzqI/AAAAAAAAVoc/V_84pVZtW5E/s500/Photo%25252020151115114039417.jpg" id="blogsy-1447619664445.924" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><p>A bronze girl doing her stretches. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dRllOd4Jpyc/VkjGPZUym-I/AAAAAAAAVok/DHHicc-OEFw/s2048/Photo%25252020151115114040134.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dRllOd4Jpyc/VkjGPZUym-I/AAAAAAAAVok/DHHicc-OEFw/s500/Photo%25252020151115114040134.jpg" id="blogsy-1447619664488.9146" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="667"></a></div><p>The hotel does a very good buffet breakfast and since the hotel is near some friends of Marc and Sue's, I suspect it can be arranged that we go there before I leave. The sound of fast running streams and waterfalls make this a very attractive place for auditory as well as visual senses.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiozm5mKk1ciojoQH7n5kI6WdRzfYa6TCUGmAyFLWuWiedTGMRf75EQRhMuNfqu0enOTHFU_A36zR9gfU7AvRs3iY9GCYysffi4rWJhe2E4EaDU9pTi47ALsOe3Wqw-EFXUP81HIYrVJ5A/s2048/Photo%25252020151115114040550.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiozm5mKk1ciojoQH7n5kI6WdRzfYa6TCUGmAyFLWuWiedTGMRf75EQRhMuNfqu0enOTHFU_A36zR9gfU7AvRs3iY9GCYysffi4rWJhe2E4EaDU9pTi47ALsOe3Wqw-EFXUP81HIYrVJ5A/s500/Photo%25252020151115114040550.jpg" id="blogsy-1447619664459.7693" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Vn4A8TJA2ws/VkjGxfK4LyI/AAAAAAAAVo0/J3cLyr4BsMA/s2048/Photo%25252020151115114040966.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Vn4A8TJA2ws/VkjGxfK4LyI/AAAAAAAAVo0/J3cLyr4BsMA/s500/Photo%25252020151115114040966.jpg" id="blogsy-1447619664437.9402" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7zApqWnNzmMsv-q19XioRGEn8bLfKADL5LdELGoDsRHfq4MVIurZ2OUF1QMTyE7WiI_8a2FqPlyVPGY0CGESRc-ugCdkQOpUxObk7JkyFwsyGlBQFp9_mm3KCWvYztfenMsrqtv-i1Po/s2048/Photo%25252020151115114041361.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7zApqWnNzmMsv-q19XioRGEn8bLfKADL5LdELGoDsRHfq4MVIurZ2OUF1QMTyE7WiI_8a2FqPlyVPGY0CGESRc-ugCdkQOpUxObk7JkyFwsyGlBQFp9_mm3KCWvYztfenMsrqtv-i1Po/s500/Photo%25252020151115114041361.jpg" id="blogsy-1447619664447.5498" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><p> As we carried on down the hill after leaving the hotel there was a castle like casa which apparently was used for parties. This is the tower part of the structure. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8SCXpBn8rPM/VkjHLiwwW7I/AAAAAAAAVpE/VbSHHHwSI_k/s2048/Photo%25252020151115114041765.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8SCXpBn8rPM/VkjHLiwwW7I/AAAAAAAAVpE/VbSHHHwSI_k/s500/Photo%25252020151115114041765.jpg" id="blogsy-1447619664455.753" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC84nFePv76PCvshzv0CSFgBInhmKBWL7EKwVBE4tyZBhLxB8AijjvuAh2T4bl2tkYVJYp79-zxvZ-eCne-pxctG9UUz4tBFcaufz158xQUx744guHHOfj6SrV2GOXhUPJKIM-OtPB11U/s2048/Photo%25252020151115114042138.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC84nFePv76PCvshzv0CSFgBInhmKBWL7EKwVBE4tyZBhLxB8AijjvuAh2T4bl2tkYVJYp79-zxvZ-eCne-pxctG9UUz4tBFcaufz158xQUx744guHHOfj6SrV2GOXhUPJKIM-OtPB11U/s500/Photo%25252020151115114042138.jpg" id="blogsy-1447619664472.253" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><p> The sunset was spectacular last night. Too bad we weren't still up high on the canyon at this point.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCaMollZrizTJ2Cq9vFFZEIfvwlME5OCb8X9makBITTqr0bNdFOyYYOM0ZBQRMW3UBv00UTNQCNqYjdY-KTFlK_K4iEqLyGJb4glcmk0QTdpWtd03D-CcRsnSIFwOHomD-f9UXFrJm5zY/s2048/Photo%25252020151115143328807.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCaMollZrizTJ2Cq9vFFZEIfvwlME5OCb8X9makBITTqr0bNdFOyYYOM0ZBQRMW3UBv00UTNQCNqYjdY-KTFlK_K4iEqLyGJb4glcmk0QTdpWtd03D-CcRsnSIFwOHomD-f9UXFrJm5zY/s500/Photo%25252020151115143328807.jpg" id="blogsy-1447619664475.5935" class="alignnone" width="500" height="375" alt=""></a></div><p> We met the Saturday night film group at La Bodega Restaurant and I had a decent steak along with two glasses of wine and an excellent piece of chocolate cake for 350 pesos. Afterwards, we went to Orin's home to watch a movie, as we did last Saturday. The movie, about a garbage man and a supermarket checkout clerk, was Finnish and described as a “completely charming anti-romcom, it's hilariously sad and wonderful.” It lived completely up to the billing and kept us in stitches with its deadpan serious and non stop smoking characters.</p><p>Today is the last of my longer daily multi photo blogs. My holiday is half over and I need to spend more time writing. Look for my next blog on Tuesday.</p><p>Adios!</p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07909913811643561413noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7478824927735716590.post-40797661766477803132015-11-13T14:08:00.001-08:002015-11-14T10:52:55.440-08:00The Graveyard, Dinner and Blues<p> Yesterday was another busy day here in paradise. After blogging and spending a small amount of time on my writing project, I headed out to walk. Next on my list of things to see was the Cemetery. </p><p> There are a great deal of cultural differences between Mexicans and gringos and one difference which I noticed upon my arrival was the reverence toward deceased relatives during the Day of the Dead. Marc and I had planned to go to the Cemetery the day after I arrived, on the 2nd day of the Festival, but there was such a line up to get in, we decided against it. He had told me about the riot of flowers and colour in the Mexican part of the cemetery and I wanted to get there while some of the shrines and flowers erected at that time were still there.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font color="#000000" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-szOF1sP4HEg/VkdO-t-pjzI/AAAAAAAAVkk/6LilLIB23Vk/s2048/Photo%25252020151114090831808.jpg" target="_blank" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-szOF1sP4HEg/VkdO-t-pjzI/AAAAAAAAVkk/6LilLIB23Vk/s500/Photo%25252020151114090831808.jpg" id="blogsy-1447527148317.567" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6QMABqNS71w/VkdpIh8KoaI/AAAAAAAAVl8/Pz0Fekt38ug/s2048/Photo%25252020151114110114919.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6QMABqNS71w/VkdpIh8KoaI/AAAAAAAAVl8/Pz0Fekt38ug/s500/Photo%25252020151114110114919.jpg" id="blogsy-1447527148339.4985" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">While there were about a dozen big garbage bags of dead flowers in evidence, put to the side waiting for pickup, there were still quite a lot of the gravesite tributes to be seen. Virtually every gravesite had been decorated, all with flowers, but many more were also decorated with banners, handmade signs and other items which the dead might appreciate. Most of the grave sites were tight together, the proximity to one another made more noticeable by the crypts, fences and plantings which I am sure made the mourners feel like the inhabitants </span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">had their own little plot of land, even while dead. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tTe0yVJstqM/VkdOt-DbSAI/AAAAAAAAVkc/QHwx3SHMOqQ/s2048/Photo%25252020151114090831371.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tTe0yVJstqM/VkdOt-DbSAI/AAAAAAAAVkc/QHwx3SHMOqQ/s500/Photo%25252020151114090831371.jpg" id="blogsy-1447527148279.407" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="667"></a></div><p> Even the poor, without means or perhaps family to pay for a headstone, crypt or even a little fence had visitors to decorate their gravesite with marigolds, the flower of choice.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2tiBHt1EO8g/VkdPPiPkPnI/AAAAAAAAVks/yE_XTESUGL8/s2048/Photo%25252020151114090832456.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2tiBHt1EO8g/VkdPPiPkPnI/AAAAAAAAVks/yE_XTESUGL8/s500/Photo%25252020151114090832456.jpg" id="blogsy-1447527148300.1484" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="667"></a></div><p> A very sad sight were the tiny, little graves, perhaps 2 feet by 1 foot, with melancholy inscriptions noting "Recuerdo de sus padres y abuelos" (Remembered by the parents and grandparents). While the little balloons on the string fence around the grave have deflated, the drinking boxes and pudding cup and water, left for the young one to enjoy on Day of the Dead, were still there.</p><p>I was also struck that no matter how many years ago the burial, there were tributes, some recent, some weeks old, showing evidence of visits to their deceased by family and friends. There is a family of flower sellers at the entrance to the cemetery (something I also noted at the Colon in Havana when I was there). People here visit their dead relatives regularly and their gravesites are important to them, enough to keep a flower seller in business. In Canada, not so much. While I was wandering the cemetery, I saw a Mexican family - father, mother and young son, enter the cemetery each with a bouquet of flowers in hand. They spent 10 minutes quietly at a grave placing flowers and then left. It wasn't a particularly new grave and it was over a week after Day of the Dead. It just seemed to be something this family did on a Friday morning.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-u02sRCoelIg/VkdPf2MMpGI/AAAAAAAAVk0/HdtOijRLj1s/s2048/Photo%25252020151114090832868.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-u02sRCoelIg/VkdPf2MMpGI/AAAAAAAAVk0/HdtOijRLj1s/s500/Photo%25252020151114090832868.jpg" id="blogsy-1447527148287.9436" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><p> In stark contrast, the gringo part of the cemetery was barren, bereft of flowers on all but a few graves. Here, orderly gravesites were carefully laid out in a straight line, evenly spaced, one little white headstone marking each grave. Where there was a bouquet of flowers, and a few graves had them, there was one tidy bouquet placed in a vessel, placed neatly in front of the headstone. No blast of colour here, nor marigolds strewn here and there just the carefully placed bouquet. It struck me that our deceased are planted and left, for the most part as many of us tend to think of the remains not something to visit, unless we are in the middle of our grief. Wouldn't our dead like to be cheered up like their Mexican neighbours? When I get home I will go see my parents and bring some marigolds to their graves.</p><p>Aside from the obvious visual difference between the two parts of the cemetery, I am told that there is another more practical difference. Apparently, the gringo part of the cemetery operates as we would expect, one pays a fee to buy and bury a loved one in a plot but not so for the Mexicans in the other part. For this section, it is more like a condominium and an annual fee must be paid to keep one's deceased in the ground or the cemetery operators can dig up the body and return it to you. This certainly wouldn't fly with gringos. I dare say my children would soon decide I would much rather have my ashes flung to the winds then burden them with this obligation.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM7BPJOwZU72qMfqS5eSd8KO0VnYKHgTGBWXzVPRPiI8zirA4vAQWEhpRhT8bzFDKhAzj1g8TzOf10-YlPEIhDq0kjA9QeDQgEOIwYtIY3jYaDErcjBZZg4uVL87w0pNeTRQNtfLaLDbg/s2048/Photo%25252020151114090833506.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM7BPJOwZU72qMfqS5eSd8KO0VnYKHgTGBWXzVPRPiI8zirA4vAQWEhpRhT8bzFDKhAzj1g8TzOf10-YlPEIhDq0kjA9QeDQgEOIwYtIY3jYaDErcjBZZg4uVL87w0pNeTRQNtfLaLDbg/s500/Photo%25252020151114090833506.jpg" id="blogsy-1447527148305.0117" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="667"></a></div><p> Another example of Mexican tree vs fence. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BI9LpjRvOOw/VkdP7BTBjZI/AAAAAAAAVlE/X_eGkWJrKbQ/s2048/Photo%25252020151114090833879.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BI9LpjRvOOw/VkdP7BTBjZI/AAAAAAAAVlE/X_eGkWJrKbQ/s500/Photo%25252020151114090833879.jpg" id="blogsy-1447527148313.3281" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><p> Next, I walked high up the hill to get some exercise and see the view. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fQt3Gfrt2ps/VkdpTZ7P4GI/AAAAAAAAVmE/fZopM3orfyE/s2048/Photo%25252020151114110115307.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fQt3Gfrt2ps/VkdpTZ7P4GI/AAAAAAAAVmE/fZopM3orfyE/s500/Photo%25252020151114110115307.jpg" id="blogsy-1447527148337.5388" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><p> On the way I went by the Plaza Civica and saw that there was what I think was a <a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quinceañera" target="_blank" title="">"Quinceañera" or 15th Birthday Mass/Celebration</a> , at the "Scallop shell church" (Templo de Nuestra Señiora de la Salud). As they came out of the church the young woman looked very petty in her long blue dress and the glowing parents stood by while a Mariachi band playing to the well dressed folks emerging from the church.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FRMPHuKWLsU/VkdpdWghIgI/AAAAAAAAVmM/uHSAol_t3no/s2048/Photo%25252020151114110115683.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FRMPHuKWLsU/VkdpdWghIgI/AAAAAAAAVmM/uHSAol_t3no/s500/Photo%25252020151114110115683.jpg" id="blogsy-1447527148365.0908" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gv6-OLcNr-s/VkdQIhaOzaI/AAAAAAAAVlM/wYK4wp5BHgE/s2048/Photo%25252020151114090834270.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gv6-OLcNr-s/VkdQIhaOzaI/AAAAAAAAVlM/wYK4wp5BHgE/s500/Photo%25252020151114090834270.jpg" id="blogsy-1447527148307.1025" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><p> I am surprised by the number of folks here who get around on ATV's. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4BkHTfgInpijKSA3L7SdG-zwlFi2QAabpJxLu4LfGX6B0HoDMD2gNxEYt-JezvFtWo9sSc0rOIXTBPKlrSViP8TotmCRSnMLWWKbFx9Wow2FD92cHqFaqJ8EHs__iXORvRPgG4OzPCAk/s2048/Photo%25252020151114110116332.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4BkHTfgInpijKSA3L7SdG-zwlFi2QAabpJxLu4LfGX6B0HoDMD2gNxEYt-JezvFtWo9sSc0rOIXTBPKlrSViP8TotmCRSnMLWWKbFx9Wow2FD92cHqFaqJ8EHs__iXORvRPgG4OzPCAk/s500/Photo%25252020151114110116332.jpg" id="blogsy-1447527148343.3853" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="667"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-auEB9CwbGEU/Vkdp2vADjbI/AAAAAAAAVmc/_LgXg-PfFg4/s2048/Photo%25252020151114110116732.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-auEB9CwbGEU/Vkdp2vADjbI/AAAAAAAAVmc/_LgXg-PfFg4/s500/Photo%25252020151114110116732.jpg" id="blogsy-1447527148338.594" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"> Dinner last night was at Vivali, across from the Bellas Artes, where we were going to see Danny Marks later in the evening. There were 9 of us in all - more friends of Marc and Sue, including a couple from Ottawa and another from Kingston. They was also a permanent resident who originally was from California and a weekend "visitor" from El Paso, who was here to teach tango at some workshops over the weekend. I am having great difficulty in keeping all their friends names and origins straight in my mind. They seem to know almost everybody and every bit of local news. I had a reasonably good pasta dinner (penne y salmon) and a couple of glasses of wine for just under 300 pesos. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;">We had chosen the restaurant because it was across the street from the concert venue. At 7:30 we rushed over to find seats at the first come, first served seating. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rU9c8OzBPCo/VkdqBWfzFlI/AAAAAAAAVmk/0oaI15X-_4c/s2048/Photo%25252020151114110117209.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rU9c8OzBPCo/VkdqBWfzFlI/AAAAAAAAVmk/0oaI15X-_4c/s500/Photo%25252020151114110117209.jpg" id="blogsy-1447527148355.1057" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"> I provided <a href="http://peggysbucketlistadventures.blogspot.mx/2015/11/time-to-write-jazz-and-history-of.html" target="_blank" title="">background to Danny Marks in my earlier blo</a>g, so won't repeat it here. I was expecting great blues and a great showman, and I wasn't disappointed. It was especially good, considering that Danny did not have his band with him, the accompanying musicians were found locally. Two were gringos originally from Canada and two were Mexican. With only one practice session under their belt, the music was tight and they seemed to have a great time up on stage as well. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rlZL8FXGEyk/VkdQhw1Y8mI/AAAAAAAAVlc/xuqJp9i3dvA/s2048/Photo%25252020151114090835311.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rlZL8FXGEyk/VkdQhw1Y8mI/AAAAAAAAVlc/xuqJp9i3dvA/s500/Photo%25252020151114090835311.jpg" id="blogsy-1447527148301.971" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-d3EH7Ft7jDk/VkdQs7KbBwI/AAAAAAAAVlk/mgikkPENJT4/s2048/Photo%25252020151114090835903.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-d3EH7Ft7jDk/VkdQs7KbBwI/AAAAAAAAVlk/mgikkPENJT4/s500/Photo%25252020151114090835903.jpg" id="blogsy-1447527148291.7644" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><p> One of the musicians, David Bingham, was in the 60s a member of the Toronto band "<a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Ugly_Ducklings_(band)" target="_blank" title="">The Ugly Ducklings"</a>. In addition to accompanying Danny on harmonica he also did one excellent solo. The Ugly Ducklings had the distinction of opening for the Rolling Stones at a concert in Toronto. In addition, 2 of the band's singles have ranked among the top 100 Canadian band's singles by CBC radio's 2007 and 2010 compilations. I had thought that I perhaps had heard David perform at a club/restaurant in Collingwood, but after a bit of research, I think not. While there is a lot of good music of this sort in Collingwood/Blue Mountain, Ontario this would have been too much of a coincidence.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LIw3ZZnSh4Y/VkdzdOFjBUI/AAAAAAAAVm0/ng1wWv393vc/s2048/Photo%25252020151114114540920.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LIw3ZZnSh4Y/VkdzdOFjBUI/AAAAAAAAVm0/ng1wWv393vc/s500/Photo%25252020151114114540920.jpg" id="blogsy-1447527148369.529" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><p>I have decided that SMA must be to Mexico City as <a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Collingwood,_Ontario" target="_blank" title="">Collingwood</a> / <a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Blue_Mountains,_Ontario" target="_blank" title="">Blue Mountain</a> is to Toronto. They are a lot of Mexicans with 2nd homes in SMA, just as Torontonians have 2nd homes in our well known year round vacation spot 2 hours north. I have a property in Collingwood and have spent many weekends and holidays there over the last 10 years. These communities, about 10 minutes apart by car, have a good number of resident retirees with time on their hands plus and equal contingent of weekenders and seasonal visitors looking for things to do. As a consequence there is an abundance of events available- literary, cultural, artistic and also philanthropic, just as in SMA. There is also seasonal activities there (boating and swimming in summer and skiing and snowshoeing in winter), of course not available in San Miguel. While there is a similarity in community focus and the transient nature of both inhabitants, there are some bonus differences making SMA an excellent spot for those not into either of these seasonal sports; i.e. Mexican culture and architecture, lower cost of living, and a superb climate - year round.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4nbZ2XBacnU/VkdQxCwKHFI/AAAAAAAAVls/A4T_odLXpAQ/s2015/Photo%25252020151114090835951.