San Miguel de Allende

Hey everyone...I am so behind on my blogs and pictures. We did have internet service in San Miguel "supposedly" but it was way too slow to post pictures.

Anyway, we left Guadalajara to San Miguel via bus. This trip took 6 hours. As you guys know we are "busing it" everywhere. The bus system is awesome here in Mexico. They have Lujo lines which means "luxury" in Spanish. A sandwich & drink are provided, 3 seats across vs 4 seats makes for spacious sitting and separate bathrooms for girls & boys. "Busing it" has been very cool.

On our way to San Miguel we past thousands of walkers and we are thinking what the heck is going on. We learned from some of the passengers that we were witnessing the Famous Jalisco Pilgrimage. This is huge. Thousands of walkers on a religious journey to San Juan de Los Lagos. A devotion to Virgen de La Candelaria. We later read this isn't a marathon walk; these people were walking for 9 days. (250 kilometers / 155 miles). Unbelievable! We aren't talking about the most fit individuals either. We saw all ages, some carrying their babies while others need the assistance of a walking cane. Tents were set up along the sides of the highway to offer water & fruit.

Unfortunately, we couldn't

capture more photos.

A little difficult in a

moving bus.

We spent one week in San Miguel, a small colonial town. Lots of retirees from the states live here. I'm not actually sure why this place. Don't get me wrong; it is beautiful here but dang the hills in this town are steep. My knees, my back, my butt and my lungs were killing me. Our hotel was on a pretty nice incline and not only was it a journey from the town square up to our hotel but once we reached the hotel entrance, we still 95 stairs to climb before we made it to our room. The air is then here; altitude is 7000 ft. I was winded big time. But, our scenery was beautiful.

The view from our hotel

A view of the city

Town Square

Here we are overlooking

the town square area.

Lots of churches in this city

as well. I'm

pretty sure

we went into

atleast 7 of them

A handful of the Policia still

dress in the old Colonial garb.

While in San Miguel I did find a cooking class. I wished I had more time to attend other classes. The lady that taught our class was actually from Houston. She's been living in San Miguel for 18 years and owns a restaurant as well. She stays pretty busy. The class took place in her home where she also runs a Bed & Breakfast.

The kitchen where it all happens

Kris Rudolph, Owner of El Buen Cafe

We made Chile Pasilla Salsa, Stuffed Poblano Peppers (filling: grilled veggies & goat cheese), Pork Tenderloin w/Hibiscus Glaze and she made Raspberry Chipotle Brownies. I had no idea what we would be cooking before attending the class. I probably would have sat out if I heard the menu before hand. Goat cheese, yuk! But I have to say I was pleasantly surprised. The goat cheese wasn't overpowering at all. It turned out to be a really good class.

Poblanos are now ready to be stuffed.

Bon Appetit!

Typical housing

As we announced we were leaving...Our friends in San Miguel displayed a fabulous

fireworks show in our honor. OK....OK.... Maybe it wasn't just on our behalf. But check it out, we are taking pictures from our hotel room. We are seeing the burst at eye-level.

San Miguel was beautiful and is for the art enthusiast. Tons of galleries in this small town. And lots of boutiques as well for the ladies.

We did find a restaurant called Harry New Orleans Cafe & Bar. We were ready for some good ol' creole food. The restaurant was upscale and the food was delicious. This place had all the good looking people dressed to the nines. And a fabulous Happy Hour. Wouldn't have mind getting a few more meals there.

Have lots more to blog about so stay tuned.

Hugs - Bonnie