On Tuesday I leave for Puebla City! I’ll be back for Dia de los Muertos and the San Miguel Jazz and Blues Festival in November. I am anxious to explore and observe a new city, but will be sad to leave a city where I know my way around and leave some people and places I have come to know and love.
Doors and windows around San Miguel have fascinated me. There seems to be quite an affinity for selecting an object (animal, religious statue, etc.) to adorn your door. In addition, ribbons and dried flowers seem to be quite popular to create interest in your business. I hope you enjoy the ones I captured below.
You need to take a closer look at this picture to see all the ornamentation! 
I believe this is Gabriel slaying the devil – just what I want at my door! 
I get the feeling I am not invited 
Cañada de la Virgen is an Otomi archaeological site that was first excavated in 1995 with its first pubic access in 2011. It is presumed that construction of the seven structures at Cañada De La Virgen most likely began after the collapse of the Teotihuacan culture, around 530 AD. A local archeologist that worked on this site gives a really interesting tour!
Coffee!
Those of you who know me, know that I love my coffee – dark and rich! I was warned in Mexico City that SMA didn’t really have good coffee. I have been looking for everyone’s list of best coffee in SMA and trying them all. My experience is that it is hit and miss. The Starbuck’s couldn’t even make their signature drinks correctly! The pretty ones look great, but are too sweet and I don’t think they got the “double shot” idea. I find the best route is to ask for “doble espresso, con hielo, no frappe, sin leche ni azucar” (double espresso over ice, not blended, without milk or sugar). I asked for cream once and got something very strange – caramel colored, lumpy and sour tasting. I am most intrigued by the inconsistent results I get with the same request and the looks of “I don’t understand”. I once ordered an affogato off a menu. The waitress left, came back and asked me what it was.
Beer!
Warm climates go hand in hand with cool, crisp beer on tap! But SMA restaurants and bars don’t often have “cerveza de barril” (beer on tap)! The first photo shows a bottle of San Miguel de Allende beer. This beer is sold in store for about three times as much as other brands – and an import tax is added! Most bottled beer that you order comes without a glass, even if you ask for one. The beer on the right was awesome! Mamma Mia has tap beer which really hit the spot on this sunny day.
Police
There has been a consistent police presence since I have been here. I understand that their salary is not really enough to live on, which is why bribes are so prevalent. I also understand that many times there is not enough funding to provide them with ammunition! The word is that the drug cartels are present in SMA, but if you are not involved in drugs you will be safe
This was outside my door, far from downtown 
Weddings!
Apparently SMA is a favorite for weddings. Walking around town on weekends you see lovely decorated cars and trucks – evidence that a wedding is nearby. Flowers on cars?!?!
Parking Lots!
I have been very impressed with parking lots! For one thing, they are generally hidden by large doors, so you don’t even see the possible expanse of cars. This one is my favorite as it has murals on the wall – and it has a bit of a view of the Parroquia to the right!
Shopping can be scary!
Going to the mall, or the supermarket requires that you cross a very busy street. That requires you to climb a very open stairway, walk across the street on an insecure surface (you do see the tear in the metal below, right!) and descend on the other side – that was the easiest part. I didn’t go very often! And when I did I treated it like an amusement ride – I felt better.
Some interesting things . . . maybe . . .
Garbage pick up and recycling, SMA style. Garbage is picked up almost every day. You can hear the banging of a bell to alert you to put out your garbage. Recycling is quite scares. I believe the plastic water bottle hanging on the fence is an attempt at recycling. 
When I look at this, I wonder how any utilities can successfully pass through their respective wires! 
Yes, Domino’s Pizza delivers here on motorcycle! 
DOGS! Though this dog appears to be quite benign, but when someone walks by – and especially at night – his job is to bark, loud and long! It seems the main purpose to have a dog is for security – pit bulls and rottweilers are favorites. There does not seem to be much focus on animal birth control – there are many homeless dogs running around, too.
My México Travels 
I’m finally caught up reading your posts, so will be current the rest of your travels. Thank you so much for sharing such personal stories about how you are feeling, and your impressions of the community. You say you are just a tourist but you are actually delving into the real life of the places you are visiting. I am very impressed with your ability to reach out to others and make connections. You are inspiring me to want to experience Italy (my favorite place) in a new way. Look forward to your next post.
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Jen,
Thank you so much for your warm feedback. Yes, this trip has changed me to allow more in with a spirit of wonder. I offer that to you as Italy awaits!
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