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4nbZ2XBacnU/VkdQxCwKHFI/AAAAAAAAVls/A4T_odLXpAQ/s500/Photo%25252020151114090835951.jpg" id="blogsy-1447527148336.9863" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="208"></a></div><p>Yesterday's weather was a bit cooler, cloudy and it only got up to 21 degrees. As you can see from the screen capture from my weather app, next week we shall have temps in the high 20 and night time lows of around 13-14 - fine by me. Apparently the weather here is so perfect as to need neither central heating (although most use space heaters or fireplaces for night times in Dec/Jan) nor air conditioning.</p><p>As I write my blog today I have been frequently pulled away with thoughts and TV news about what has happened in Paris last night and continues today. My thoughts and prayers are with those hurt and the families and friends of those who were killed and with Parisians in particular who must now feel unsafe conducting even their everyday activities. We need to figure out a way through this terror and tame ISIS. I would hope we as a society can find a way to end this war (yes, it is now war!),without ostracizing innocent Moslems and Syrians and refugees seeking refuge or worse, like we did to people of German and Japanese background in America and Canada during WWII.</p><p> </p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07909913811643561413noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7478824927735716590.post-48990320669673684392015-11-13T07:40:00.001-08:002015-11-13T12:12:28.060-08:00The Dinners and Events Continue...<p> A little bit of catch up is is in order. Yesterday morning, when I would otherwise be writing my blog, I went to walk a golf course - yes walk! Marc was having his annual game of golf with a friend and since Sue doesn't golf she had planned to tag along and accompany just for the exercise. Of course, a good walk appealed to me and since their friend Bill was someone I had already met - we had dinner with on my 2nd night in town - I felt comfortable tagging along.</p><p>It was a nice opportunity to get out of the centre of town and into open spaces to walk.</p><p>I had earlier planned to walk yesterday up to the botanical gardens for the English language tour of the El Charro Del Ingenio and then to the Art Walk at the Fabrica Aurora, both of which only happen on Thursdays, but I had forgotten the golf plans, so I guess that will be for next week.</p><p>So starting where if left off on Wed, I humbly submit my catch up report. :)</p><p>I spend most of Wednesday at home blogging, catching up on emails and doing some tweaking of my investments that wouldn't wait until December. I am on my home condominium Board of Directors and there were some things to be dealt which took up a bit of time also. So it was rather late in the afternoon when I got out for a wander. </p><p> I did manage enough time to do a big circle walk around town counter clockwise returning via the market north of Marc and Sue's place, "Mercado San Juan de Dios" which I visited last Saturday. I was pleased to find my way through it and then little laneway to the Life Path Centre, "Riconada de la Aldea", in the opposite direction without getting lost. No pictures, as you have seen them in earlier blogs.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-45VG75rHoV4/VkY7jJXJbmI/AAAAAAAAVj0/-vXTOyjYdpM/s2048/Photo%25252020151113133458042.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-45VG75rHoV4/VkY7jJXJbmI/AAAAAAAAVj0/-vXTOyjYdpM/s500/Photo%25252020151113133458042.jpg" id="blogsy-1447444953024.3555" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><p>Wednesday night we went out to dinner at a little place called La Fontera in Plaza Pueblito to the south of my casita. There were 7 of us for the weekly steak night special. Interesting people and excellent steak! The prix fixe dinner included salad, steak, potato, veggies and an ice cream for only 150 pesos. A good time was had by all, with lots of chuckles generated by Colin, whose dry British wit and puny puns and innuendos made for a fun time.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-B79SpNpcmX4/VkYOx9C1p-I/AAAAAAAAVjU/eD3WNrHvD5k/s2048/Photo%25252020151113102349217.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-B79SpNpcmX4/VkYOx9C1p-I/AAAAAAAAVjU/eD3WNrHvD5k/s500/Photo%25252020151113102349217.jpg" id="blogsy-1447444952974.5874" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><p>At the crack of dawn (ok, not as early as that - about 8:30), Marc and Sue and I ventured forth by cab (50 pesos) to the gated community/<a href="http://www.worldgolf.com/courses/mexico/guanajuato/club-de-golf-malanquin.html" target="_blank" title="">golf course Malanquin</a>. It is one of the 2 golf courses in the SMA area. For those thinking of coming to SMA, it is a good deal when compared to a similar caliber clubs at home with membership fees in the 10k range. Caddies are obligatory, aside from carrying clubs, keeping score and helping with advice on the tricky bits on the course, they carry little buckets of what looked to me like a soil/perlite mix to fill in any divots you may take out with a swing. Luckily, golf carts, on the other hand are not obligatory. It was good to get out and walk the 18 hole course and admire the countryside.</p></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6TGs2AWvXgg/VkYC28N0m8I/AAAAAAAAViE/5wLhKF6RVfE/s2048/Photo%25252020151113093204416.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6TGs2AWvXgg/VkYC28N0m8I/AAAAAAAAViE/5wLhKF6RVfE/s500/Photo%25252020151113093204416.jpg" id="blogsy-1447444952982.127" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VPmyiYrMn4Y/VkYDDuMxBuI/AAAAAAAAViM/aLGqV6SRvP4/s2048/Photo%25252020151113093204780.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VPmyiYrMn4Y/VkYDDuMxBuI/AAAAAAAAViM/aLGqV6SRvP4/s500/Photo%25252020151113093204780.jpg" id="blogsy-1447444953037.3992" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ckwgpavI4OY/VkYDOJ4Q-xI/AAAAAAAAViU/F2Ol8wQcxaY/s2048/Photo%25252020151113093205158.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ckwgpavI4OY/VkYDOJ4Q-xI/AAAAAAAAViU/F2Ol8wQcxaY/s500/Photo%25252020151113093205158.jpg" id="blogsy-1447444953022.3972" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_0ZL0Hb6DxQ/VkYDdoDE8aI/AAAAAAAAVic/weGoidDixOE/s2048/Photo%25252020151113093205579.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_0ZL0Hb6DxQ/VkYDdoDE8aI/AAAAAAAAVic/weGoidDixOE/s500/Photo%25252020151113093205579.jpg" id="blogsy-1447444953032.7234" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"> The "<a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Opuntia" target="_blank" title="">Prickly Pear", or "Tuna" cactus</a> trees were in abundance and all had pretty displays of fruit. The plant is edible. The young pads (leaves) of the cactus are used as a veg and the pears are used to make Aguas frescas, a lightly alcoholic fruit drink.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wuv6___qYHo/VkYDsfAHodI/AAAAAAAAVik/7eDUvmPEYu4/s2048/Photo%25252020151113093205980.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wuv6___qYHo/VkYDsfAHodI/AAAAAAAAVik/7eDUvmPEYu4/s500/Photo%25252020151113093205980.jpg" id="blogsy-1447444953014.0315" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><p> Mexico is where our monarch butterflys come to escape the Canadian winter. Their arrival is in early November coincides with the Day of the Dead and there are celebrations for the Monarchs here at that time also. Mexico has several <a href="http://www.visitmexico.com/en/michoacan-where-monarch-butterflies-migrate" target="_blank" title="">Monarch Reserves.</a> From reading the wiki articles on the Monarch and their overwintering sites, it sounds like something well worth seeing, but it seems a bit far south of SMA for a day trip. We saw this butterfly on the golf course fairway. After doing a bit of <a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monarch_butterfly_migration" target="_blank" title="">research on the migration</a> I was surprised to learn that it takes 5 months and 5 generations to make the journey north as each mature monarch only lives 2-5 weeks during the breeding season! Not sure exactly how that works as it takes 25 days for an egg laid enroute to become an adult monarch. Overwintering adult monarchs do not breed and spend their days mostly roosting at the tops of trees in clusters with other monarchs. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4gulVff91AQ/VkYD7KVjQoI/AAAAAAAAVis/etmx6g03Xks/s2048/Photo%25252020151113093206497.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4gulVff91AQ/VkYD7KVjQoI/AAAAAAAAVis/etmx6g03Xks/s500/Photo%25252020151113093206497.jpg" id="blogsy-1447444952996.5593" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKIzrDQC0wzhw5w3Y6ZbyrqLUYDJGv8YnSgcY3kf3LCHPbz9pNwj2gKB5R8g9UmRR7pkYkzE-XL0C18SQK350w9ITTtogDG-SZXU9Qvos34mJh7vtZjitQIMURTAqjUNlnz4S_0DZ2CCk/s2048/Photo%25252020151113093206855.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKIzrDQC0wzhw5w3Y6ZbyrqLUYDJGv8YnSgcY3kf3LCHPbz9pNwj2gKB5R8g9UmRR7pkYkzE-XL0C18SQK350w9ITTtogDG-SZXU9Qvos34mJh7vtZjitQIMURTAqjUNlnz4S_0DZ2CCk/s500/Photo%25252020151113093206855.jpg" id="blogsy-1447444953045.0928" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><p> Perhaps this is a white heron or a great white egret.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LTYeKFmWdgY/VkYO-AUI9HI/AAAAAAAAVjc/3YTqia_R440/s2048/Photo%25252020151113102349600.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LTYeKFmWdgY/VkYO-AUI9HI/AAAAAAAAVjc/3YTqia_R440/s500/Photo%25252020151113102349600.jpg" id="blogsy-1447444953042.3555" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><p> The grounds at the course are very well tended.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aLIXyhGFTy4/VkYPKpi0LFI/AAAAAAAAVjk/z2eQAfq3x4E/s2048/Photo%25252020151113102349994.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aLIXyhGFTy4/VkYPKpi0LFI/AAAAAAAAVjk/z2eQAfq3x4E/s500/Photo%25252020151113102349994.jpg" id="blogsy-1447444953000.0547" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><p> We finished up at the clubhouse restaurant for a bite of lunch. The clubhouse sandwich was tasty washed down with a Victoria cerveza. The Club also has clay tennis courts and a swimming pool and hosts a number of social events for members.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zxCfempTjVI/VkYERepfoCI/AAAAAAAAVi8/px_-LMRyKTE/s2048/Photo%25252020151113093207251.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zxCfempTjVI/VkYERepfoCI/AAAAAAAAVi8/px_-LMRyKTE/s500/Photo%25252020151113093207251.jpg" id="blogsy-1447444953026.5242" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><p> Thursday evening I attended the meeting of the <a href="http://sanmiguelliterarysala.org" target="_blank" title="">SMA Literary Sala</a> which was held at the Aldea Hotel. The literary club had arranged for 2 authors to speak as well as were doing a kickoff for their "Big Read" of Lovely, Dark, Deep, by Joyce Carol Oates. The Literary Sala had selected 5 stories from this collection for reading and had prepared a set of study questions and was facilitating by organizing discussion groups for those who signed up. I won't be here in January, when the Big Read discussion groups meet, but I think I will read the stories and participate from afar. It would be fabulous to be here for early February, when they have their <a href="http://sanmiguelwritersconference.org" target="_blank" title="">International Writers Conference and Literary Festival</a>. It is a very well regarded festival and in the past has attracted quite a few well known authors such as Margret Atwood. Check the link to see this year's featured guests.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-p83GbZSJ6AI/VkY8K1FGs6I/AAAAAAAAVj8/RCh62uXqDGs/s2048/Photo%25252020151113133738666.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-p83GbZSJ6AI/VkY8K1FGs6I/AAAAAAAAVj8/RCh62uXqDGs/s500/Photo%25252020151113133738666.jpg" id="blogsy-1447444953016.318" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><p>The first speaker was John Scherber, a Minnesota native and SMA resident of 8 years and an author of quite a few books in several genres - books about the expat experience in Mexico as well as mystery and thriller novels and even a how to book on writing. I bought the book he spoke about "Living in San Miguel: The Heart of the Matter", hoping to get more insight into SMA life and facts to help me decide if this might be a place to winter. Flipping through the book, it seems to have all bases covered and is full of detail. I shall study it with great interest.</p><p> The second speaker, Juan Villoro, an author and journalist, was selected this year as the featured author by the Libros Para Todos non profit, who have undertaken to raise funds and organize a "big read" each year of one Mexican author's book within local schools. This year they raised funds to provide over 500 copies of Villoro's "El Libro Salvaje" to local school children. The author had that afternoon visited a school out on the campo and had addressed 200 children to talk to them about the book and about writing. Today, he will be meeting with another 300 children. Juan was an interesting and humorous speaker, talking about his childhood and growing up in Mexico City attending a German school. He also has a collection of short stories which have been translated into English. "The Guilty" contains stories about everyday life in Mexico and if the information given in his talk is anything to go by, the the stories will be interesting and humorous.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nu7NaxQffxg/VkYEc5p4anI/AAAAAAAAVjE/zKjmpGmKdNE/s2048/Photo%25252020151113093207640.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nu7NaxQffxg/VkYEc5p4anI/AAAAAAAAVjE/zKjmpGmKdNE/s500/Photo%25252020151113093207640.jpg" id="blogsy-1447444952973.944" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><p> I wandered home to dig up a light supper (the salon started at 5 and included only some very light munchies) and then had an early night. Seems I am not having any trouble sleeping here.</p><p> </p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07909913811643561413noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7478824927735716590.post-65934547326097758332015-11-11T07:35:00.001-08:002015-11-11T07:47:09.953-08:00A walk up to the Chorro<p> Just a short blog today - lots to do!</p><p>After my morning writing I went walking in the area I mentioned I my last blog - the Washer Woman Plaza, which lies roughly in the area of the Juárez Parque, just a little further north east.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-o7RRqluAigM/VkNd6iCeGiI/AAAAAAAAVgQ/YTLd2iszOmY/s2048/Photo%25252020151111092419087.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-o7RRqluAigM/VkNd6iCeGiI/AAAAAAAAVgQ/YTLd2iszOmY/s500/Photo%25252020151111092419087.jpg" id="blogsy-1447256655519.8315" class="alignnone" width="500" height="375" alt=""></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-o4nysQ8vF74/VkNeH_hV3eI/AAAAAAAAVgY/JQ1KSSuWfMI/s2048/Photo%25252020151111092419487.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-o4nysQ8vF74/VkNeH_hV3eI/AAAAAAAAVgY/JQ1KSSuWfMI/s500/Photo%25252020151111092419487.jpg" id="blogsy-1447256655476.565" class="alignnone" width="500" height="375" alt=""></a></div><p>You can see the row of washing basins along the back walls of the plaza. The water runs in a channel behind the basins. While no one was using them while I was there, I was told they are still used by some of the local families to wash their clothes in the fresh spring water.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eLpCyfHVCD8/VkNeXxPJ7gI/AAAAAAAAVgg/TcWHpA3Sk0Y/s2048/Photo%25252020151111092419922.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eLpCyfHVCD8/VkNeXxPJ7gI/AAAAAAAAVgg/TcWHpA3Sk0Y/s500/Photo%25252020151111092419922.jpg" id="blogsy-1447256655536.4082" class="alignnone" width="500" height="375" alt=""></a></div><p> Next, I walked up the long winding path to the El Chorro and the Casa de Cultura. This was a building which housed the city's water works, located at the site of a natural spring. Now it is a place that offers classes in Mexican dancing, painting and music.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdPj6Xdbld0LFckCom-Np0O8Z8DyzWp7m0Ewd_2MzAebMyzewcbdlN5a4X3LDA0kTn5NdsVPgxAo4-ifYB8j_DfgetIVwl0ELdfdiqixYM8KwwYq4oOBwz9FLo_scMy8Ioy6kzkhWdhHg/s2048/Photo%25252020151111092420334.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdPj6Xdbld0LFckCom-Np0O8Z8DyzWp7m0Ewd_2MzAebMyzewcbdlN5a4X3LDA0kTn5NdsVPgxAo4-ifYB8j_DfgetIVwl0ELdfdiqixYM8KwwYq4oOBwz9FLo_scMy8Ioy6kzkhWdhHg/s500/Photo%25252020151111092420334.jpg" id="blogsy-1447256655543.2334" class="alignnone" width="500" height="375" alt=""></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UGCP6yKer_E/VkNe0TCI1BI/AAAAAAAAVgw/YGIkO3ZZAsI/s2048/Photo%25252020151111092420739.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UGCP6yKer_E/VkNe0TCI1BI/AAAAAAAAVgw/YGIkO3ZZAsI/s500/Photo%25252020151111092420739.jpg" id="blogsy-1447256655511.411" class="alignnone" width="500" height="375" alt=""></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-O77mUh_Wv_4/VkNe_HnercI/AAAAAAAAVg4/ShMU5bS6loQ/s2048/Photo%25252020151111092421120.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-O77mUh_Wv_4/VkNe_HnercI/AAAAAAAAVg4/ShMU5bS6loQ/s500/Photo%25252020151111092421120.jpg" id="blogsy-1447256655500.6907" class="alignnone" width="500" height="375" alt=""></a></div><p> The view from the patio, high on the hill, was pretty impressive.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MfHc9o3zQzc/VkNfLjCp0aI/AAAAAAAAVhA/wOtECpp4nF8/s2048/Photo%25252020151111092421714.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MfHc9o3zQzc/VkNfLjCp0aI/AAAAAAAAVhA/wOtECpp4nF8/s500/Photo%25252020151111092421714.jpg" id="blogsy-1447256655571.4714" class="alignnone" width="500" height="375" alt=""></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KZ_jRGFWD3o/VkNfXc2E7xI/AAAAAAAAVhI/xFokN8MTGXg/s2048/Photo%25252020151111092422122.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KZ_jRGFWD3o/VkNfXc2E7xI/AAAAAAAAVhI/xFokN8MTGXg/s500/Photo%25252020151111092422122.jpg" id="blogsy-1447256655576.2285" class="alignnone" width="500" height="375" alt=""></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7XMBGMvCQzs/VkNfkPn_3LI/AAAAAAAAVhQ/eYMkGa4EIxQ/s2048/Photo%25252020151111092422528.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7XMBGMvCQzs/VkNfkPn_3LI/AAAAAAAAVhQ/eYMkGa4EIxQ/s500/Photo%25252020151111092422528.jpg" id="blogsy-1447256655489.5264" class="alignnone" width="500" height="375" alt=""></a></div><p> I walked along the top of the hill and then made my way down one of the pretty streets.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNO5cj1PXaokp_YDKM3ZYHu7rr9srkWYLmk6hZClfM8LjJHON7MZfKWvD4Rslws_jS6AqS8AeMzAlJxJ_TZkyBduogdqBkCTsy1A-XGHXbbALNbMrS7vHgGeuTaDnfiHIyujDfJIXfUws/s2048/Photo%25252020151111092422948.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNO5cj1PXaokp_YDKM3ZYHu7rr9srkWYLmk6hZClfM8LjJHON7MZfKWvD4Rslws_jS6AqS8AeMzAlJxJ_TZkyBduogdqBkCTsy1A-XGHXbbALNbMrS7vHgGeuTaDnfiHIyujDfJIXfUws/s500/Photo%25252020151111092422948.jpg" id="blogsy-1447256655596.1658" class="alignnone" width="500" height="375" alt=""></a></div><p> At the Plaza Civica, I came upon a long line of men on horseback, making their way through the centre of town. Not sure what all that was about.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Dl5Nv70OqLc/VkNf-BOrh5I/AAAAAAAAVhg/UVqnDgg5YWg/s2048/Photo%25252020151111092423361.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Dl5Nv70OqLc/VkNf-BOrh5I/AAAAAAAAVhg/UVqnDgg5YWg/s500/Photo%25252020151111092423361.jpg" id="blogsy-1447256655561.1035" class="alignnone" width="500" height="375" alt=""></a></div><p> I ended up at Starbucks, where I chatted with someone from Victoria BC and spent some time writing in their lovely patio.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tZaRHBK4lDI/VkNgIoA-oUI/AAAAAAAAVho/_tPjvVPNnq0/s2048/Photo%25252020151111092423743.