San Luis Potosí was great. I guess I'll be back - as I forgot (d'oh!) to check exactly where my grandad was born until the day we were leaving, when I discovered that his birthplace (Matehuala) was three hours further away from Mexico City (I had thought that it was in SLP city itself, rather than on the Northern edge of SLP state). Matehuala is not far from a touristically interesting "ghost town" in the desert, and we could still have gone, but this would have left Heather heading for the UK to prepare for interview after a ten hour bus ride - basically we were already committed to heading to San Miguel de Allende (halfway to the capital), so I was frustrated I hadn't checked earlier about Howard. But it just gives me a reason to return sometime - this time we're mostly going to be in Southern Mexico, so maybe next time will be for the North.
San Miguel de Allende is a whole other thing - like a pretty, artsy, old Spanish town, with added frijoles (refried beans). It was very beautiful - even our room was full of colour and light, with great churches and prettiness round every corner - but it was very gringo-focussed. Apparently it came top of some list of the best places for USers to retire to, which gives a flavour - though there are lots of Candians and a number of mainland Europeans around too, if few Brits. Worth a few days visit, for sure, or more if you're a painter, or looking for somewhere to retire to. I started out amazed at the light and views, and ended up pleased to be heading back to a more "real" Mexico. Here are pics:
From the bus
Casa de Huéspedes
Round Town
Handicraft Market
On the subject of retirement communities, this US-based guy we have hung out with a little in Merida has just got his (dual) Mexican citizenship, in order to be able to buy property somewhere in los Etados Unidos de México. He was eligible for this because one parent was born here. So James, Teresa, Charlotte, Geoff (if any of you are reading this) - you too could retire to Gringolandia, somewhere in the U.S.M.!
- Mark
1 comment:
Lovely to see Mexico photos. Pity you didn't know about Howard's birthplace, but as you say it gives a focus for the next trip! Thinking of you all and hope tomorrow goes well for H (and you). lots of love Jo xxxx
Post a Comment