Mornings in San Miguel de Allende

Photos and thoughts from the Feb 2012 Chiripa buying trip to Mexico.

San Miguel de Allende, in the Mexican state of Guanajuato, is an artist community welcoming visitors from all over the world, including the US. In fact, there is such a large community of US citizens and expats that people feel very comfortable visiting this idyllic town. I usually say that I prefer a more "authentic" Mexican experience, but, in fact, there is a lot to love about San Miguel.

One stumbles on art classes in almost any place. The town is beautiful with a scenic overlook, cobblestone streets and stunning cathedrals. Maybe someday I'll have time to join a class like this.

Mornings in Mexico can be a challenge for shoppers. Things don't really get going until 10 or maybe 11, or even Noon. And breakfast is sometimes hard to find. Street vendors are an option. They are busy places serving locals on their way to work. I'm not brave enough for street food, but I appreciate the effort and the delicious smells.

 

We received a recommendation for a new restaurant that is open at 8 a.m. (usually) and serves great coffee. Buen Dia, just off Reloj. It used to be called Buenas Dias and you can find reviews under that name. It's under new ownership, but the workers are the same. You can spot it by the lovely geraniums in the painted chair by the door.

I was still battling a cold at this point and mocha appealed more than straight coffee. This is what I got! It tasted as good as it looked. Buen Dia has become our every morning stop when we're in San Miguel de Allende.

Across the street from the restaurant we spotted a star just like the many we sell at Chiripa. Mexicans are a little more casual about their wiring. This photo was taken from the rooftop seating at Buen Dia.

One interesting feature in many Mexican plazas is the finely pruned wall of trees. One day we got to witness the pruning of these mammoth trees. It's all done by hand; not buzz saws; with gigantic ladders and a pruning sheers.

 

But, we have a lot of our own work to do in San Miguel de Allende and the next post will take you to some of our artist.  kl