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tZaRHBK4lDI/VkNgIoA-oUI/AAAAAAAAVho/_tPjvVPNnq0/s500/Photo%25252020151111092423743.jpg" id="blogsy-1447256655538.0898" class="alignnone" width="500" height="375" alt=""></a></div><p> I met Susan at the Parque Prinicipa at 5 and we went to the "Women's Club" meeting. It isn't really a club. They have a table booked at a hotel bar and it functions as a meeting place where women who want to meet other women can meet over a drink and chat. </p><p>It is a small world for sure. I met a lady at the session who I had walked with on the Camino in Spain in 2012. She lives in Stratford and now is wintering in SMA. We shared a bit of time reminiscing about out time together on the Camino.</p><p>It was an early night for sure, but I am quite comfy in my Casita and ready to spend some down time for the evening.</p><p>Now, I must get on to my writing projects. Hasta mañana!</p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07909913811643561413noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7478824927735716590.post-81197354489526070182015-11-10T08:24:00.001-08:002015-11-10T11:09:13.297-08:00Time to Write, Jazz and a History of Gringos in SMA<p> I have resumed my plan to spend most of the day writing now that the weekend is over and so it was after 4 pm when I went for my walkabout before my meetup with Marc and Sue for dinner. There are lots of daytime activities here during the week as there are many retired and long term gringo residents looking for things to do but so far I have only accepted one daytime weekday activity - the English language tour of the Botanical gardens which is on Thursday. That is the same day as the Art Walk at the Fabrica and I shall try to do both!</p><p>I am making good process with my writing projects and in order to make more time for that and after today I will not be writing the longer posts as I have been doing. I am really starting to get into my project and don't want to lose momentum. I hope you understand.</p><p>The <a href="http://www.sanmigueljazz.com.mx" target="_self" title="">11th annual San Miguel International Jazz and Blues Festiva</a>l runs here from Nov 11 to 15. The first order of business was to go buy tickets to the Friday night performance which features <a href="http://www.dannym.com/bio.html" target="_blank" title="">Danny Marks</a>, a Toronto musician and on air host at Toronto's JazzFM 99 radio station. Danny Marks was a founding member of the band Edward Bear, whose hit <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pvWGgwFP7No" target="_blank" title="">"You, me and Mexico" </a>still gets airtime on vintage radio. The lineup for the festival is impressive, but I am watching my budget and at 400 pesos a ticket I can only attend only one of the ticketed events. There are also some free concerts and I will have to see if I can fit in one or two. Marc and Sue wanted to see Danny Marks and I am glad to join them at the Auditorio "Miguel Malo" at the Bella Artes Centre. I have seen him at the Rex in Toronto, he is a great musician and he plays there not infrequently.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-awaJKmhrY-U/VkIYdosk4-I/AAAAAAAAVec/pJ1hJ1eW1jE/s2048/Photo%25252020151110101605220.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-awaJKmhrY-U/VkIYdosk4-I/AAAAAAAAVec/pJ1hJ1eW1jE/s500/Photo%25252020151110101605220.jpg" id="blogsy-1447182147620.9275" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><p> The Plaza Civica is a few blocks north of the Plaza Principa. This is the Templo de Nuestro Señora de la Salud with the very I interesting seashell facade. It is dedicated to the Virgin of Health.</p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--bHniwkJujU/VkIYpEvucEI/AAAAAAAAVek/NCWF-fWozro/s2048/Photo%25252020151110101605600.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--bHniwkJujU/VkIYpEvucEI/AAAAAAAAVek/NCWF-fWozro/s500/Photo%25252020151110101605600.jpg" id="blogsy-1447182147616.8857" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Virgin presides over the front alter</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oj9ZpleI0JA/VkIY1v73xAI/AAAAAAAAVes/LXgMDwf-Agk/s2048/Photo%25252020151110101605978.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oj9ZpleI0JA/VkIY1v73xAI/AAAAAAAAVes/LXgMDwf-Agk/s500/Photo%25252020151110101605978.jpg" id="blogsy-1447182147579.9976" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"> The Iglesia Del Oratorio de San Felipe Neri was built in the early part of the 1800s.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qKOE81S2fT4/VkIZEQPwitI/AAAAAAAAVe0/nImKfm6VTF4/s2048/Photo%25252020151110101606373.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qKOE81S2fT4/VkIZEQPwitI/AAAAAAAAVe0/nImKfm6VTF4/s500/Photo%25252020151110101606373.jpg" id="blogsy-1447182147631.583" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><p> An interesting memorial plaque of Felipe Neri (Br. D Luis Filipe Neri de Alfaro y Velaquez). Can you the smaller images included in the lower part of the sculpture?</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YmIeXwvxlGI/VkIZPsLI-qI/AAAAAAAAVe8/QG4eLgNOd-E/s2048/Photo%25252020151110101606765.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YmIeXwvxlGI/VkIZPsLI-qI/AAAAAAAAVe8/QG4eLgNOd-E/s500/Photo%25252020151110101606765.jpg" id="blogsy-1447182147602.4973" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><p> The two churches are to the north side of the Plaza Civica. In the Jardin Civica there is a statue of Allende riding a horse. Sorry, this photo was taking as the sun was low and so there are shadows. General Ignacio Allende was one of the Mexican Civil war heroes who was born In San Miguel. After the war the town honoured him by adding his name on the end of San Miguel. Just a block further north is Artisan's Alley. It is a 3 block mix of buildings and tented stalls which features artisanal crafts at reasonable prices. SMA artisans are known for their work in tin, glass, wool and silver jewelry.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQvV5cFknETqWgGcZs8gUizIZll5k2bcXGNmqEuk2LWj_nHk83vE7JaB-WMCnM90Luq-_nJJ_rxNoAwVhkGTvtqIckaD42oZvK2ir1IoyDAcOgb84ntj1HLLdmjf9nHRuDFqZCV8sdPMo/s2048/Photo%25252020151110105544333.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQvV5cFknETqWgGcZs8gUizIZll5k2bcXGNmqEuk2LWj_nHk83vE7JaB-WMCnM90Luq-_nJJ_rxNoAwVhkGTvtqIckaD42oZvK2ir1IoyDAcOgb84ntj1HLLdmjf9nHRuDFqZCV8sdPMo/s500/Photo%25252020151110105544333.jpg" id="blogsy-1447182147604.1272" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3LZzvSte9q0/VkIh8QvBINI/AAAAAAAAVf8/80KwsdzS9Wg/s2048/Photo%25252020151110105544736.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3LZzvSte9q0/VkIh8QvBINI/AAAAAAAAVf8/80KwsdzS9Wg/s500/Photo%25252020151110105544736.jpg" id="blogsy-1447182147555.8513" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><p> The pay were asking 25 pesos for the pewter trivits. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CeTsG4l-YTg/VkIZca9yXkI/AAAAAAAAVfE/Jr1I-aFvrOE/s2048/Photo%25252020151110101607165.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CeTsG4l-YTg/VkIZca9yXkI/AAAAAAAAVfE/Jr1I-aFvrOE/s500/Photo%25252020151110101607165.jpg" id="blogsy-1447182147570.6091" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><p> I was told that when you see swinging doors on a bar that means it is "men only". I didn't venture inside to see, but the name of the bar sounds interesting.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_i_YsuB1-rE/VkIZnmT9QQI/AAAAAAAAVfM/Meav2OtiSVs/s2048/Photo%25252020151110101607558.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_i_YsuB1-rE/VkIZnmT9QQI/AAAAAAAAVfM/Meav2OtiSVs/s500/Photo%25252020151110101607558.jpg" id="blogsy-1447182147540.1287" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu6Y_C39S46wKTH1Kso3CI-O5sufr0yVdXak_12knizl4FJzsCB7dPb_DBvJzM1beDLfvcN6KFSzi9vpCTv3wIVl9jkok00XhnXlVnyGJXcu-gZSAdWE-fd4HKXPanrFSK1hmRXpmAhyQ/s2048/Photo%25252020151110101608008.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu6Y_C39S46wKTH1Kso3CI-O5sufr0yVdXak_12knizl4FJzsCB7dPb_DBvJzM1beDLfvcN6KFSzi9vpCTv3wIVl9jkok00XhnXlVnyGJXcu-gZSAdWE-fd4HKXPanrFSK1hmRXpmAhyQ/s500/Photo%25252020151110101608008.jpg" id="blogsy-1447182147575.1116" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><p> The tile artwork on this table is just splendid. Lots of pretty tile work, colourful tiles and ceramics to be had in the shops here.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vwwaK-xiQnM/VkIaAbUVnaI/AAAAAAAAVfc/GgB7d5IRUa8/s2048/Photo%25252020151110101608398.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vwwaK-xiQnM/VkIaAbUVnaI/AAAAAAAAVfc/GgB7d5IRUa8/s500/Photo%25252020151110101608398.jpg" id="blogsy-1447182147626.6938" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-F3qG_4mhNfo/VkIaMO8F1hI/AAAAAAAAVfk/q8uIe4EYUxo/s2048/Photo%25252020151110101608800.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-F3qG_4mhNfo/VkIaMO8F1hI/AAAAAAAAVfk/q8uIe4EYUxo/s500/Photo%25252020151110101608800.jpg" id="blogsy-1447182147606.7922" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><p> When I was going to the first house on the tour yesterday the volunteer guide gave us a brief talk about the history of SMA and an explanation of why there are so many gringos here. I have summarized what he said. <a href="http://vivasanmiguel.com/history.htm" target="_blank" title="">You can get a longer account of the city's history here</a>.</p><p>SMA was a thriving city in the early 1800s with more than its share of wealthy inhabitants as it was on the "Silver Route" for transportation of silver from the mines. But after the war of Independence in1821 the route was moved and the towns folk went to more prosperous centres. By 1900 it was becoming something of a ghost town. The upside of this is that as is the Spanish custom, the large Spanish colonial homes were retained by their absent owners, left as they were, until the town slowly started to come into its own after it was proclaimed a National Historic Monument in 1926. By the time redevelopment started there were measures put in place to preserve the original historic town facades and to keep big chain stores and restaurants out of a large area in the center of town. </p><p>In 1938, Peruvian artist Felipe Cossio del Pomar established San Miguel’s first art school, the Escuela Universitaria de Bellas Artes and appointed an American artist and writer, <a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stirling_Dickinson" target="_blank" title="">Stirling Dickenson</a> as the Director. After serving in WWII, Dickenson had the art school accredited so that the town could attract demobilized GIs studying under the GI bill, since the funds provided for education outside of the US to accredited schools. It didn't take long for word to get out that the school fees, food and housing costs were much less than their education grants and the weather was beautiful and temperate year round. There were 200 GIs who came to study after WWII and after the Korean War and most did not go back. The volunteer shown in the picture above, telling us this story, was one of the 200. There were enough students to support a 2nd art school and the Instituto Allende was founded in 1950.</p><p>In the early 1950s, during the McCarthy years, when artists, creatives and free thinkers were more singled out than others in America, there was another influx of gringos. </p><p><em>In the counterculture years of the 1960s, San Miguel began its career as a center for American expatriatism</em>, looking for easy living in the pursuit of happiness (or was that hippiness) <em>and was a popular destination for Ken Kesey and the Merry Pranksters, as recorded in Tom Wolfe´s novel The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test. Beat writer Neal Cassady died beside the railroad tracks between San Miguel and Celaya after a party in town. </em>(Wikipedia). So a colony of creative and left leaning Americans found there way here. Not sure how the word got out to us Canadians, but I guess good news travels. </p><p>As a consequence there is a great number (10,000 strong in the winter) of tree hugging, "do gooder" and like minded liberal (I guess Democrats in the States) gringos here who also seem to have taken volunteerism to the next level as they both raise funds and contribute time toward local institutions and charities in more impressive numbers than I have seen elsewhere. If you look at the left panel of the <a href="http://vivasanmiguel.com/history.htm" target="_self" title="">web page here </a>you will see a list of SMA community organizations. Quite impressive.</p><p>But the town is not only one of gringo writers and artists, as in truth they are the minority. It has attracted a community of Mexican creatives as well who are the local artisans. In addition, and perhaps even more important to this city is that it is a destination spot for Mexicans as well, both tourists and the wealthy Mexicans who buy second homes here. </p><p>Enough of my lecture, I need to finish this blog and get on to my other writing projects.</p><p>After my wander and a time at The Jardin, as the Jardin Prinicpal is referred as (btw, pronounced "Hardeen" in Spanish), I listened to a local violinist playing some fantastic music, then met my friends to head over to the La Prada, the only Peruvian restaurant in town. I am told their chicken liver dish is excellent, but not caring for chicken liver, I had the Pulled Pork sandwich which was much more than it sounds and so delicious. Price was 285 pesos with 2 glasses of wine and tip.</p><p>We walked home via El Chorro/Washer Woman Plaza - but it was too dark for pictures so that will be for another day after I go back in daylight.</p><p> Adiós pod ahora mis amigos!</p><p> </p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07909913811643561413noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7478824927735716590.post-74833018953236418212015-11-09T10:00:00.000-08:002015-11-09T10:00:01.822-08:00San Miguel HomesToday, I scooted on up to the Library to go on the SMA House and Garden Tour, which is conducted weekly to raise funds for the Public Library. As was explained by one of the Volunteers, the public library is public in only name - everyone can use it - but in fact it is privately, not government supported. Community volunteers work the weekly tour as well as other fund raising events, plus use the proceeds of the café sales to provide the money needed to run the library and the programs.<br />
It has been in operation for 61 years thanks to the donations and time given by local SMA residents and visitors. It provides English language books, not only for the Gringos which live here, but also for Spanish students who are learning English. In addition to providing books, the library hosts all sorts of free programming such as English language instruction, music and art classes. The library also supports the rural school's English language programming as well as provides University scholarships for Mexican children, The tour cost $270 pesos and there were 3 bus loads (~20 seats each) and as such the tours provide the lions share of funding, aside from private donations.<br />
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Everyone got to enjoy the <a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mariachi" target="_self" title="">Mariachi band </a>as they waited for the tour to begin.<br />
The first home we visited was Casa de la Cuesta and the <a href="http://www.maskmuseumsma.com/" target="_self" title="">Mask Museum</a> - the home of Bill and Heidi LeVasseur. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The entranceway (tunnel) to the Casa</td></tr>
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Bill is a collector of Indigenous Ceremonial Masks. According to wiki:<br />
"Through his visits to often remote indigenous communities and his observation and documentation of masked dancing, he has also acquired an extensive knowledge of masks and masked dancing that he is eager to share." Bill was on hand to answer questions about the casa and about his collection of over 600 masks.<br />
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It is a true colonial home with all two floors of rooms coming off a big centre courtyard and on the second floor served by a balcony overlooking the courtyard and the view south. There is a spectacular view of San Miguel from the second floor. There are numerous courtyards and patios, terraces and balconies - each space a comfortable place to enjoy a book or a drink with friends. The home serves as a B&B with a few rooms open for paying guests. One would be very happy to spend a few days here for sure, but I will let you be the judge based on the pictures below.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The central courtyard</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The 2nd floor balcony</td></tr>
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The next house on the tour was a remodelled contemporary home in the west side of San Antionio, not too far from where I am staying. It is listed for sale with a local realtor, priced at $389,000 USD. The key feature of the 2,900 sf 3+ bedroom 3 bath house is the outdoor space - the 2nd floor terrace, covered patio with, of course, a spectacular view.<br />
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Over the rise to the south/west is a dam forming a large reservoir. There are several reservoirs in the area daming local streams and to catch runoff and prevent flooding during the rainy season serving not only for drinking water but also for irrigation.</div>
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After the tour I tagged along with the volunteers (Marc and Sue among them) for a late lunch at the Hecho en Mexico. We were there for dinner on my first night in SMA, but we were in the courtyard that time. This time we were in the "Toller Cranston Room", which features works from this artist. Toller Cranston was a Canadian figure skater (1976 Olympic bronze medal winner) and painter. Toller retired to SMA in 1997. He passed away last year.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the Toller Cranston paintings in the Hecho en Mexico</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A self portrait </td></tr>
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I was surprised when I first arrived to see a for sale sign on the Casa I am renting. The building houses 3 self contained apartments and according to reports, has been on the market for some time. The fact that it has not sold tells me it is priced high at $340 USD. I understand from my friends that the market is picking up though, so I guess it will sell at some point. Maybe it could be had now for under $300. Hard to believe you could get 3 separate apartments in an excellent location for that little money. One could rent two units and live in the third. Too bad I am not ready to invest in something like this right now. <a href="http://allendeproperties.com/info.php?ID=8133#Photo" target="_blank" title="For Sale in San Miguel">You can get the details here.</a><br />
