I had been house sitting for about a year when some Ladies named Andrea and Marianne, who I knew thru a friend in Truckee reached out to me about coming to house sit in Mexico. They had moved to San Miguel De Allende , Mexico, a couple years back. They said, Do you want to come here for 2 months and watch our dogs and house? Well, I had just read that San Miguel De Allende was voted in Travel and Leisure magazine as best city to travel to. Here is that article. http://www.travelandleisure.com/trip-ideas/city-vacations/san-miguel-de-allende-photos .
So, I said sure thing !!
Lovely house at Malanquin golf club about 2.8 miles from el Centro which is the heart of San Miguel De Allende. I would be taking care of a little Doxie named Enrique and little white fluffy Mexico poodle named Miguel. Here are some photos of where I stayed for most of the 2 months. And my little dogs. Enrique a sweet , cuddly little long haired Dachshund who was rescued from a early life of abuse and Miguel a little San Miguel De Allende street dog who lucked out and was taken off the street. There is an innteresting story about the Rebellious nuns who used to raise poodles to make money. Here is an excerpt from the book called “The Rebellious nuns”
Today the nuns make their money (every order, cloistered or not, must support itself as money doesn’t come from the Church) with their tamales (yummy) and cookies (dry). At one point the order raised white purebred poodles to make money. (There is an order of friars in New England well compensated for raising German Sheppards.) One day a new bishop came to town and demanded the nuns stop raising poodles so they opened the doors and let them free. That’s why San Miguel’s street dog population has that unique white poodle mix running through them.
The reason I posted this is because Miguel must be an offspring of these dogs. And because around every corner you see them in SMA , these white fluffy dogs. They are all over but of course mostly owned by people. In fact I saw very few street dogs in SMA.
I did not have a car in SMA however it was easy enough to get around. Once in awhile I would walk to El Centro and take the bus back. In fact I spent a lot of time walking as there are so many little neighborhoods to see. The bus cost 7 pesos to go as far as you want . 7 pesos is about 30 cents . Calling for a ride from Malanquin to town cost about 70 pesos. $3.00. There was a large store about a quarter mile down the road from the house and a couple restaurants across from that. I actually enjoyed just walking to the center of town a lot as then I would pass all the shops, restaurants, etc.. and see something new each time. Taking a taxi or bus back.
Over all I very much enjoyed the house sit and hope to go back. The dogs are both sweet, the house lovely, and so much to see and do in and around SMA . There is talk of me coming back next winter. The girls I house sat for travel a lot each year.
Here is my first view of El Centro and the Parroquia which is the famous Church of San Miguel de Allende and happens to look like a pink cake. The Parroquia as one article says is a Grand, neo-Gothic 17th-century church known for its soaring pink spires & lofty, ornate sanctuary.
San Miguel De Allende has a lot going on . Music, plays, art, amazing architecture, Mariachis nightly in El Centro. And did you know it is an Unesco world heritage site
San Miguel de Allende, UNESCO World Heritage Site
On July 8, 2008, San Miguel de Allende was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. A remarkable example of 16th-century Spanish Colonial Baroque architecture, as well as a place of vital importance during the Mexican War of Independence, San Miguel de Allende was added to the UNESCO Cultural Heritage list under the Historical City category. The city’s colonial authenticity and cultural integrity, and the excellent condition of its historic downtown (Centro Historico,) were key elements that contributed to the UNESCO designation.
It is also one of Mexico’s “Magic towns”. Read about that here:
It is also one of Mexicos “Magic towns “
When I first go to SMA I thought wow, it is crowded and it is on weekends. Many Mexicans from Mexico City and Guadalajara come to town. But it all just adds to the excitement of the whole place . Lots of mariachis, music, weddings, parades, celebrations going on all the time Never boring. In fact I am going to do a whole post about all the activity in El Centro.
SMA is made up of many beautiful little neighborhoods, such as Guadalupe with the Murals I wrote about it here , Guadalupe Murals , a neighborhood in San Miguel de allende, Mexico. botanical gardens that I posted about here El Charco del Ingenio Botanical gardens in San Miguel de allende at night. and here El Charco del ingenio , A botanical gardens in San Miguel de allende, Mexico.
There are hot springs, and ruins to go to as well as other towns of interest within an hour or 2 drive. A few I made it to but still some I did not see. Which is reason to go back.
I only made it to one of the several hotsprings called “La Gruta “. I really enjoyed it. Nice place to relax for the day. Complete with lounge chairs, shade, restaurant and bar and the cave.
Here are some photos of La Gruta.
I have already written a few posts on San Miguel De Allende but I experienced so much while there that I will be writing a few more in the future as well. Still have a lot to share from this beautiful city.
Here is an earlier post I did San Miguel de Allende ,Mexico.
Another about our trip to see the Monarchs. Right here Monarchs el Rosario, Mexico
I had some time off from the house sit ( 10days ) and had friends who came to visit so did a lot of things when they where there.
Here are some parting shots for now
I will re visit SMA in some future posts but my next post will be about the beautiful Northern California coast where I am just ending a 2 week house sit with 2 sweet border collies. Had great weather so it was truly lovely.
Coming soon. Fort Bragg, California.
Sues Wanderings 