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If this is your first visit, welcome to Musings. If you have been here before, welcome back. Over time we are going to talk about many things: the past, the present, perhaps the future, travel, art, society and more. Wherever my musing takes me. I hope you will come along with me.

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Out and About San Miguel de Allende

Well, mis amigos, our visit here in Mexico is about to come to an end. There is so much vibrancy in San Miguel and the surrounding areas that we will be sad to leave. I thought today I would tell you a little about a lot, sort of a pot pourri, or tid bits high-lighting our visit.

First of all San Miguel is an old city, being founded in the 1540’s. The town has its old neighborhoods and then more modern neighborhoods and, for an increasing number of people, gated neighborhoods. Over the years, we have stayed in each type.

This year we are staying in Malanquin Residential, a gated community by the Golf Club. Here is the street on which our house is located.

Malanquin residential street

These following photos give you a feel for the home.

front door

great room

relaxing en casa

Did you notice the cobblestones in the street? The use of cobblestone is widespread throughout the town. This road is near the Croquet Club. We get used to the shake rattle and roll.

Near the Croquet Club

(Yes, there is croquet in San Miguel. My understanding is that it is the only United States Croquet Association sanctioned club in Mexico.)

Croquet Club de San Miguel de Allende

The street above is a nice wide flat street. However, many of the roads are hilly and narrow carrying a lot of traffic. Here is a panoramic view at the top of one hilly road.

Panoramic view

Some streets are downright scary.

Narrow Scary Road

Narrow steep road

To interior properties

Several years ago I got a new car wedged between buildings when I misjudged how narrow the street had become. Backing out I ripped off the front fender and messed up both sides of the vehicle. I don’t want to do that again.

There are lots of things to do here. One day this visit we took some friends out for an excursion. This included a stop at the Santuario de Atotonilco about ten miles out-of-town.

Santuario Atotonilco

Father Hidalgo with the banner of the Virgen of Guadalupe

Father Hidalgo with the banner of the Virgin of Guadalupe

It was here that Father Hidalgo took the banner of the Virgin of Guadalupe and used it as the battle flag at the beginning of the Revolution for Independence in 1810. All around the area there are monuments and references to the revolution for Independence

The sanctuary dates back to the mid 1700’s and is famous for its extensive murals, which adorn the walls and the ceiling throughout.

Atotonilco mural

The sanctuary is still in use. During parts of the year it is closed to the public when it is being used by the flagellates, worshipers who scourge themselves with whips.

Not far away we visited the Gallery Atotonilco, a wonderful folk art gallery that can only be seen by appointment.

Gallery Atotonilco

It is out in the country, hidden down at the end of a long road that weaves through the trees and hillside. The gallery is run by an American who moved there six years ago from Berkeley, California. He features artisans from many states around the country. The folk art is high quality and fun to see.