I read a lot of travel blogs and magazines, listen to podcasts, and watch videos online. Basically, if I am not currently traveling, I am dreaming up my next trip. Charlie was unable to travel over my spring break this year due to work commitments so asked mom if she would go somewhere with me. It has been a tough school year as I took on a couple new classes and I am tired of making decisions, so I told her to pick somewhere and I would plan a trip. She chose San Miguel de Allende, Mexico.
I have been to Mexico quite a few times, and my fondest memories of Mexico were made at my friend Rainy’s house in Sayulita in high school and college. Lately, most of my adventures in Mexico have been centered around easy to reach beach destinations like Cancun and Cabo, which don’t provide the visitor with much history, art, or authentic culture – unless you are willing to venture way off the beaten path.
San Miguel sounded like something different, a compromise of sorts. Now no one can claim it is tourist free, half the city is populated by expats from the US and Canada. But it is a Unesco world heritage site and known to attract artists. It was featured as the season finale destination on “Top Chef” fairly recently with lots of footage of cool food markets and amazing restaurants. Also, a couple of my good friends spent some time there last summer and raved about their experience. I figured we could spend our days looking at art and eating tasty food while taking photos of beautiful buildings and meeting some locals. It sounded like the perfect place for a quick trip for the two of us, so I booked it.
After a rainy drive to SFO early this morning, a painless layover in the beautiful new United Club Lounge at LAX, and a comfy and easy flight in First Class (thanks to Charlie being able to share his status…and getting a free upgrade!) we landed at the tiny airport in Guanajuato.
We met our pre-arranged driver, Eriberto just outside customs. We climbed into his shiny new suburban and drove the hour and forty minutes to our Airbnb. The ride was similar to my previous experiences in Mexico, varying speeds, rough roads, a toll here or there, and enormous speedbumps in seemingly random locations. This one was extra exciting as Eriberto informed us he got his drivers license two whole years ago! And then there was the moment we rounded a corner NASCAR style only to find ourselves rapidly approaching the hind end of a large horse! Thankfully Eriberto drives this road daily, sometimes multiple times and responded quickly and safely. We couldn’t have asked for a better driver – and his company had even worked together with our Airbnb host so he had our keys in the car for us.
We arrived in San Miguel after dark and wandered a few blocks to a restaurant recommended by our Airbnb host’s information binder. We shared some tacos and a quesadilla and had some very necessary drinks to forget the drive. The best part of dinner was when a couple we recognized from our flight today wandered in and accepted an invitation to join us at our table. The waiters were trying to seat them directly in front of the speakers being set up by a band. It turns out they were on both of our flights today and live in the Bay Area. Right as we were getting to know them the band started playing and we couldn’t hear a thing even though we were sitting as far away as possible. We exchanged numbers and agreed to continue the conversation another night.
We are looking forward to seeing the city in the daylight tomorrow, fingers crossed the 6234′ altitude doesn’t affect us too much.
Between all the travel transfers and darkness falling during the drive, I forgot to take photos today. Besides a beer at dinner the only one I have is of Mango… protesting the entire idea last night…
