Blogs from San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato, Mexico, North America

After the night before, it was a little difficult to wake up this morning. We had to be at Tec at 9 am to go visit the Querétaro social incubator. Once there, we did a little exercise where each pair presented some information from part of the incubator’s website. Ulysses was my partner and we presented about three of the programs that run there. This was a great way for us all to learn more about exactly what a social incubator is. Then, we heard a presentation from a woman who is one of the beginning entrepreneurs that the incubator supports. She is started a pastry business and participates in classes, business model development, and group meetings at the incubator. She was so lively and passionate about the work she has done at the incubator, and ... read more

Lunes (Monday), 27 Febrero, we left our hilltop home above Guanajuato and headed east to the city that is considered by many to be the crown jewel of colonial Mexican villages - San Miguel de Allende (pronounced ah-YEHN-day). San Miguel is second only in popularity with former American and Canadian residents to the Guadalajara/Lake Chapala area. The population of San Miguel is about 80,000. Expatriate norteamericanos make up about ten percent of the population. We are settled into the small San Miguel RV Park, otherwise known as Weber’s. Our landlord Han’s German grandfather settled here years ago. Han’s dad was an American – born in Nebraska - his mother is Mexican. Dad passed away a few years ago. Mom helps around the park. Hans speaks excellent English. His tiled bathrooms are immaculate, the water is hot ... read more

I managed to throw out my back just as we arrived in San Miguel De Allende. Luckily we were at arguably the nicest RV Park in Mexico. It is a small park located at the Tennis Club. The park is located between the clay courts and just to the south of the center of town. Another tight fit, but careful guidance (and a shoehorn), we just made it in. The park is small with space for only 12 units and is very popular. Luckily, Marsha had made reservations for us. Best of all, there was a chiropractor just around the corner. I laid low for the first few days. Between the cobblestone streets, high curbs, uneven sidewalks, and steep hills it was torture to walk. Ed says “you never walk and look and the same time”, ... read more

On the plane down to Mexico, Natalie brought up the subject of mice. The day before, she had found one streaking across her kitchen floor. This led to an exchange of mouse stories - recent sightings, methods of eradication, the amount and extent of their droppings - each of us determined to out-poo the other. Ron was unusually quiet but he had a lot to contribute, and I knew it. What could he be hiding? Over the next few days, I tried to get it out of him but he refused to share. I prodded and prodded and finally he broke. And now that he did, I wish that he hadn't. You see, like most people, I pride myself on being healthy. Country life promotes it and - some might say- demands it. The air is ... read more

Yesterday I was going on a day trip to San Miguel de Allende. Breakfast at Hostel Guanajuato was from 9am, so I left a bit before 9.30 and headed for the bus station on the local city bus. I was there before 10 and had the option of the economy bus for 73 pesos or luxury for 90 pesos, so I went for the economy option. Unfortunately, the next bus wasn't until about 11 so I had an hour's wait on my hands. I went outside and sat in the sun for a bit, starting to get used to the waiting times. As the time for the coach approached, I spotted a non-Mexican looking couple so I went and let on. They were Canadians from Vancouver Island and were, like me, off to San Miguel for ... read more