Whoever invented hats was a genius. Whoever invented hats in San Miguel de Allende -- Well.

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It was lovely, people-watching in the garden, sunshine streaming in from all directions, old men basking on benches, street dogs mixing it up with poodles. Not everything was quaint and native. A girl in a white fedora took photos with her iPhone and downloaded them onto her Macbook. Someone was singing arias from an open door.

The man who poured our drinks was sweet. He brought our food and stayed to chat. We ate guacamole, enchiladas and tuna tacos with a squeeze of lime. Afterwards, we pressed through green saloon doors and chased the night witches out of the garden.

Begin with an ordinary evening of fireworks, glorious for no apparent reason. For minutes or hours, explosions rock the babies from their cradles, disturb old women peeling onions. Ribbons of colour bisect the sky. Make one wish on your right hand, another on your left, and you will be granted an armload of inspiration. It is one of the conditions of creation that things must break apart before they come together again.

The parade went on for hours. We clapped for the soldiers but didn't clap for the policemen. We

clapped some more for this and that. A fine Appaloosa stole the show. The children. The children. I could have pinched a cheek or two."

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Comments

[andy]

pics
I loved the balloon seller and the guy with the garbage. Balloons and garbage......I'm down with those.

[David Goldberg]

Hats
So where are you guys now. San Miguel is a nice town. I remember it. Would be nice to paint there. Get in touch and catch up. See my web site and blogs from South Africa. www.davidgoldberggallery.com. David

[Marianne]

beautiful photography

[Miri Garaway]

A visual delight
What a colourful, creative display of hats and such apropos, interesting comments. The children are precious. Well done! Love, Miri

[marsha ablowitz]

Thanks for these exciting pictures. I especially liked the kids and the face with big black eyes half grey and half flesh.

[Carolyn Birchall]

The Mad Hatter
What a wonderful conglomeration of people wearing hats. For some reason my favourite is the one of the not quite so local looking couple who look as though they are advertising teeth whitening. I love looking at it .Did you pose them or were you just very lucky in that shot? Carolyn

[Lesley Wood]

Hats
Oh the colour! You have captured a visual treat to enjoy. Thank you. Where is this adventure taking you?

[Liz McGeough]

Whoever invented hats in San Miguel de Allende
Inspirational, memorable and most beautiful pictures of the colourful country and people of Mexico. Your pictures encompass each persons individual passion of the moment. Joy is shown in faces of the children, young couples, man carrying a balloon - such simplicity and yet so much displayed.

[Betty Purdy]

comments
Liz your comments are so beautiful, it makes you want more, keep it up my dear.

[David]

Hats
Delightful. Concise and poetic support of great pictures. David

[taracloud]

What characters!
Fun, fine prose and gorgeous photos! I love Mexico and look forward to your further adventures.

[shirley]

i'm a beliver. Thanks for sharing