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Peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07909913811643561413noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7478824927735716590.post-64724468128287080112015-11-08T06:15:00.001-08:002015-11-08T07:52:18.071-08:00Week One comes to a Close<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;">Saturday is the day that the south part of the Instituto becomes an organics market. Marc and Sue and I headed over at 10 a.m. so as to get the best produce before it was gone. You might be wondering about whether the greens and vegetables we buy are going to cause stomach problems - even about eating salads out at restaurants because in Toronto, we are always told not to drink the water or eat anything which might have been washed with the water, i.e. lettuce. In Mexico, all fruit and veg need to be soaked in a sink of water to which a few drops of disinfectant has been added and then it is fine to consume. Marc and Sue use javex; I have been supplied with a small bottle of microdyne. So aside from normal washing, there is a little job to disinfect produce before it is consumed. Restaurants follow the same routine, if they want to be in business for any length of time. I am sticking to the restaurants that Marc and Sue recommend. If there are issues, word of mouth would soon drive them out of business.</div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcQgHfZKbv6QEeEtlpPn_9ZQ4NPuYNekevK8Aqj1oO9x_e7wvxBV7O_FAT6YcMwYjqW1HZc17UaIwF-Gd13SVj3it-LQ_-9AeP246eYn8X1QLNPOVj6GXRnVSIBqJRhmC0jJXDTKt9wuU/s2048/Photo%25252020151108082002410.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcQgHfZKbv6QEeEtlpPn_9ZQ4NPuYNekevK8Aqj1oO9x_e7wvxBV7O_FAT6YcMwYjqW1HZc17UaIwF-Gd13SVj3it-LQ_-9AeP246eYn8X1QLNPOVj6GXRnVSIBqJRhmC0jJXDTKt9wuU/s500/Photo%25252020151108082002410.jpg" id="blogsy-1446997215871.0815" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Saturday morning Organics Market</td></tr></tbody></table><p> I bought some kale (12 pesos) and some granola (35 pesos) for my yogurt.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dE7w2medVzE/Vj9ajTKbf6I/AAAAAAAAVZo/YVSOw6c6OOE/s2048/Photo%25252020151108082002772.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dE7w2medVzE/Vj9ajTKbf6I/AAAAAAAAVZo/YVSOw6c6OOE/s500/Photo%25252020151108082002772.jpg" id="blogsy-1446997215870.9468" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><p> An area of the market is dedicated to local crafts. Here the vendor is in full aboriginal regalia.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-73qk6NmvAEw/Vj9axDfeBnI/AAAAAAAAVZw/_q3aeqGU0YI/s2048/Photo%25252020151108082003115.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-73qk6NmvAEw/Vj9axDfeBnI/AAAAAAAAVZw/_q3aeqGU0YI/s500/Photo%25252020151108082003115.jpg" id="blogsy-1446997215908.1865" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><p> The Mexicans have a good approach to building a fence beside a tree.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OLvZ2GUYrXY/Vj9a8THrP0I/AAAAAAAAVZ4/ccuu8JIBJX4/s2048/Photo%25252020151108082003476.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OLvZ2GUYrXY/Vj9a8THrP0I/AAAAAAAAVZ4/ccuu8JIBJX4/s500/Photo%25252020151108082003476.jpg" id="blogsy-1446997215840.9744" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><p> After dropping the produce at home, we headed over to the Mercado San Juan de Dios which is fairly close to Marc and Sue's casita and open daily. There is one huge big building and also open air pavilions over quite a few streets in the area. It was similar to a very large flea market with a good local produce section. </p><p>Amost all the crafts are made locally. Particularly unique are the crafts made with wrought metal, maybe aluminum. Lamp shades and garden lights and even Christmas trees were on display. I will return once I figure out what I want to bring back home.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Tf0ki-uwUIs/Vj9XY2JSL6I/AAAAAAAAVYU/namhF1lh1bQ/s2048/Photo%25252020151108080745400.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Tf0ki-uwUIs/Vj9XY2JSL6I/AAAAAAAAVYU/namhF1lh1bQ/s500/Photo%25252020151108080745400.jpg" id="blogsy-1446997215896.5242" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><p>Next we went on a walking tour of the Guadalupe neighbourhood. This area, which lies between Centro to the south and Mexiquito to the north is a reasonably priced rental area with lots of both Gringos and Artists living there. There is an excellent Organics store and restaurant/cafe and bakery in the area.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YFUpfC-8lf4/Vj9XoJfBIdI/AAAAAAAAVYc/rrq-BDQipuM/s2048/Photo%25252020151108080745810.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YFUpfC-8lf4/Vj9XoJfBIdI/AAAAAAAAVYc/rrq-BDQipuM/s500/Photo%25252020151108080745810.jpg" id="blogsy-1446997215842.7488" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a> </div><p> The neighbourhood is known for its wall murals and I now have pictures of 20-30 of these on my camera roll. I selected a few of the more interesting to show you,</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Cdi2ZLkeOGU/Vj9XznbVIfI/AAAAAAAAVYk/h9egPMbsS-w/s2048/Photo%25252020151108080746172.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Cdi2ZLkeOGU/Vj9XznbVIfI/AAAAAAAAVYk/h9egPMbsS-w/s500/Photo%25252020151108080746172.jpg" id="blogsy-1446997215838.6594" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XSHsIOVvivg/Vj9YBtwMSCI/AAAAAAAAVYs/KySMd_lzMJ4/s2048/Photo%25252020151108080746583.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XSHsIOVvivg/Vj9YBtwMSCI/AAAAAAAAVYs/KySMd_lzMJ4/s500/Photo%25252020151108080746583.jpg" id="blogsy-1446997215902.3184" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wLFQb5rKI34/Vj9YSsSd8sI/AAAAAAAAVY0/7l0WB9LO7ZM/s2048/Photo%25252020151108080747021.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wLFQb5rKI34/Vj9YSsSd8sI/AAAAAAAAVY0/7l0WB9LO7ZM/s500/Photo%25252020151108080747021.jpg" id="blogsy-1446997215835.322" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><p> We stopped at the Via Oganica for a refresco and a wander through the interesting products.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tVxP6YadcQQ/Vj9YdxGbnqI/AAAAAAAAVY8/rPYTuNlmDvA/s2048/Photo%25252020151108080747465.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tVxP6YadcQQ/Vj9YdxGbnqI/AAAAAAAAVY8/rPYTuNlmDvA/s500/Photo%25252020151108080747465.jpg" id="blogsy-1446997215929.7615" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rEeQQ_MBdjY/Vj9Yo-ESViI/AAAAAAAAVZE/LaYIvq3Rx8U/s2048/Photo%25252020151108080748181.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rEeQQ_MBdjY/Vj9Yo-ESViI/AAAAAAAAVZE/LaYIvq3Rx8U/s500/Photo%25252020151108080748181.jpg" id="blogsy-1446997215876.1055" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="667"></a></div><p>As we walked through the neighbourhood I admired the doorways and street facades - even as we get out of the Centro and historical district the streetscapes still had a simplistic beauty I observed on my first day here. </p><p>We ended up our tour of Guadalupe at the edge of Mexiquito at the Fabrica Aurora. We spent 20 minutes wandering through it and in that time I really just got a taste of the place - it is that large. Thursday they have their "Artists Walk", which just means that all the artists are in residence here. So I will save discussion of the Aurora until after I go on Thursday.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6cjqNz1JoEo/Vj9Y0-aQhqI/AAAAAAAAVZM/nuha31SzZkA/s2048/Photo%25252020151108080748555.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6cjqNz1JoEo/Vj9Y0-aQhqI/AAAAAAAAVZM/nuha31SzZkA/s500/Photo%25252020151108080748555.jpg" id="blogsy-1446997215876.807" class="alignnone" alt="" width="334" height="250"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-g_O4v4ZoxxM/Vj9ZBR8ZisI/AAAAAAAAVZU/8W0uD4HkR_M/s2048/Photo%25252020151108080749041.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-g_O4v4ZoxxM/Vj9ZBR8ZisI/AAAAAAAAVZU/8W0uD4HkR_M/s500/Photo%25252020151108080749041.jpg" id="blogsy-1446997215889.7131" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><p> Just outside the grounds, tucked in behind the Aurora is the café called "Geek & Coffee". It is a great place to bring the iPad, drink coffee and surf the net. There is also a nice outside garden to sit in.</p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-luVB7OOqGQI/Vj9s3TuDQPI/AAAAAAAAVaM/f0dRRrfYCrc/s2048/Photo%25252020151108093911399.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-luVB7OOqGQI/Vj9s3TuDQPI/AAAAAAAAVaM/f0dRRrfYCrc/s500/Photo%25252020151108093911399.jpg" id="blogsy-1446997215837.9814" class="alignnone" width="500" height="375" alt=""></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Jardin at Geek & Coffee</td></tr></tbody></table><p> We were just in time to arrive at 3:00 at the Pocket Theatre for the movie "Amy", a documentary/biopic about Amy Winehouse showing at TIFF this year. After being served a tumbler full of vio tinto, we made our way to our seats, mine #9 of the 15 in the theatre, wine in hand. As the movie started we were served popcorn - all for 100 pesos! They have 4 showings a day in their 2 theatres. This is a good town for movie goers!</p><p>The movie was well done and the songs, some as yet unreleased, we're so so good. As Tony Bennett said in the film, "she had a pure jazz voice and should be counted a among the great Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday". Too bad some of our best talents crash and burn with their addictions. </p><p>We walked until 6:00, when it was time to meet Orin and friends for dinner at the Cafe Monet. There were 8 of us - all the others were long time SMA long term visitors or residents. Orin is a movie collector and he has a whole wall in his home filled shelves of DVDs. He sends out a weekly email to his mailing list inviting recipients to join for a Sat night dinner at the selected restaurant and if desired to carry on back to his home to enjoy a movie he has selected. The email is to be shared with friends as all are welcome. We watched "Feme Nikita" a 1990 French spy/assassin film with English subtitles. Well, 2 movies in one day!</p><p> Hasta luego!</p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07909913811643561413noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7478824927735716590.post-40652342214936251642015-11-07T07:42:00.001-08:002015-11-08T05:49:10.416-08:00Day 6 - Time Passes oh, so Quickly!<p> There is just a short blog today as we are going to the Organic Market at 10:00 and there are a full day of activities after that planned. Well it is the weekend. I guess a shorter writing day will have to do,</p><p>I didn't do as much walking yesterday as I would have liked as the days plans just did not have enough walking to be done. I will need to make up for it in the days to come. I am planning some longer walking trips for next week and given the number of meals out will need to find an exercise class or two if I can't manage to up my distance and pace!</p><p>First order of business after writing was my 12:00 film "I 'll see you in My Dreams". The film was very well done, but I was expecting a light and breezy senior's romantic comedy and what I got was a mildly depressing study in aging and relationships within the genteel and affluent set. Even so, I enjoyed the movie. It gave me pause for those ught as I saw my future elderly years - well, my future years but probably minus the handsome and wealthy suitor with a yacht character, played by Sam Elliott and I would hope, embibing far fewer glasses of wine each day than the leading lady, played by Blythe Danner. </p><p>I met Marc and Sue in the Library Cafe after the film and we listened to some live music over refreshments while we discussed the days plans. They had a busy morning accompanying a friend to a hospital for a follow up appointment up in Balcones and had walked all the way back. We opted for a mid afternoon main meal at the Loreto Hotel restaurant, where you could get an all inclusive meal from noon to 5 for 120 pesos. </p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-P9r6ZScGM90/Vj4bSQPLevI/AAAAAAAAVXQ/-v99-dnYVic/s2048/Photo%25252020151107093903054.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-P9r6ZScGM90/Vj4bSQPLevI/AAAAAAAAVXQ/-v99-dnYVic/s500/Photo%25252020151107093903054.jpg" id="blogsy-1446990441210.3616" class="alignnone" width="500" height="667" alt=""></a></div><p> The Hotel Loreta is a few streets behind the mercado Ignacio Ramírez, the market we had visited briefly on Monday. The hotel is a fairly cheap alternative for those wanting to be close to the action and don't want to spend a lot of money. The rooms looked to be motel style off the main courtyard, but they also had apartments for long term rental inbehind. There was also a meeting room which was used for documentary films by the local chapter of a local social justice minded group.</p><p>The food was good and plentiful - soup, salad, main and dessert and drink and it was a bargain. I added a corona for 45 pesos. We waddled out of the dining room in desperate need of a long walk.</p><p>I could post another 10 photos of house and streets just like the last lot posted yesterday, but i would presume that you have the idea now. The Streets of SMA are picturesque. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZttqL_94A4k/Vj4bfbQm_yI/AAAAAAAAVXY/-j7eEynNJzY/s2048/Photo%25252020151107093903435.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZttqL_94A4k/Vj4bfbQm_yI/AAAAAAAAVXY/-j7eEynNJzY/s500/Photo%25252020151107093903435.jpg" id="blogsy-1446990441140.2095" class="alignnone" width="500" height="375" alt=""></a></div><p> We wandered our way down (to the north of the Parroquía) to the large grounds and building which houses the Fábrica La Aurora.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1EdoV_0vwh0/Vj4brmSi0oI/AAAAAAAAVXg/quTwMwC2sXk/s2048/Photo%25252020151107093903820.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1EdoV_0vwh0/Vj4brmSi0oI/AAAAAAAAVXg/quTwMwC2sXk/s500/Photo%25252020151107093903820.jpg" id="blogsy-1446990441218.8032" class="alignnone" width="500" height="375" alt=""></a></div><p> The building houses restaurants, studios and art galleries and other boutique shops. We didn't have time but to look into a couple of galleries at the front of the large building so we will be going back again for sure. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HT3WexYZ5Ng/Vj4b3I1P3VI/AAAAAAAAVXo/rmHHxhKbcG4/s2048/Photo%25252020151107093904382.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HT3WexYZ5Ng/Vj4b3I1P3VI/AAAAAAAAVXo/rmHHxhKbcG4/s500/Photo%25252020151107093904382.jpg" id="blogsy-1446990441210.607" class="alignnone" width="500" height="375" alt=""></a></div><p> Our last stop of the day was a rooftop patio to watch the sun go down. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vpQIFtMsixM/Vj4emdcsVlI/AAAAAAAAVX8/naStNORJCdY/s2048/Photo%25252020151107095310243.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vpQIFtMsixM/Vj4emdcsVlI/AAAAAAAAVX8/naStNORJCdY/s500/Photo%25252020151107095310243.jpg" id="blogsy-1446990441142.9592" class="alignnone" width="500" height="375" alt=""></a></div><p> The shades were drawn when we got there, the sun was not quite yet sinking into the west and was still very bright. The upstairs bar was busy with mostly younger Mexicans and as the sun started to set it got pretty full. Four friends of Marc and Sue arrived - it seems they know hundreds of people in SMA - and we enjoyed the wonderful view of the mountains to the west as the sun set. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WrFZRi8qpps/Vj4b_Kb-6nI/AAAAAAAAVXw/PZUGU0EQQEE/s2048/Photo%25252020151107093904857.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WrFZRi8qpps/Vj4b_Kb-6nI/AAAAAAAAVXw/PZUGU0EQQEE/s500/Photo%25252020151107093904857.jpg" id="blogsy-1446990441164.6187" class="alignnone" width="500" height="375" alt=""></a></div><p>Last night was an early night and I was glad to have sone down time.</p><p>Hasta luego, mes amigos!</p><p> </p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07909913811643561413noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7478824927735716590.post-69368848253868856892015-11-06T06:21:00.001-08:002015-11-06T08:14:01.132-08:00San Miguel Routines<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qVXkECLQhKo/Vjy24phUryI/AAAAAAAAVVs/AJ-kGwy4wBs/s2048/Photo%25252020151106081828338.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qVXkECLQhKo/Vjy24phUryI/AAAAAAAAVVs/AJ-kGwy4wBs/s500/Photo%25252020151106081828338.jpg" id="blogsy-1446826110562.6538" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was the spot for Wednesday's dinner</td></tr></tbody></table><p> The streets in my little part of SMA are starting to feel familiar and the days gaining a bit of rhythm: writing until mid afternoon, walking about town until dinner, dinner at a restaurant with friends and then a reasonably early night. Today, I will add a movie to the mix as I have a ticket to see "I'll See You in My Dreams", at the library. The movie is a mature audience (read grey hair) chick flick which premiered this year at TIFF.</p><p>I guess this routine will do for now. Next week is time enough to go a bit further from home base and to mix it up with some of the other events happening in San Miguel.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uo0qlFh_4k8/Vjy4zKdpu1I/AAAAAAAAVWQ/84xD3MIPGGw/s2048/Photo%25252020151106082635178.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uo0qlFh_4k8/Vjy4zKdpu1I/AAAAAAAAVWQ/84xD3MIPGGw/s500/Photo%25252020151106082635178.jpg" id="blogsy-1446826110547.318" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><p> Last night we went to the Paprika Restaurant with 2 other couples that Marc and Sue know. One couple had retired here, but still go back to Saskatchewan to visit with their 2 daughters and grandson. The other couple sat on the far side of the table and so I didn't get their full story. Each lived in the same condo building high up in the Balcones section of town. This area is prime real estate, having a spectacular view of the city from the east. This was my first view of the city as I arrived via the airport transport from Querétaro. The Charco Del Ingenious Botanical Gardens are also up there. Marc and Sue have a piece of property in Balcones and will build a house there at some point. We will walk up and see the view and their building lot and the botanical gardens at sometime during the month.</p><p>For dinner most had salads, some had pizza but I had chicken mole enchiladas with rice. The house specialty was big salads and next time I think that is what I will have as my dish was just so so. There are different types of mole sauces and they all feature chilis. This Mole sauce was dark, almost black - you really couldn't see that were enchiladas under there. The mole was a overpowering with too much chocolate in the sauce for my taste and there was not enough chicken filling in the enchiladas. Lastly, they could have put some grated lettuce on top or tomato, just to add some interest. But enough of the culinary critique! Next time I order the Paprika Salad.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SZzN2KGtiZ4/VjzEFewECQI/AAAAAAAAVW8/zJn-lnFRPrI/s2048/Photo%25252020151106091455770.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SZzN2KGtiZ4/VjzEFewECQI/AAAAAAAAVW8/zJn-lnFRPrI/s500/Photo%25252020151106091455770.jpg" id="blogsy-1446826110567.0642" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><p>The draw on Thursday nights is the live music. The Paprika has a pretty good band band from 7-9ish and they have a dance floor. Catering to the mature Gringo dinner crowd, the place was packed and afterwards the tables emptied and everyone danced to some great tunes from our early years - rock and roll from the 70s and other dance music called us all to get up and work off our dinners! The couple sitting at the far side of the table headed out to a Salsa club for more dancing but the rest of us opted to head home for a reasonable bedtime.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVgzx5HFJ-dDn05j6VQwUNqPjrCNqnuCXFonSIPYj7lk707QaRt_EMC-2T_5afjPlHFrY4DckLQvSSwPT-W_TjOQkE7nwErKn66OKQxiFrFPShIVtDcDeqsIqhP5q12GJEve6Ee2j6S9k/s2048/Photo%25252020151106081828719.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVgzx5HFJ-dDn05j6VQwUNqPjrCNqnuCXFonSIPYj7lk707QaRt_EMC-2T_5afjPlHFrY4DckLQvSSwPT-W_TjOQkE7nwErKn66OKQxiFrFPShIVtDcDeqsIqhP5q12GJEve6Ee2j6S9k/s500/Photo%25252020151106081828719.jpg" id="blogsy-1446826110572.9524" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><p> In yesterday's blog I mentioned the Instituto and I showed the street facing display which is at the south end of the large complex. Above and below are some other pictures showing the rest of the facade and the inner courtyard where they have the Saturday organics market.