San Miguel de Allende

We started class an hour earlier today so that we would have more time to spend in San Miguel de Allende. Unfortunately, Austin was still feeling a bit sick so he stayed at home. (I just spoke with him and he's feeling much better!)

We took 3 different buses and finally we arrived at the market place. It was nice! I called it the "Nieman Marcus" of mercados. What a difference a weekday visit makes - almost nobody there! It so happens that many stores close on Tuesdays in San Miguel -sort of their day off. We didn't notice. There were still a lot of stands open and the merchandise looked a lot nicer, although a bit more expensive. A lot of the stuff you might find at stores in Santa Fe, for example, but SO much cheaper. Oh, by the way, I picked up a big blue bag for you Mrs. Rogers! I forgot to tell Austin that a moment ago when I spoke to him.

The overcast skies were a relief from our normal sunny afternoon walks. We saw more Americans than we have seen in the past week - including at school! American artists and anti-war protesters moved to San Miguel and have had a positive influence on the community by supporting education and children's issues. You can even see/hear the young adult children of these Americans in the plaza and cafes. They look American but they are speaking Spanish like a native. Americans also like to retire there.

General Ignacio Allende, a native of the town, was a leading player in the war against Spain for Independence. He is now a national hero. (He was ultimately captured and beheaded, of course.)

After spending a little time in the market we saw another beautiful church then relaxed at Starbucks for awhile. Just as we were getting to the bus stop it started raining. Most of us had an umbrella, a raincoat or something to put over our heads for the few minutes we had to wait. Then it was nap time on the bus!

Of our three day trips I have to say this place is my favorite. It's just my style.