« Welcome to my first blog entry | Main | Buenos Aires is the place to be »
November 10, 2004
The drive to San Miguel de Allende
First of all, don't do it in one day if you don't have to. We did!
It took almost 10 hours but we made it driving in the dark. We had to stop at one of our favorite towns, Compostela. If you have ever driven from Puerto Vallarta to Guadalahara it is right before you hit the toll highway after going over the mountain. This is a town untouched by tourist feet. The plaza is the Mexico you long for where people are just going through life day by day. The streets are spotless and there is a corner restaurant on the Plaza that serves the finest Mexican food, including banana milkshakes!! WOW. We stopped and sat in the Church and watched a Christining of the babies, days after observing Dios de Los Muertos...a religious festival that pays respect to the dead.
The Last time we were in this town we followed a funeral procession through the streets. These are wonderful moments that we don´´t seem to notice in our own country, but here they are big events.
On down the highway to San Miguel de Allende. The town has become a spot for the rich and famous but still retains its historical charm and beauty. What an amazing place. Street after street of colorful homes with beautiful carved doors and iron on the windows. The streets are cobblestone and there are at least four beautiful churches. All of this is tucked into the desert hillsides at over 6000ft in elevation.
We ate at one spectacular restaurant named Saffron. They make their version on a wonderful stuffed chili with pomegrante seeds, nuts and raisins that is a traditional dish in this area. I was stunned at the beautiful plate and the depth of the flavors. Phillip had a spinach salad that was equally interesting and light. The decor of the restaurant is very chic and modern and obviously fine dining has found SM Allende...and we couldn't be more satisfied.
Our Hotel, La Puerticita grew on us but got off on the wrong foot. It was very cold up on the mountain and the room was freezing! I heard that the creator of the inn had died a few years ago and his wife is running the business by herself. Over the few days that we stayed there it became evident that everyone was trying their best..they just weren't in sync. The pool was cold, the jacuzzi never heated up, the exercise room was out dated. Better to hike up the hill that it sits on. Which we did! The Inn is lovely had has a beautiful garden. Most of the people staying there were booked by tour groups.
the room rate is $168 per day...so its pricey. There seem to be many great clean small hotels in town that I would try next time.
So much more to tell...Would love to hear from anyone who passes this way..let me know you are out there!
Posted by sandra at November 10, 2004 04:33 PM