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OGPYghKFcqI/Vjy3TjA8wCI/AAAAAAAAVV8/e1lFGYSdY24/s2048/Photo%25252020151106081829124.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OGPYghKFcqI/Vjy3TjA8wCI/AAAAAAAAVV8/e1lFGYSdY24/s500/Photo%25252020151106081829124.jpg" id="blogsy-1446826110573.634" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4VDNvhzPC1w/Vjy5AqceXNI/AAAAAAAAVWY/yU879E-RU-0/s2048/Photo%25252020151106082635569.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4VDNvhzPC1w/Vjy5AqceXNI/AAAAAAAAVWY/yU879E-RU-0/s500/Photo%25252020151106082635569.jpg" id="blogsy-1446826110604.867" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsGki3p12VHJagaX2_TbEOrVFdh7oW5jpsnlfVEl9eyK61LezZDKhJA4v-jd8k_kGM_HCFlNd7oaFStq-pXIRc1ruOtS3QPPIppBLqPY0fknR7BQdfLsvcP6c7VcqoEqyQ2ppXM3M_ORU/s2048/Photo%25252020151106082636215.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsGki3p12VHJagaX2_TbEOrVFdh7oW5jpsnlfVEl9eyK61LezZDKhJA4v-jd8k_kGM_HCFlNd7oaFStq-pXIRc1ruOtS3QPPIppBLqPY0fknR7BQdfLsvcP6c7VcqoEqyQ2ppXM3M_ORU/s500/Photo%25252020151106082636215.jpg" id="blogsy-1446826110532.7266" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="667"></a></div><p>The coat of arms, I presume are that of the De la Canal family. In Spain, coat of arms are prominently displayed on the outsides of buildings - here that doesn't seem to be in evidence. The coat of arms above and below are on either side of the entranceway into the courtyard.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SysfAyky53I/Vjy5WmgfXQI/AAAAAAAAVWo/rzkrIsGW8wE/s2048/Photo%25252020151106082636869.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SysfAyky53I/Vjy5WmgfXQI/AAAAAAAAVWo/rzkrIsGW8wE/s500/Photo%25252020151106082636869.jpg" id="blogsy-1446826110557.9866" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="667"></a> </div><p>At dinner the conversation was all in a buzz about a shooting on the street just a few doors down from the Instituto. So the story goes, the Policia shot a 25 year old woman who was a senior operator in a drug gang. Apparently there were 3 bullets to the head, execution style, delivered at high noon, so maybe it was a gang to gang territory thing and maybe the Policia didn't shoot the person. Well at least the shooter was careful not to get any bystanders. As we in Toronto know, when gunfire erupts in a busy tourist and shopper filled street that is not always the case.</p><p>I was assured by my friends that this sort of thing does not happen often. I suspect there will be some report of the incident in the local English language weekly paper - The Atención.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-K15ugsa1UYQ/Vjy3gRh7nTI/AAAAAAAAVWE/b-hLEZ3Ir98/s2048/Photo%25252020151106081829523.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-K15ugsa1UYQ/Vjy3gRh7nTI/AAAAAAAAVWE/b-hLEZ3Ir98/s500/Photo%25252020151106081829523.jpg" id="blogsy-1446826110611.6704" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><p>My casita has a lemon tree in the courtyard and I have been picking the fruit and making lemonade! </p><p> Today I have to be at the Biblioteca by noon, and I want to get on with other writing projects, so I will bid you adios! Stay tuned for tomorrow's instalment.</p><p> </p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07909913811643561413noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7478824927735716590.post-7277006518884352782015-11-05T08:50:00.001-08:002015-11-05T10:33:07.759-08:00Cobblestones and Pretty Streets<p>Marc and Sue have a research company and are quite involved in a project right now and with the deadline looming, I am now doing my walking tours solo. Seems a lot of the social life here revolves around dinner out, so looks like I will be checking out the local restaurants most nights this week as they have kindly added me as a tag along each evening. It is a good way to meet friends and get to know the favourite eating spots.</p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kgg_uOqgGzY/VjuHkXXF5aI/AAAAAAAAVTY/Fik3HBl3aL4/s2048/Photo%25252020151105104416015.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kgg_uOqgGzY/VjuHkXXF5aI/AAAAAAAAVTY/Fik3HBl3aL4/s500/Photo%25252020151105104416015.jpg" id="blogsy-1446748369761.1667" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Casita - view from the kitchen</td></tr></tbody></table><p> Let you tell me a bit more about my digs. I rented via the Home Away website (<a href="http://www.vrbo.com/560571?unitId=1107888" target="_self" title="">www.vrbo.com</a>), which is an Air B&B like site. I had decided to rent a 2 bedroom as several of my friends and even adult children were planning to visit. As fate would have it, each one of my potential guests ended up having something else crop up and so I am on my own in this huge 2 bedroom apt. Lesson learned, don't count on guests coming, nor rent more space than I need in future.</p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cQDkR9v_ubw/VjuHxfPUkkI/AAAAAAAAVTg/QYsw0KRRU1o/s2048/Photo%25252020151105104416432.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cQDkR9v_ubw/VjuHxfPUkkI/AAAAAAAAVTg/QYsw0KRRU1o/s500/Photo%25252020151105104416432.jpg" id="blogsy-1446748369784.4858" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Casita - view into the kitchen</td></tr></tbody></table><p> </p><p style="text-align: left;"> That said , it is a cute and colourful place and I am happy to be here. The casita is one of 3 sharing a private courtyard behind the big locked front doors. The other 2 are smaller with one bedroom each - both cute as a button and unoccupied this month. I am alone in this big casa. November is low season. Apparently it is hard to find accommodation for the Jan - Mar timeframe, unless one gets on it really early. Each of these 3 casitas are booked solid from January onwards. Many folks come back to the same place year over year so pickings are slim. If I decide to winter here next year I will have to get on it early.</p><p style="text-align: left;"> I am happy to say that I am keeping with my plan to write until mid day before venturing forth to explore. Yesterday, my walk about focus was on making sure I could find my way around my area and to have a good look at some of the more local buildings and sights.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Sscyndlfehs/VjuIAeMqVRI/AAAAAAAAVTo/alwUI-Bpq4I/s2048/Photo%25252020151105104416862.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Sscyndlfehs/VjuIAeMqVRI/AAAAAAAAVTo/alwUI-Bpq4I/s500/Photo%25252020151105104416862.jpg" id="blogsy-1446748369790.283" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a> </div><p> San Miguel is a city of cobblestone streets with both the sidewalks and roadways made of stone. I was amazed when I arrived at how rough the roads were for the taxi. The heritage minded folks are working to keep pavement out of SMA. The stone roads slow down the traffic for sure. One difference of note here is that cars will stop and let pedestrians cross mid street - something unheard of in Toronto. I am told that this is true only of drivers from SMA - not Mexican tourists up from Mexico City and I should check the licence plate before assuming a car will stop. I think it easier to assume they won't stop. The pace of life is so slow here that no one is in a hurry - even the drivers.</p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nQlkhDVHNJs/VjuIRw1ek9I/AAAAAAAAVTw/lKcj_KepiIc/s2048/Photo%25252020151105104417318.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nQlkhDVHNJs/VjuIRw1ek9I/AAAAAAAAVTw/lKcj_KepiIc/s500/Photo%25252020151105104417318.jpg" id="blogsy-1446748369804.619" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cobblestone roads are really uneven.</td></tr></tbody></table><p> Walking is a bit treacherous here as I was warned by Sue - she herself has had a spill when walking the streets. The uneven cobblestones plus the hazards on the sidewalk (uneven surfaces, narrow sidewalks and dark streets at night) make falling a real danger if one does not walk with face down to see what lies under your next step. Sidewalks are not as we would know them. They are little more than a raised bit of cobblestone at the side of the roadway, usually no more than a foot and a half wide and sometimes with holes bit enough for a foot to fall into. Last night, one of our dinner companions fell on her walk to the restaurant and the same night, on my way home, I saw another lady face plant into the road after she misjudged the distance of the step down on the sidewalk at a driveway.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rYfDLI-_o4k/VjuIhxTJfyI/AAAAAAAAVT4/MdbmwgnwkXw/s2048/Photo%25252020151105104417736.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rYfDLI-_o4k/VjuIhxTJfyI/AAAAAAAAVT4/MdbmwgnwkXw/s500/Photo%25252020151105104417736.jpg" id="blogsy-1446748369790.8218" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><p> SMA is known for the Instituto Allende, which originally was the summer home of the De la Canal family - one of New Spain's richest families and a prominent SMA family of the day and through the centuries following. The Instituto is located in an enormous complex, which the De la Canal family built as a retreat and hacienda. The old house is filled with various courtyards, a private chapel with colonial era frescos, modern art gallery and restaurant. In 1951, it was converted into an art institute which offers courses in silverwork, ceramic and Spanish, attracting hundreds of students each year.</p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-owNk2IgFnhI/VjuIzDX7VBI/AAAAAAAAVUA/XpRSu7GLeT8/s2048/Photo%25252020151105104418143.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-owNk2IgFnhI/VjuIzDX7VBI/AAAAAAAAVUA/XpRSu7GLeT8/s500/Photo%25252020151105104418143.jpg" id="blogsy-1446748369798.3496" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Parque Juárez</td></tr></tbody></table><p> I also checked out the Parque Juárez, which sits in behind and just to the east of the Instituto and the Rosewood Hotel (San Miguel's 5 star hotel and luxury townhomes development). The park was originally created in the 20th century, designed in the French style with wide walkways surrounding squares of formal gardens, fountains, reflecting pools and of course trees. This park was refurbished during SMA's 100th anniversary and now has a huge children's playground, Basketball courts and some exercise stations.</p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-62tNpipMve8/VjuPEELCUzI/AAAAAAAAVUQ/8JDviAoAMzI/s2048/Photo%25252020151105111621147.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-62tNpipMve8/VjuPEELCUzI/AAAAAAAAVUQ/8JDviAoAMzI/s500/Photo%25252020151105111621147.jpg" id="blogsy-1446748369844.979" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view to the west looking down Pila Seca (street)</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mkmCVN4B_GM/VjuPPFeh2mI/AAAAAAAAVUY/RaRru3R7gj0/s2048/Photo%25252020151105111621765.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mkmCVN4B_GM/VjuPPFeh2mI/AAAAAAAAVUY/RaRru3R7gj0/s500/Photo%25252020151105111621765.jpg" id="blogsy-1446748369756.8428" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="667"></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-66tTYE58Ufc/VjuPbwmvDpI/AAAAAAAAVUg/Eg03_jed2e4/s2048/Photo%25252020151105111622135.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-66tTYE58Ufc/VjuPbwmvDpI/AAAAAAAAVUg/Eg03_jed2e4/s500/Photo%25252020151105111622135.jpg" id="blogsy-1446748369833.554" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"> I could walk these streets and gaze at the view for a long time and never grow tired of it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8u7-K0yYYew/VjuPowAVijI/AAAAAAAAVUo/7aLSZ7yPHdQ/s2048/Photo%25252020151105111622522.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8u7-K0yYYew/VjuPowAVijI/AAAAAAAAVUo/7aLSZ7yPHdQ/s500/Photo%25252020151105111622522.jpg" id="blogsy-1446748369817.0815" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><p> Behind each of these doors is a beautiful courtyard. You need to look closely to see which are homes and which are businesses.</p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SvAFK_7BTQA/VjuP0W6fieI/AAAAAAAAVUw/t-OoHfB4s_M/s2048/Photo%25252020151105111622915.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SvAFK_7BTQA/VjuP0W6fieI/AAAAAAAAVUw/t-OoHfB4s_M/s500/Photo%25252020151105111622915.jpg" id="blogsy-1446748369849.956" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><p> This is the view from the doorway inside the boutique hotel which is the door sitting at the left foreground in the picture above it. Streetside homes and businesses are unassuming and understated. Beautifully simple with an artistic flair based in colour and elegant design. </p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Y-EGFxmZv8c/VjuQEP4Oq7I/AAAAAAAAVU4/Ih-LEBiXm8I/s2048/Photo%25252020151105111623408.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Y-EGFxmZv8c/VjuQEP4Oq7I/AAAAAAAAVU4/Ih-LEBiXm8I/s500/Photo%25252020151105111623408.jpg" id="blogsy-1446748369786.3167" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><p> The hotel courtyard features a lemon tree and greenery and is so inviting. This is a very typical sort of view you see if the doorway is open and you are able to look inside.</p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6TUW7L8zxfo/VjuTBexEGYI/AAAAAAAAVVE/NovJIKm6lDg/s2048/Photo%25252020151105113301137.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6TUW7L8zxfo/VjuTBexEGYI/AAAAAAAAVVE/NovJIKm6lDg/s500/Photo%25252020151105113301137.jpg" id="blogsy-1446748369845.7861" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><p> I could post 2,000 pictures like this one and each uniquely beautiful - yes, actually 2,000! According to some literature I was reading there are 2,000 doors in the historical part of SMA with 2,000 courtyards behind them!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5MOGeN3Sqm8/VjuTNEJEu1I/AAAAAAAAVVM/7HZf3Sz_bEE/s2048/Photo%25252020151105113301505.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5MOGeN3Sqm8/VjuTNEJEu1I/AAAAAAAAVVM/7HZf3Sz_bEE/s500/Photo%25252020151105113301505.jpg" id="blogsy-1446748369790.3682" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><p> This is SMA's Pocket Theatre which has 2 - 50 seat screening rooms and features original language art movies with English subtitles with 6 screenings a day. For 10 pesos you get admittance plus a drink and popcorn. Today I will go get a tickets for Saturday to see Amy, a documentary about Amy Winehouse which was showing at TIFF this past Sept. Looking at the building's facade you can scarce tell it is a movie house.</p><p> </p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FcphHVxKQaA/VjuTbSu1EOI/AAAAAAAAVVU/gnAUx3kv1xE/s2048/Photo%25252020151105113301924.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FcphHVxKQaA/VjuTbSu1EOI/AAAAAAAAVVU/gnAUx3kv1xE/s500/Photo%25252020151105113301924.jpg" id="blogsy-1446748369753.4321" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Jardin Prinicipal - a meeting spot in the plaza opposite the Parroquía </td></tr></tbody></table><p> I arrived at my meeting place for tonight's night out for dinner - a bench in the Jardin Principal facing the Parroquía. Marc and Sue had invited me to join them for dinner with friends Jacques and René - a long married couple from Montreal who have sold their home and are moving down full time and Daryl - an American woman originally from Atlanta who is a full time resident. We went to a place which is a bit on the high end for SMA but the dinner, Salmon Limoné, was excellent. Dinner with 2 glasses of Chilean merlot was 365 pesos ( ~$30) with tip. I shall have to relook at my budget as my allocation for dinners out will clearly be insufficient if I am to be eating out just about every night! My preference is to eat more at home but it is nice to get out to meet people, so will need to relook at my budget to see how many nights out I can afford.</p><p>Day 4 ended with a leisurely walk home and yes, it is safe for women to walk alone at night, at least in this part of town. Hasta luego from San Miguel!</p><p> </p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07909913811643561413noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7478824927735716590.post-50743015997561136152015-11-04T11:28:00.000-08:002015-11-04T12:09:56.718-08:00Getting to know SMA just a Little Bit<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GU1-TZYq6P0/Vjo_hUaPKJI/AAAAAAAAVSg/acw70BFUCIM/s2048/Photo%25252020151104112430478.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GU1-TZYq6P0/Vjo_hUaPKJI/AAAAAAAAVSg/acw70BFUCIM/s500/Photo%25252020151104112430478.jpg" id="blogsy-1446667762382.694" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Café Monet - where I had breakfast on my first morning</td></tr></tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><p> </p></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Café Monet - where I had breakfast on my first morning</td></tr></tbody></table><p> Yesterday afternoon Marc and Sue took me for a bit of a walking tour followed by dinner with a friend. I had spent all morning writing, and felt keen to get out and see more of the sights. We met at the Café Monet and before heading up the street took at look at the little barrio (neighbourhood) behind the main street.</p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rYpRzD2IjQE/VjonuXLsqnI/AAAAAAAAVRU/ZDun189wpOs/s2048/Photo%25252020151104093828873.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rYpRzD2IjQE/VjonuXLsqnI/AAAAAAAAVRU/ZDun189wpOs/s500/Photo%25252020151104093828873.jpg" id="blogsy-1446667762349.379" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The streetscape is captivating in old historic town center.</td></tr></tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" caption="Just inside the entrance to "Riconda de la Aldea"" style="clear: both;"><p> </p><p><font color="#000000" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZfxcBqkkab0/Vjo_wYbeIcI/AAAAAAAAVSo/9fNgP2mSFco/s2048/Photo%25252020151104112430886.jpg" target="_blank" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZfxcBqkkab0/Vjo_wYbeIcI/AAAAAAAAVSo/9fNgP2mSFco/s500/Photo%25252020151104112430886.jpg" id="blogsy-1446667762429.632" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></font></p><p>There is a little hidden laneway, just inside the "Aldea Arches" which leads to the Life Path Centre, a yoga/Tai Chi Meditation Centre/Boutique Holtel. The Riconada de la Aldea, as it is called, is filled with wall murals and gardens, a few galleries and some wonderful home facades.</p><p> </p><p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ogGak00dS1w/Vjon7mYTxEI/AAAAAAAAVRc/NVDvh3Lwy78/s2048/Photo%25252020151104093943918.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ogGak00dS1w/Vjon7mYTxEI/AAAAAAAAVRc/NVDvh3Lwy78/s500/Photo%25252020151104093943918.jpg" id="blogsy-1446667762348.989" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a><br></p></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The streetscape is vivid and interesting in the old historic town center.</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;" caption="It is hard not to take a photo of each and every beautiful building - there are so many!"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-k6uDb08gGVw/VjooHsdMU4I/AAAAAAAAVRk/-ddd1e8DTwY/s2048/Photo%25252020151104093943934.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-k6uDb08gGVw/VjooHsdMU4I/AAAAAAAAVRk/-ddd1e8DTwY/s500/Photo%25252020151104093943934.jpg" id="blogsy-1446667762438.994" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"> </div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0xJS9zEcbT8/VjooVPHXBGI/AAAAAAAAVRs/1Z_CnXsRxAU/s2048/Photo%25252020151104093943947.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0xJS9zEcbT8/VjooVPHXBGI/AAAAAAAAVRs/1Z_CnXsRxAU/s500/Photo%25252020151104093943947.jpg" id="blogsy-1446667762444.1243" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="667"></a> </td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A wall mural on "Riconada de la Aldea"</td></tr></tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;">After touring the little laneway we wandered around the small rectangle that is Santa Cruz (street) and enjoyed a parade of beautiful homes which comprise the small La Aldea Arches Barrio. The weather was perfect even a bit hot (not complaining) and the one cloud in the sky made a very picturesque statement.</td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A wall mural on "Riconada de la Aldea"</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4FrjAUMNeE_CNZ4szYN9zleKoJrHBkhKUACk7FWmrETBNwpdInpoDOpXb0RPUWRpQ9GV4Cp-s-hNlTLw7UcYQ4UgxiONpy-HK66-IHIewF9shcdnKjBkWBc-keCWUE-wHJzdsI-BkZM8/s2048/Photo%25252020151104093943965.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4FrjAUMNeE_CNZ4szYN9zleKoJrHBkhKUACk7FWmrETBNwpdInpoDOpXb0RPUWRpQ9GV4Cp-s-hNlTLw7UcYQ4UgxiONpy-HK66-IHIewF9shcdnKjBkWBc-keCWUE-wHJzdsI-BkZM8/s500/Photo%25252020151104093943965.jpg" id="blogsy-1446667762434.1694" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nvGKsXW7VDE/VjoozbjNwvI/AAAAAAAAVR8/OKNjxgIccWY/s2048/Photo%25252020151104094024777.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nvGKsXW7VDE/VjoozbjNwvI/AAAAAAAAVR8/OKNjxgIccWY/s500/Photo%25252020151104094024777.jpg" id="blogsy-1446667762424.3035" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="667"></a></div><p> San Miguel is known for its beautiful doors - I was told there is a coffee table book one can buy. It will be hard not to fill this blog with pictures of the beautiful fronts of houses I see on my walks. The historic centre of the city is quite regulated - the colours are restricted to the Browns/oranges and yellows which are in keeping with the district. You won't find any fast food joints - businesses are also restricted.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--gharMN2S20/Vjoo-9bX2wI/AAAAAAAAVSE/Py6ZOC7RE80/s2048/Photo%25252020151104094024804.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--gharMN2S20/Vjoo-9bX2wI/AAAAAAAAVSE/Py6ZOC7RE80/s500/Photo%25252020151104094024804.jpg" id="blogsy-1446667762392.454" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;">Next, we wandered up Zacateros (street) wandering in and out of shops and galleries and winding our way up the street to the Templo de la Immaculada Conception, which is both a church and a cloistered nunnery. </div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xJEAkl4okos/Vjo__hCkaMI/AAAAAAAAVSw/QXEolinOppw/s2048/Photo%25252020151104112431283.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xJEAkl4okos/Vjo__hCkaMI/AAAAAAAAVSw/QXEolinOppw/s500/Photo%25252020151104112431283.jpg" id="blogsy-1446667762418.6882" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The fabulous tree in the garden at the Church of Immaculate Conception</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;">From there we strolled - from now on my "up" will refer not to north/south but to real up/down, since this is a hill town and that makes more sene - up to Hernandez Macias (street) and into the Bella's Artes cultural/arts centre. There are arts classes and lectures here as well as permanent rotating exhibits. Here I saw an amazing wall mural - really a whole room mural created in 1948 by David Alfaro Siqueiros.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;">Afterwards we continued on to a street named "Insurgentes" and to the Biblioteca Pública (library). The library is one of the main centres of social activity and houses the small Santa Ana Teatro as well as lounges, a big projects room bustling with all sorts of activity from language instruction to crafts. We stopped at the library courtyard café for a coffee. Yes, there are also books here - English as well as Spanish. It houses one of the larger collections of English language books and DVDs in Mexico, second only to the one at Mexico City. Films are shown and lectures take place In the Teatro and most cost only 60 pesos. I earmarked Fri at noon to go see the film "I'll see you in my Dreams", which I had wanted to see at TIFF but could not get tickets. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;">Actually there are quite a few small theatres tucked away in little spots, seating only 20-30 people in the ahistorical district with jaunt a little cardboard sign in the window advertising what is on for the week. For 10 pesos you get a drink and popcorn and a movie - and some good ones in English. I wonder if these movies are bootlegged copies given the price! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-M7lfQgQkzzg/VjopLkYmgyI/AAAAAAAAVSM/NsiSfHj9XyI/s2048/Photo%25252020151104094103075.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-M7lfQgQkzzg/VjopLkYmgyI/AAAAAAAAVSM/NsiSfHj9XyI/s500/Photo%25252020151104094103075.jpg" id="blogsy-1446667762430.956" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"> Next through the Plaza Civica and on to the Mercado Ignacio Ramírez - the market. It reminded me of St Lawrence Market in Toronto. It was just closing as we arrived and we only poked around the beginning of it - it goes on for streets and streets. I will have to go back there to have a real browse.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rdzcx4u7QS0/VjopWXBvAjI/AAAAAAAAVSU/xh9o3NL88FI/s2048/Photo%25252020151104094128306.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rdzcx4u7QS0/VjopWXBvAjI/AAAAAAAAVSU/xh9o3NL88FI/s500/Photo%25252020151104094128306.jpg" id="blogsy-1446667762355.1545" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><p> The last stop of our walking tour was the Plaza Principal and the Parroquía de San Miguel Archángel, which I had seen on my first evening during the Day of the Dead celebrations. The pink stone on the gothic spires looks amazing as the sun sets. <a href="http://Thereisalittlehiddenlaneway,justinsidethe"AldeaArches"whichleadstotheLifePathCentre,ayoga/TaiChiMeditationCentre/BoutiqueHoltel.TheRiconadadelaAldea,asitiscalled,isfilledwithwallmuralsandgardens,afewgalleriesandsomewonderfulhomefacades." target="_blank" title="">See the section on the Parroquía in the San Miguel Article from WIKI</a>:</p><a name='more'></a><p> Time was marching and dinner was calling so we headed over to the Berlín Bistro to meet Bill for dinner. A surprise 2 for 1 happy hour meant of course 2 glasses of wine each. Everyone raved about the hamburgers here and although there were quite a few great mains on the menu I decided to give that a go. When the burger arrived it was everything it should have been and I munched happily while the 4 of us chatted about San Miguel and what brought us here.</p><p>Bill is a real life example of what can happen when you come to SAM. He arrived here for a month's vacation over a decade ago and once the month was up decided to stay and signed a 1 year lease. He has been living ever since in the same gated community beside the private golf course to which he is a member. As he put it "I always wanted to retire and live beside a golf course, I just never imagined it would not be in the States." </p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OWqeXhA-kkU/Vjpl7SGAtrI/AAAAAAAAVTA/Rf4r4H4ANxA/s2048/Photo%25252020151104140829156.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OWqeXhA-kkU/Vjpl7SGAtrI/AAAAAAAAVTA/Rf4r4H4ANxA/s500/Photo%25252020151104140829156.jpg" id="blogsy-1446667762435.8247" class="alignnone" width="500" height="375" alt=""></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A boy and his parrot :)</td></tr></tbody></table><p> </p><p>San Miguel's population is decent sized at around 140,000. At peak season the Gringos stand at about 10,000, but they have considerable influence in the town, given that they are a heck of a lot of retirees with money to spend. Also, it seems to me, having listened to discussion and from the reading I have done, that a good number of these Gringos are do-gooders, who volunteer at any number of the many philanthropic organizations and events going on here. It is a very good omen when visitors volunteer to improve the place they stay and even put down roots.</p><p>This is not the first time I have heard of folks coming to San Miguel and deciding to move here. So far I have seen little which would argue against living here. Rent for full timers is quite reasonable and I understand that a decent place can be had for as little as $500 per month, if you sign a 1 year lease. For Canadians, the exchange is not too bad but for Americans it is a real bonus - the peso has devalued against then US greenback by about 30% - just as the Canadian loony has. Food prices for imported food is about the same as at home but fresh food - fruit and veg particularly are much cheaper. Entertainment and eating out is less expensive. So the financial part of the equation is good - one could live here for less than back home. There is lots to do here and lots of English speaking retirees, artists and free spirits to provide company. So far, it seems the most beautiful city I have been in, at least in the centre of town. I wonder.... Maybe this would be a good place for at least a regular winter escape.</p><p>So went day 3 of my San Miguel escape. More to come tomorrow.<br></p><p>Please know that I have only touched upon a few of the noteworthy sights from the walking tour - hopefully enough to give you a sense of the place and perhaps lure you here for a visit!</p><p> </p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07909913811643561413noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7478824927735716590.post-75845375022802279932015-11-03T10:57:00.000-08:002015-11-03T11:13:09.089-08:00Day of the Dead Continues<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CnaCLSnT9BY/VjjsKry4irI/AAAAAAAAVQU/Nm74x47sEbQ/s1936/Photo%25252020151103111214491.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CnaCLSnT9BY/VjjsKry4irI/AAAAAAAAVQU/Nm74x47sEbQ/s500/Photo%25252020151103111214491.jpg" id="blogsy-1446577654888.8374" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="500"></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from my front door into the private courtyard.</td></tr></tbody></table><p> Yesterday was a mixed bag. I started to carve out my day - the morning for writing, afternoon and evening for sightseeing and social stuff and odd chores. I am using the Spanish definition of afternoon - it starts about 1:30 or so... Before that I will write. Good plan and followed to the letter on my first full day here. I am full of enthusiasm for my new digs and my month of writing and exploring.</p><p> </p><p>There was not a bit of anything to eat in the casita, as I had not found the energy or time to pick up even the makings for coffee yesterday, so the first order of business was going out to breakfast. The recommended spot - Café Monet about 10 minutes amble down the main drag a few blocks from my place. It was bustling, it being still Day of the Dead - oddly, this day is 2 days long. The café was homey with a living room like space at the front with two big comfy couches on either side of a large coffee table which had been commandeered by several couples as all the tables were occupied. About a dozen or so tables were filled with mostly grey haired Gringos with a few Mexicanos wandering in now and again to have a quick coffee at the bar. It looked like mainly seniors here in "SAM", the short for San Miguel de Allende used by the locals. I guess I will fit in just fine.</p><p> </p><p>Rather than hog a whole table to myself, I hoisted myself up on a bar stool and sipped my coffee at the counter at close range to all the action. Quite the coordinated effort. The barista (or is it baristo as in the Spanish masculine form?) brought forth lattes and café Americans non stop. Oddly, I asked for a café con letche and the Mexican barista replied "a latte" - I guess the clientele here are more Anglo than Latin. Anyway, the place lived up to the recommendation. Behind the coffee station was the kitchen, almost hidden from my view by the huge espresso machine. It occupied the centre of one side of the café,protruding into the dining room tucked behind a serving counterlike a stage in a theatre. All staff were working non stop moving quickly for table to coffee station, to serving counter with great efficiency. I had a latte and an excellent simple cheese omelette and paid only 75 pesos with tip ($6). I think this café is considered one of the better ones for value. It just may become my go to breakfast stop.</p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font color="#000000" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YFwD5u9Wq2Y/VjjsWwIrdmI/AAAAAAAAVQc/b9USSA4LOPY/s1936/Photo%25252020151103111214484.jpg" target="_blank" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YFwD5u9Wq2Y/VjjsWwIrdmI/AAAAAAAAVQc/b9USSA4LOPY/s500/Photo%25252020151103111214484.jpg" id="blogsy-1446577654939.0857" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="500"></a></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> I headed home with my travel mug filled with coffee, ready to spend a few hours writing and enjoying my quiet casita on my sunny little terraza. Before long, I had posted my first blog and felt pleased that all was progressing as it should.</div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-npncqo-OR3I/Vjjs8V1WyXI/AAAAAAAAVQo/9xEAFoANRCs/s2048/Photo%25252020151103111952649.jpg" target="_blank" style="clear: left; float: left; "><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-npncqo-OR3I/Vjjs8V1WyXI/AAAAAAAAVQo/9xEAFoANRCs/s363/Photo%25252020151103111952649.jpg" id="blogsy-1446577654898.272" class="alignleft" alt="" width="363" height="272"></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The equivalent of the BBQ chickens I often buy at my local grocers at home. </td></tr></tbody></table><p> </p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ks2dFYp6J-I/VjjrxUtHyqI/AAAAAAAAVQE/gRIfOFCSATY/s2048/Photo%25252020151103111214495.jpg" target="_blank" style="clear: right; float: right; "><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ks2dFYp6J-I/VjjrxUtHyqI/AAAAAAAAVQE/gRIfOFCSATY/s339/Photo%25252020151103111214495.jpg" id="blogsy-1446577654905.6987" class="alignright" alt="" width="339" height="254"></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking good and at $6 a couple of bucks cheaper than at home.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> At 2 pm my helpful friends arrived to take me on another walking tour (this time focused on shopping) and to go to the bank machine, cell phone provider and the "MEGA", a huge grocery and department store. We walked up the main drag for several kilometres as various restaurants and shops were singled out for mention - too many for me to remember but for sure in time I will get to know. Seems like I will not want for places to spend my money. </div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD1vlma9R0PY707g3bWtRuuGFaPsQbQQQS_6UK9HsWJ7_7lqw-qSAMf3GAAKWkmDO-Qyk8J-XoFCdp9yZbTVTNu0e_nMVyof8qDmmFk00f_mdMbvPWUcl_Mh-lQhp3ENk1vpRY5zvHzAs/s2048/Photo%25252020151103111952650.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD1vlma9R0PY707g3bWtRuuGFaPsQbQQQS_6UK9HsWJ7_7lqw-qSAMf3GAAKWkmDO-Qyk8J-XoFCdp9yZbTVTNu0e_nMVyof8qDmmFk00f_mdMbvPWUcl_Mh-lQhp3ENk1vpRY5zvHzAs/s500/Photo%25252020151103111952650.jpg" id="blogsy-1446577654917.6467" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">People streaming into the cemetery for day 2 of the Day of the Dead celebration</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> As we walked up the street (or maybe down - I still haven't got the north/south orientation ingrained into my internal GPS), we passed the entrance to the large cemetery. Day of the Dead is a serious business here. The obligation to visit one's dead relatives is felt by a large segment of the population if the crowds were any indication. I have been reading more about it in the local English language newspaper called "Atención". Seems Nov 1st is to honour dead children and Nov 2nd is to honour deceased adults. I guess there were too many graves to visit in one day so they had to expand the holiday to 2 days. It is an interesting holiday and cultural study. <a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Day_of_the_Dead" target="_self" title="wiki: Day of the Dead">Go here to wiki for more info</a>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">After a bit more walking, I got a new sim for my iPhone with voice, sms and data and f<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">or a mere $35 which is </span>less than I would pay inToronto. I had a lot to buy at the grocer's given that there was nada in stock at the casa but I was pleasantly surprised when the bill came to just over 1,000 pesos (~$80). A quick cab home for a mere 40 pesos and my chores were done!</div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-w7S3Wx7jY1U/Vjjr8UBU8aI/AAAAAAAAVQM/DEyelO1yzzI/s2048/Photo%25252020151103111214493.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-w7S3Wx7jY1U/Vjjr8UBU8aI/AAAAAAAAVQM/DEyelO1yzzI/s500/Photo%25252020151103111214493.jpg" id="blogsy-1446577654979.0327" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pan de Muerto - a speciality available on Day of the Dead</td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span></p><p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">To conclude my day, I joined my friends for dinner at a small restaurant off a quiet side street near their home. The food was excellent and the steak perfectly cooked. The topic of conversation was things to do in SAM. That will for sure be something to cover in my next and also subsequent blogs - I am now seeing the clock and it is nearly 1:00 and time to go for a walk. I headed home full and happy having spent only around $18 and that included 2 glasses of wine! There are so many great restaurants and with prices not too expensive it will be hard to spend nights at home cooking.</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> Typically, when at home n Toronto I seldom eat out, much preferring to cook my own food. I am not sure if it is the thrifty part of my soul or really that I prefer my own cooking, but my budget does not have a lot of dollars earmarked for eating out. Then again - I am on holiday - or am I? LOL- The old conundrum when you don't work every day is a holiday.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span></p><p><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">With that day 2 of my Mexican trip comes to a close. I have had no trouble sleeping. The mattress is comfortable, temperature perfect and the neighbourhood perfectly quiet</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">. All is well in San Miguel.</span></p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07909913811643561413noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7478824927735716590.post-68981867663643878932015-11-02T10:56:00.001-08:002015-11-02T11:34:47.036-08:00Mexico Bound - San Miguel de Allende<p>I <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">owe an apology to those to whom I promised to continue blogging after I returned from my last trip. I thought it would be easy - the habit was entrenched to blog daily and I would just have to keep it up. Sadly, life just got in the way. Now I am on my next trip and back to my "Bucket List" blog as well as some other writing projects and I have fresh hope to continue with the "Toronto is my Town" blog when I return - at least that is the plan.</span></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_oIqbX_3ZFvHkbE413zFvhEnI5BDyTeZjuifhxHduxXVOCg6E1IdQhskxryplU6rmAWYuqtAJ4wlHLNLog5z88Z4rXaBCmXy08PNUbjWxQbpbrOVDViBj-6ZI-JxERjnyiiQaH2uL3yY/s640/blogger-image-2145119701.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target=""><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_oIqbX_3ZFvHkbE413zFvhEnI5BDyTeZjuifhxHduxXVOCg6E1IdQhskxryplU6rmAWYuqtAJ4wlHLNLog5z88Z4rXaBCmXy08PNUbjWxQbpbrOVDViBj-6ZI-JxERjnyiiQaH2uL3yY/s505/blogger-image-2145119701.jpg" id="blogsy-1446492863126.4395" class="" alt="" width="505" height="334"></a></p><p><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Yesterday, I flew to San Miguel de Allenda, by way of Dallas and Querétaro. I took an easy 1 hour Bajiago van ride costing 520 pesos (about $42 CAD) from there to my destination. I was happy, but starved and exhausted, when I arrived in the </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">late afternoon </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">at my rented Casita a couple of blocks from the centre of the city. The weather was sunny and warm, something best appreciated by someone who has left on a cold and dark November morning from a northern city. As I was walked through the casita and saw that it was everything the photos promised, I thought how wonderful this holiday is going to be.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As an aside, I guess I shouldn't call or think of this as a holiday. Holidays are for working people, and I haven't set my foot inside an office in a full year. I was thinking of this as a bit of a writers retreat combined with travel to a new and interesting city and with opportunity to visit with and be shown around town by friends who have wintered here for the last 7 years. My friends Marc and Susan had suggested SMdA might be someplace I would enjoy and already I have to agree. I have some vague idea that I could possibly winter here also, although right now Spain is probably higher on the list of places where I think I might like to have a longer term stay. We shall see. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The other reason not to think of this as a holiday is that I plan to spend 4-5 hours a day writing. Part of the equation for me to figure out if I am going to look for a job in January is seeing if I can establish myself as a writer, but not necessarily as a published writer - at least by January LOL. To be called a writer you need to spend a good part of your day writing - every day. To be a writer, I think you must write every day like it is a job and hope/believe that at some point something will be publishable. Mainly though, you must just write every day. If by January I am spending my days writing then I will have no reason (other than financial) to look for another job. I will have a job as a writer. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Now back to San Miguel.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="jhttps://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Miguel_de_Allende" target="_blank">San Miguel de Allende</a> is a smallish city about 3-4 hours north of Mexico City, in the central part of Mexico on the the foothills of the. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">According to WIKI:</span></p><blockquote class="tr_bq"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); background-color: white; color: #252525; font-size: 16px;">"The main attraction of the town is its well-preserved historic center, filled with buildings from the 17th and 18th centuries. This and the nearby </span>Sanctuary of Atotonilco<span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); background-color: white; color: #252525; font-size: 16px;"> have been declared </span>World Heritage Sites in the <span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); background-color: white; color: #252525; font-size: 16px;">2008."</span></span></blockquote><p><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); background-color: white; color: #252525; font-size: 16px;"></span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); background-color: white; color: #252525; font-size: 16px;">I am on my own in a two bedroom casita (more about that in another blog) but Marc and Susan live a 10 minute walk away. While I am used to travelling on my own, there is comfort in knowing that friends who "know the ropes" are not far away. After settling in, they came over to take me to dinner at a good medium priced restaurant around the corner from my place, Hecho de Mexico. It had been recommended by the chap who had shared the van ride with me to town from the airport. Both he and my friends agreed, consistently good quality and a nice mix of Mexican and American dishes. After I had stuffed myself with a great meal of rosemary chicken, sweet potato and creamed spinach washed down with a margarita, we wandered around the town for a bit of a night tour.</span></span></p><div><span style="color: #252525; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); background-color: white;"></span></span><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="color: #252525; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); background-color: white;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-fd4PZ1dlUmohhmK27gkNsYz4pfFf7iJPVjyd4DLkX753W4DvGCo_Hh7RGirhnebTlqXKIMPJZTb25dJMxkkjRAjeXNGUe2yGPbS2S8Kts8SNfjAbshKvjEOSJQamToenwsrCyGS7wqY/s640/blogger-image--922661440.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target=""><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-fd4PZ1dlUmohhmK27gkNsYz4pfFf7iJPVjyd4DLkX753W4DvGCo_Hh7RGirhnebTlqXKIMPJZTb25dJMxkkjRAjeXNGUe2yGPbS2S8Kts8SNfjAbshKvjEOSJQamToenwsrCyGS7wqY/s504/blogger-image--922661440.jpg" id="blogsy-1446492863147.9482" class="" alt="" width="504" height="378"></a></span></span></div></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">My arrival on Nov 1st was a lucky break as I got to enjoy the Day of the Dead Celebrations. This fiesta is to celebrate those who have died and though the celebration of ancestors it is also a celebration of life, heritage and family histories. People gather and remember and celebrate ancestors with friends and others in the cemelteries and public places in the city. The fashion awesome shrines on the streets and parks and at the cemeteries, where objects and remembrances are arranged with flowers as a tribute for the person who has died. It is not somber, but very happy and a true celebration, It is a bit of a goulish night, sort of like Halloween, as adults and children alike dress up in costumes, a little like zombies, minus the blood. </span></div><p> </p><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="color: #252525; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); background-color: white;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtwVEAUH1XK18NfG-1NpwdBK3c4vqSXZFZlA7vB45G1opoevGEVssXqeudLDA1x07zWx6sjkMO978ABRQmlXkQq1aUpOiOsKZ_5gAT-iRhaTPZ8WILOjMuOUCpm6t4f5jpeMlGgQMvfyA/s640/blogger-image-1362533597.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target=""><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtwVEAUH1XK18NfG-1NpwdBK3c4vqSXZFZlA7vB45G1opoevGEVssXqeudLDA1x07zWx6sjkMO978ABRQmlXkQq1aUpOiOsKZ_5gAT-iRhaTPZ8WILOjMuOUCpm6t4f5jpeMlGgQMvfyA/s498/blogger-image-1362533597.jpg" id="blogsy-1446492863177.067" class="" alt="" width="498" height="374"></a></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #252525; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); background-color: white;"><br></span></span>After a wander around town, exhaustion got the better of me and thankfully, Marc and Sue showed me the way home as I would not have found it on my own. Day 1 of my 30 day adventure and promise of great days to come!<br><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></div></div><p> </p><p> </p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07909913811643561413noreply@blogger.com6 San Miguel de Allene, Guanajuato, Mexico20.889607510404367 -100.783081054687520.770890510404367 -100.9444425546875 21.008324510404368 -100.6217195546875tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7478824927735716590.post-68790268266591078482015-07-01T14:06:00.001-07:002015-07-01T15:12:14.710-07:00Madrid Sightseeing - June 30 & July 1st
<p>My trip from Santiago, by the fast ALVI train was flawless and I arrived at the Chamartin RENFRE train station early in the afternoon. The train was absolutely full. I was very pleased to hear an announcement as we pulled into the station that the long distance ticket was also good for transfer to a local train. After enquiring at the information booth upon arrival I discovered that one of the local trains went to the city centre, the Plaza Sol, very near my hotel. </p>
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<p>The hotel was quite adequate but a bit of a workout at 3 floors up from ground level. I guess I can't really complain though, it is clean and comfortable and even a tiny balcony to the street below- a pedestrian walkway. The area is really in the centre of everything. I enjoyed the many mines and street artists, particularly the Michael Jackson tribute artist who was performing below my balcony last night.</p>
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<p> I was able to get out and do a bit of sightseeing on Tuesday and took a ride on one of the the hop on hop off buses, which for 25 EUR I think a good deal. For the money I got 2 days of transportation and a narrative describing sights over two routes, one 80 min long and the other 65 min long. I tend to do this sort of tour whenever it is available, to give me a good overview of the sights to be seen before I set out to see anything in more detail.</p>
<p> During my evening tour the bus had to divert as there was a massive demonstration going on, which had closed some very major roads as the demonstrators marched through the centre of the city. In fact the demonstrators chad marched over to the Plaza Sol by the end of the evening. I read afterwards that the demonstration was against a new law taking effect July 1st. This law would outlaw any public protests conducted around government buildings unless the organizers had previously received permission for the gathering/demonstration. I guess liberty and freedoms at in jeopardy everywhere these days, not just in Canada.</p>
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<p> I spent the next morning doing the tour of the 2nd route and in that tour discovered that there was a building by the Neptune fountain, across from the Prada Museum, which had a special clock display at 12:00 noon. After the bus tour finished I headed over there to see (and hear) the action. It was pretty neat, after the bells range in the noon hour they played a little tune while figures came out on the balcony and danced around. After that, I headed for the Prada Museum, where they had a special Picasso exhibit. It was good to be in th A/c in the afternoon as temperatures again were peaking around 38 in the shade.</p>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zOGtgMqDIZo/VZRbIeSyg_I/AAAAAAAAU5k/Kw8Z1UcLgC4/s2048/Photo%25252020150701232627970.jpg" target="_blank" style=" "><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zOGtgMqDIZo/VZRbIeSyg_I/AAAAAAAAU5k/Kw8Z1UcLgC4/s500/Photo%25252020150701232627970.jpg" id="blogsy-1435788476730.5688" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Plaza Mayor</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wB9J7q0AMA4/VZRdsGaJDRI/AAAAAAAAU6I/V57jIJKwH4c/s2048/Photo%25252020150701233726004.jpg" target="_blank" style=" "><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wB9J7q0AMA4/VZRdsGaJDRI/AAAAAAAAU6I/V57jIJKwH4c/s500/Photo%25252020150701233726004.jpg" id="blogsy-1435788476687.0337" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The prettiest side of Plaza Mayor</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wuA3vv156Us/VZRcEiV_sdI/AAAAAAAAU54/tOIlGjjj6gc/s2048/Photo%25252020150701233047147.jpg" target="_blank" style=" "><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wuA3vv156Us/VZRcEiV_sdI/AAAAAAAAU54/tOIlGjjj6gc/s500/Photo%25252020150701233047147.jpg" id="blogsy-1435788476734.3972" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Palacio Real</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidoeRBSTmxGUJAsQEzqOz5bxaBYrCk9IkJoGshwiZwACOSur9ArHWSuVhIax185E1EgMxbBozUfD5KaE2O-1YHqpJvTFau2B5nonVe6r6N_dEauFlcrsbgZ6-ma61ou12U1yN3Jiq0LR0/s2048/Photo%25252020150701233726339.jpg" target="_blank" style=" "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidoeRBSTmxGUJAsQEzqOz5bxaBYrCk9IkJoGshwiZwACOSur9ArHWSuVhIax185E1EgMxbBozUfD5KaE2O-1YHqpJvTFau2B5nonVe6r6N_dEauFlcrsbgZ6-ma61ou12U1yN3Jiq0LR0/s500/Photo%25252020150701233726339.jpg" id="blogsy-1435788476694.9539" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Building with the special clock</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EcwynANkdE0/VZRd0CRtK5I/AAAAAAAAU6Y/JL8_mkplzqs/s2048/Photo%25252020150701233726822.jpg" target="_blank" style=" "><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EcwynANkdE0/VZRd0CRtK5I/AAAAAAAAU6Y/JL8_mkplzqs/s500/Photo%25252020150701233726822.jpg" id="blogsy-1435788476714.1238" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Figures dancing at noon</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--nstXwOLwtc/VZRd5mvCwKI/AAAAAAAAU6g/bl9KvPn5IvU/s2048/Photo%25252020150701233727134.jpg" target="_blank" style=" "><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--nstXwOLwtc/VZRd5mvCwKI/AAAAAAAAU6g/bl9KvPn5IvU/s500/Photo%25252020150701233727134.jpg" id="blogsy-1435788476772.875" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Prada</td></tr>
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<p> In a lot of ways Madrid reminds me of a Havana, but of course Havana has let all it's wonderful buildings deteriorate where Madrid has kept theirs restored and refurbished. Havana has a Prada street also, with a wide pedestrian walkway between the opposing lanes of traffic.</p>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Prada Museum</td></tr>
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<p> I spent a few hours wandering through the gallery admiring the art works.</p>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkjYUyczzcSnM0pPyftAuFKe7slP6BON_SlrXvK9bq3bqRtZhCv7KPV9lHrJk3FY16z7M4a0Ykst_Wb9Mgdnu9yHOgVyYj5-w5tWbUs8YYeccTQYzeXxL46UEecsAHgO-607Zyqpqmm5A/s2048/Photo%25252020150701234031855.jpg" target="_blank" style=" "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkjYUyczzcSnM0pPyftAuFKe7slP6BON_SlrXvK9bq3bqRtZhCv7KPV9lHrJk3FY16z7M4a0Ykst_Wb9Mgdnu9yHOgVyYj5-w5tWbUs8YYeccTQYzeXxL46UEecsAHgO-607Zyqpqmm5A/s500/Photo%25252020150701234031855.jpg" id="blogsy-1435788476747.5532" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Parque de el Retiro</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="text-align: left; clear: both;">Next I headed over to the large park which lies on the east side of the city centre. It was nice to be able to sit under the trees and admire the gardens. Everything was well manicured. No wild areas and every section of grass was surrounded by a small hedge, giving the effect of a great many rooms.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1Gcb1S8vzgU/VZReexRPCjI/AAAAAAAAU64/KTtpFViXkCQ/s2048/Photo%25252020150701234032169.jpg" target="_blank" style=" "><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1Gcb1S8vzgU/VZReexRPCjI/AAAAAAAAU64/KTtpFViXkCQ/s500/Photo%25252020150701234032169.jpg" id="blogsy-1435788476703.729" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Even the trees were well manicured.</td></tr>
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<p> There was a large cement pond and boat rentals, under the watchful eyes of a statue of Alfonso XII.</p>
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<p> Lots of water attractions, but no swimming.</p>
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<p> You can see Puerto De Alcala just beyond the park. None of the city walls have been kept in Madrid, but all of the gates are still where they originally stood.</p>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Palacio Cibeles</td></tr>
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<p> I am off home tomorrow morning. Thanks to the great transit system here I can get to the airport easily on the subway. I am off to bed now - I have stayed up much later than I normally do just to get this blog done. Once I am back to reality, there will be a dog to fetch and friends and family to visit and so it will be a few days before I blog again. But within a few days I will resume my Toronto blog, which has been sorely neglected for far too long.</p>
<div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07909913811643561413noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7478824927735716590.post-7538413233720515562015-06-29T12:20:00.001-07:002015-06-30T08:31:31.705-07:00Day 12 Padron to Santiago - Finished! June 29<p> The Albergue at Pedron was a nice stone and wood stucture. The dorm room was a loft on the 2nd floor and it was a very hot day, so I was glad to see big windows on all sides, The bunk beds were pushed together tight, but they were built in such a way that there was a separation between the bunks so it didn't feel as close. Given that we were 1 or at most 2 days from Santiago and a mere 25 kilometres, there was an excitement in the air.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-u9EGILYq5B0/VZGbEsmPyvI/AAAAAAAAU1k/5bTbmPK-qfU/s2048/Photo%25252020150629212254547.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-u9EGILYq5B0/VZGbEsmPyvI/AAAAAAAAU1k/5bTbmPK-qfU/s500/Photo%25252020150629212254547.jpg" id="blogsy-1435678277596.9263" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wAtWERsC2bs/VZGbGlf6z1I/AAAAAAAAU1s/sVP6qxngxQU/s2048/Photo%25252020150629212254850.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wAtWERsC2bs/VZGbGlf6z1I/AAAAAAAAU1s/sVP6qxngxQU/s500/Photo%25252020150629212254850.jpg" id="blogsy-1435678277578.28" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><p>I woke at 5:00 to the sound of the morning rustling from the very early risers. Since I had gone to sleep fairly early last night I felt rested and ready to get up and get going. By 6:00 I was on the road, but it was still dark and I could't see the arrows so I decided to go into the cafe where I saw some other pilgrims, have a coffee and perhaps follow the others out of town. With my recent experience of missing arrows and getting lost I was reluctant to go through with that again.</p><p>None the less, somehow I did manage to leave on my own and take a wrong turn. This time I turned around and back tracked as soon as I saw there were no arrows, and then found another pilgrim who seemed to know the way. So I was good.</p><p>After that I was in good walking form, the early morning was nice and cool and I made good time. I stopped for coffee at the village of Teo, which is where I may have otherwise decided to stay the night - but it was only 10:30 when I got there and certainly enough time to go to Santiago.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VStHRGz11HU/VZGbflHjI3I/AAAAAAAAU10/SqHYo9FhVQM/s2048/Photo%25252020150629212442086.jpg" target="_blank" style=" "><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VStHRGz11HU/VZGbflHjI3I/AAAAAAAAU10/SqHYo9FhVQM/s500/Photo%25252020150629212442086.jpg" id="blogsy-1435678277569.7156" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The sun was just coming up</td></tr></tbody></table><p> Anyway, I am not going to bore you with a bunch of pictures that could have been taken anywhere along the camino. The route was pretty ordinary, rural with small villages for the most part even until we were almost into Santiago. It was pretty much uphill, mostly gently sloping upward hills, not bad at all.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0YoEKzvlLuI/VZGfLSHq_hI/AAAAAAAAU2E/dmM5-DYpgKU/s2048/Photo%25252020150629214025048.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0YoEKzvlLuI/VZGfLSHq_hI/AAAAAAAAU2E/dmM5-DYpgKU/s500/Photo%25252020150629214025048.jpg" id="blogsy-1435678277622.224" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><p> There was a family group who were walking the route. There were 3 adults and 6 children - a sweet looking girl who looked to be about 6 years old, a couple others who were certainly under 10 and one or two who were teen or pre teens. What an adventure for the kids but what a lot of work for the adults. I saw them later in Santiago at the Pilgrim's Office collecting their Compostela, so they must have walked at least from Tui.</p><p> I was a approaching Santiago from a different direction than when I was last there and it surprised me how rural it was even 4 km from the end point. It is a nice alternative to the usual urban or worse yet industrial area that one can have to go through to get to the core of a larger city.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-18O5CP-t_-Y/VZKxOz7dnOI/AAAAAAAAU2g/XXlGT9cr7NQ/s2048/Photo%25252020150630170908101.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-18O5CP-t_-Y/VZKxOz7dnOI/AAAAAAAAU2g/XXlGT9cr7NQ/s500/Photo%25252020150630170908101.jpg" id="blogsy-1435678277560.1157" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><p> I took my time getting into the core of the City. It was 36 degrees Celsius in the shade so it was important not to push it, I stopped for a beer at a cafe and found the very first place with air conditioning I have encountered. I have gotten used to the heat, but today the A/C was welcome.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iwg2aHZ6kIs/VZKxmGzAvII/AAAAAAAAU2o/lpcApSVgjhk/s2048/Photo%25252020150630171056209.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iwg2aHZ6kIs/VZKxmGzAvII/AAAAAAAAU2o/lpcApSVgjhk/s500/Photo%25252020150630171056209.jpg" id="blogsy-1435678277555.6387" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-t_xPTBwbGRs/VZKxqiJHwmI/AAAAAAAAU2w/a530bix_DhY/s2048/Photo%25252020150630171056262.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-t_xPTBwbGRs/VZKxqiJHwmI/AAAAAAAAU2w/a530bix_DhY/s500/Photo%25252020150630171056262.jpg" id="blogsy-1435678277609.4758" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="376"></a></div><p> I made my grand entrance and walked through the old city to the Cathedral and then it was on to the Pilgrim's Office to collect my reward, a certificate known as a Compostela. It is inscribed with my name, in Latin and attests to my having travelled at least 100 km of Pilgrimage to Santiago. It has been redesigned from the last I came, now the design is more artistic and colourful. I also opted to also purchase a "Certificate of Distance for 3 EURs which documents the starting point, route taken and distance travelled (360 km from Porto).</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-laVHr39FxeM/VZKyZEo7whI/AAAAAAAAU28/pXQDnwlW7to/s2048/Photo%25252020150630171428939.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-laVHr39FxeM/VZKyZEo7whI/AAAAAAAAU28/pXQDnwlW7to/s500/Photo%25252020150630171428939.jpg" id="blogsy-1435678277613.9797" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-B_QjQxwSoNs/VZKyc7Yt_2I/AAAAAAAAU3E/Zpiy_1EQg_g/s2048/Photo%25252020150630171429026.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-B_QjQxwSoNs/VZKyc7Yt_2I/AAAAAAAAU3E/Zpiy_1EQg_g/s500/Photo%25252020150630171429026.jpg" id="blogsy-1435678277618.3289" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="663"></a></div><p>I didn't bother taking a lot of pictures of Santiago or wandering about the town, as I have lots of pictures from my last trip when I spent quite a few days here sightseeing. I was happy to collect my compostela and head on to Madrid to see the sights.</p><p>I had booked a room in the "Roots and Boots Hostel, at 16.50 EUR for a bed in a dorm room for 4" and when I arrived, I discovered that it was the same room that Barb and I shared when in Santiago in 2013. This time though I had 2 young (20s) German boys as roomies, not perigrinos and not too friendly. My transition to the real world has begun.</p><p>Next I had to collect my parcel of stuff from the post office. I mailed my touristy stuff to Santiago so as to lighten my carrying load (still I think I was carrying about 10 or 12 kilos when water and food was added to my pack). Easy peasy, post office pickup complete then it was on to the train station to get my ticket to Madrid.</p><p>On the way I met a pilgrim from Scotland who told me about the "Tarjeta Dorado". You need one of the tickets to access the over 60 seniors discounts. The discount is significant, usually about 30% for train fares. As it happened the tourist class for the next morning's high speed train to Madrid was full so I did have to go 1st class if I wanted to maximize my time there. The regular price of 1st Class was 73 EUR but I was able to get it for 43 EUR with the discount. I was much happier going by train than plane anyway and if I had counted the cost of an airport transfers it would have cost me way more than even the Ryan Air bargain price. I think with the discount a tourist class train ticket would have been just under 20 EUR. Travel is quite a bargain in Spain.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-o915TRSyuUg/VZK0v1QX51I/AAAAAAAAU3k/RrIpvrOTK9E/s2048/Photo%25252020150630172425138.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-o915TRSyuUg/VZK0v1QX51I/AAAAAAAAU3k/RrIpvrOTK9E/s500/Photo%25252020150630172425138.jpg" id="blogsy-1435678277615.0647" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><p>Ticket secured, I wandered back to the hostel to change into some touristy clothes and set out to shop for souvenirs and find some dinner. Who did I run into but my Japanese Pilgrim friend Aoki, who I last saw at Viana do Castilo. He was booking a reservation for the next night when he would get back from a day trip to Muxia. If I had 3 days left I may have done something similar instead of heading to Madrid. Oh well, next time. We caught up with each other and traded stories of our different routes. Aoki was going to also take a 2 day trip to Zamora, based on my telling him about the town. I hope he enjoys it. He was flying back to Japan on the 7th.</p><p>I managed to find some small gifts for those at home and a meal of bacon and eggs. The Spanish don't eat a big meal at breakfast and you can often find fried eggs offered in the evening. I must admit, I will enjoy going back to my Canadian food, particularly breakfast. I am just going to have to remember to keep my portions small because I don't want to gain back all the weight I have lost on this trip.</p><p>So it was early to bed and early to rise to catch my 9 a.m. train. Not too early, fortunately, but I don't like to rush on a travel morning and planned to get up at 6:30 and wander over to the train station to find breakfast at about 7:30ish. I was exhausted from my long hot walk and while I started this blog before bed, I was too tired to finish it. No matter, I have 5.5 hours on the train tomorrow so can finish it then and upload it when I get to my Hostal. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WVNnbikFhtc/VZK01gkT_4I/AAAAAAAAU3s/okMxPENeXSc/s2048/Photo%25252020150630172425457.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WVNnbikFhtc/VZK01gkT_4I/AAAAAAAAU3s/okMxPENeXSc/s500/Photo%25252020150630172425457.jpg" id="blogsy-1435678277631.787" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ylbj4TV_F84/VZK0NdqYwGI/AAAAAAAAU3c/abxN8iIs9ho/s2048/Photo%25252020150630172210220.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ylbj4TV_F84/VZK0NdqYwGI/AAAAAAAAU3c/abxN8iIs9ho/s500/Photo%25252020150630172210220.jpg" id="blogsy-1435678277602.2766" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><p>I was going to cheap out, and could have found a pension (private room, shared bath), for about 20 EUR a night, instead I decided to spend a bit more (32.50 EUR) and get a single room with a private bath. It is located in the centre of Madrid, near all the sights, so I am quite looking forward to it. Particularly when I had a night last night with inconsiderate dorm mates. I woke up at 1:30 am quite disoriented. The guys were rustling around the room and I hadn't a clue what time it was and was thrown off by the bright street light which was blaring into the open window. For a moment I thought it was morning. I found my sleep mask and eventually the guys left the room and joined the party I heard going on upstairs (I guess) and I went back to sleep. I had no guilt in the morning as I rustled my things when packing.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xI5Gdbzg68s/VZK2QZSJWvI/AAAAAAAAU4A/2-EmNFez3So/s2048/Photo%25252020150630173047925.jpg" target="_blank" style=" "><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xI5Gdbzg68s/VZK2QZSJWvI/AAAAAAAAU4A/2-EmNFez3So/s500/Photo%25252020150630173047925.jpg" id="blogsy-1435678277550.944" class="aligncenter" width="500" height="375" alt=""></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Calle Arenal where my hostal is located</td></tr></tbody></table><p> I am on Madrid now and settled into my hotel, quite near the Plaza de Sol and Plaza Mayor - in the centre of all the action. I will write my next and final trip blog tomorrow night after I have done my tour of Madrid and am getting ready for my flight on Thursday.</p><p>In the meantime I am going to get out and enjoy the heat and some sangria and the sights of the city, in that order. I understand that Ontario has a cool spell going, so I should enjoy the heat while I have it.</p><p> </p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07909913811643561413noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7478824927735716590.post-14066640204522212232015-06-28T09:20:00.001-07:002015-06-28T10:01:55.772-07:00Day 11 Vilanova de Arousa to Padron - June 28<p> Today started with a real treat - a sleep in and slow start! Since I was not walking this morning and I had a late night last night, it was great that I didn't have to get up and get at 'em at 6:30 am! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eNSfurUwO1I/VZAepDgM4EI/AAAAAAAAUyw/kzpKvVE93OU/s2048/Photo%25252020150628181903160.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eNSfurUwO1I/VZAepDgM4EI/AAAAAAAAUyw/kzpKvVE93OU/s500/Photo%25252020150628181903160.jpg" id="blogsy-1435510806093.92" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="373"></a></div><p>Last night as I was starting to think about winding it down for the night my Albergue mates invited me to join them for dinner. They had decided to cook dinner at the Albergue, and as these Europeans are late diners at 9:00 they were in the middle of a cooking frenzie. Not to be impolite, I abandoned my plans for an early night and spent the evening with these folks. The group consisted of 5 Portugese (a brother and sister and three other women) who lived in Vilanova do Castelo and one Italian who was a new friend they "picked up along the way". They started at Pontevedra on the Friday and only 2 of them are taking the boat tomorrow. The others are heading by train to Santiago today and then heading home to Portugal at the wnd of the day. They have to be back at work on Monday! We had a great evening of good food (fried padron peppers, fresh tomatoes and pasta) and good conversation, albeit with my broken Spanish and their broken English. Fortunately, two of the women spoke reasonably good English. I have one word of Portuguese: obrigado (thank you) it is a good word to have, but doesn't further the conversation much. We ended up with a sing song and Roberto, the Italian man sang opera and quite beautifully! When it came time for some Canadian songs we sang some Leonard Cohen tunes. It was nearly midnight when I got to bed. The latest I have been up in a very long while.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0t0RIZO8-ZFX6I-crvMMcBCOt4hyphenhyphennPlR5ym98zCIFb9v9zpXhX2TRuwPEbuAi9btbhfSIioEbNJ4IAKyYtGMlObQpxEtBEMy-Eyru4mY2tX7ADrALA7415UeiI_X7dIK2dxefvFN8Ftw/s2048/Photo%25252020150628181903503.jpg" target="_blank" style=" "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0t0RIZO8-ZFX6I-crvMMcBCOt4hyphenhyphennPlR5ym98zCIFb9v9zpXhX2TRuwPEbuAi9btbhfSIioEbNJ4IAKyYtGMlObQpxEtBEMy-Eyru4mY2tX7ADrALA7415UeiI_X7dIK2dxefvFN8Ftw/s500/Photo%25252020150628181903503.jpg" id="blogsy-1435510806025.357" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Across from the Albergue, low tide</td></tr></tbody></table><p>The morning was overcast, but the weather forecast (yes, this Albergue has Wifi!) was a promise of sun and a high of 28 today. I spent the first part of the morning sitting in a cafe with my cup of Joe, watching the folks wander by and the beautiful view of the sea.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-m5KueAScSQQ/VZAfULV02qI/AAAAAAAAUzA/AuV98dfQGVw/s2048/Photo%25252020150628182202029.jpg" target="_blank" style=" "><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-m5KueAScSQQ/VZAfULV02qI/AAAAAAAAUzA/AuV98dfQGVw/s500/Photo%25252020150628182202029.jpg" id="blogsy-1435510806082.7021" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="667"></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This odd statue was on the route to the Albergue</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fEULzRiyI5g/VZAoEY_jQJI/AAAAAAAAU1M/h-9CzglsX-c/s2048/Photo%25252020150628185918972.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fEULzRiyI5g/VZAoEY_jQJI/AAAAAAAAU1M/h-9CzglsX-c/s500/Photo%25252020150628185918972.jpg" id="blogsy-1435510806077.087" class="aligncenter" width="500" height="375" alt=""></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><p> After I was adequately fuelled with coffee I set out to find a nearby beach to work on my suntan. It seems the back of my legs are tanned but not so much the front and of course I have a bit of a farmer's tan going on my arms. My top front is white as are my leg tops and of course I have a tan only to the top of my hiking boots. I have an odd look.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbORiS6ck1bd5EEry-czk2OYVQQJKKY5cXBlnX18X1Wb7tfAz0xh6qrKBi6S3q2pN4zr6Czasu9boD4Fje17OxsB7-xKafKqaVYhonjGQK9_97WntDH2o_SACF5lxZcZQ1q5xwOT69DYo/s2048/Photo%25252020150628182202329.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbORiS6ck1bd5EEry-czk2OYVQQJKKY5cXBlnX18X1Wb7tfAz0xh6qrKBi6S3q2pN4zr6Czasu9boD4Fje17OxsB7-xKafKqaVYhonjGQK9_97WntDH2o_SACF5lxZcZQ1q5xwOT69DYo/s500/Photo%25252020150628182202329.jpg" id="blogsy-1435510806026.4438" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BVdHlx38HbQ/VZAgOCrYg_I/AAAAAAAAUzY/XQSCIiBakSY/s2048/Photo%25252020150628182427359.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BVdHlx38HbQ/VZAgOCrYg_I/AAAAAAAAUzY/XQSCIiBakSY/s500/Photo%25252020150628182427359.jpg" id="blogsy-1435510806055.4678" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a> </div><p>At 12:30 I headed back to the Albergue and found that my 2 Albergue mates, who were to join me on the boat, had made lunch and invited me to join. It seems I am doing well as far as mooching food is concerned. After eating we started getting ready to head off to catch the boat for 2:00. At 1:30 a man arrived to tell us the boat was leaving early and we should rush. Off we went to catch the boat.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-J6hmiLyDV6I/VZAgvll-tdI/AAAAAAAAUzk/gwtcRut8fck/s2048/Photo%25252020150628182800910.jpg" target="_blank" style=" "><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-J6hmiLyDV6I/VZAgvll-tdI/AAAAAAAAUzk/gwtcRut8fck/s500/Photo%25252020150628182800910.jpg" id="blogsy-1435510806095.0693" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All set to sail</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-CwZlqbXGVc1AuVgCFqWDoBTpai1LD-HirXBSD6b1jnCZ-Ss9JS2Fg8BAuZjhzEsRtfTf9PKuP6TKDuoUIkWO5XHrwfftpgSFspOjQ89ZfHoRkpN_lQnGMWdPoQmYXqSfZcnFfn_TwnE/s2048/Photo%25252020150628183510079.jpg" target="_blank" style=" "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-CwZlqbXGVc1AuVgCFqWDoBTpai1LD-HirXBSD6b1jnCZ-Ss9JS2Fg8BAuZjhzEsRtfTf9PKuP6TKDuoUIkWO5XHrwfftpgSFspOjQ89ZfHoRkpN_lQnGMWdPoQmYXqSfZcnFfn_TwnE/s500/Photo%25252020150628183510079.jpg" id="blogsy-1435510806060.0732" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The captain gave us a great amount of information about the area and things of interest - in Spanish.</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8vTSZhKTMXg/VZAg6s-9YXI/AAAAAAAAUzw/q2VSEaBq3ts/s2048/Photo%25252020150628182801202.jpg" target="_blank" style=" "><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8vTSZhKTMXg/VZAg6s-9YXI/AAAAAAAAUzw/q2VSEaBq3ts/s500/Photo%25252020150628182801202.jpg" id="blogsy-1435510806094.592" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We viewed the mussel farming platforms on the estuary.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OxfB_WKLhtQ/VZAiokvShfI/AAAAAAAAU0I/wStpNnuT4KI/s2048/Photo%25252020150628183510380.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OxfB_WKLhtQ/VZAiokvShfI/AAAAAAAAU0I/wStpNnuT4KI/s500/Photo%25252020150628183510380.jpg" id="blogsy-1435510806090.4792" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><p>The boat ride was wonderful. The weather was hot enough that the wind was cooling rather than cold and I enjoyed the hour ride in the open boat a lot. The boat crosses the Arousa Estuary and then heads upstream on the Rio Ulla. The significance of this route is that according to legend the remains of St John the Apostle was carried upstream in a stone boat before being taken overland to present day Santiago where the remains were buried.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Q7IhBbXx9xE/VZAj-CkMNSI/AAAAAAAAU0Y/dJ2NSFdiiOA/s2048/Photo%25252020150628184143707.jpg" target="_blank" style=" "><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Q7IhBbXx9xE/VZAj-CkMNSI/AAAAAAAAU0Y/dJ2NSFdiiOA/s500/Photo%25252020150628184143707.jpg" id="blogsy-1435510806075.0618" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roman bridge at Pontecesures</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aL_vGl8cyTk/VZAkK4Ua3yI/AAAAAAAAU0g/lvr8z2JjrLA/s2048/Photo%25252020150628184144022.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aL_vGl8cyTk/VZAkK4Ua3yI/AAAAAAAAU0g/lvr8z2JjrLA/s500/Photo%25252020150628184144022.jpg" id="blogsy-1435510806125.7" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1X9KHE1blq8oQHXDIWoTLqKJQLwaMgGOHhJSa-uS0uQqAwQ67Cvhs5fIdVWQl8I_AWlBnNUeDBvtfrnqN7igaMiuG1GEK9SY4itWWL4_Gi-yNeFCeyxS9ieqa9o2mRm0OGXd-uytXFhg/s2048/Photo%25252020150628184144345.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1X9KHE1blq8oQHXDIWoTLqKJQLwaMgGOHhJSa-uS0uQqAwQ67Cvhs5fIdVWQl8I_AWlBnNUeDBvtfrnqN7igaMiuG1GEK9SY4itWWL4_Gi-yNeFCeyxS9ieqa9o2mRm0OGXd-uytXFhg/s500/Photo%25252020150628184144345.jpg" id="blogsy-1435510806116.2483" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><p>Once I got to Pontecesures it was a short 3 km walk to Padron where I secured one of the last spots at the Albergue. Having said goodbye to my Portuguese friends I did a tour of the town and found a place to eat. Sadly, wifi was not very available. So I have written this blog offline and will post when I am able. Postscript: I found a bar with wifi where I finished the blog over a glass of vino. :)</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-v4vtv-ENCCM/VZAkoODeejI/AAAAAAAAU00/Y_BtNL71fK4/s2048/Photo%25252020150628184144645.jpg" target="_blank" style=" "><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-v4vtv-ENCCM/VZAkoODeejI/AAAAAAAAU00/Y_BtNL71fK4/s500/Photo%25252020150628184144645.jpg" id="blogsy-1435510806051.2463" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My two Portuguese Friends - saying goodbye</td></tr></tbody></table><p>I have also found out that I cannot buy a train ticket at the Pradron train station and will need to get my ticket in Santiago. Now I am a bit concerned about getting a ticket for the next day, if I arrive on the 30th as planned. I may push forward tomorrow all the way to Santiago - 24 km. We shall see.</p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07909913811643561413noreply@blogger.com1