The Adventure Continues in San Miguel de Allende
I arrived in Mexico City and stayed for the month. Parting was such sweet sorrow, but I knew I had so much more to see. I had already set my mind on where I was headed to next. I knew that San Miguel was going to be at the top of my list of places to visit in Mexico. From the minute I get here I knew I had made the right choice. It’s absolutely magical.
The most challenging history class ever!
When I embark on a solo journey, one of my favorite rituals is booking a tour. This time, I opted for a walking tour, which turned out to be both fantastic and challenging. Brace yourself, my fellow travelers, because walking in San Miguel is no joke. So, if you’re planning a visit, make sure you’re prepared for some serious legwork. But fear not, for the exhaustion is always worth it. This tour provided a wealth of knowledge and insight. Let me share with you the fascinating points I gathered:
- Before the arrival of the Spanish in the 16th century, the breathtaking place we now know as San Miguel was once an indigenous Chichimeca village named Itzcuinapan. I love to envision the ancient roots that lie beneath the vibrant streets.
- Along comes a monk named Juan de San Miguel. And the Spanish conquistadors were not far behind. Driven by their insatiable greed for silver, they set their sights on this precious region.
- The clash between the indigenous people and the Spanish became a backdrop of constant warfare, an ongoing struggle for power and land.
- San Miguel of course became more than just a battlefield. It became the birthplace (at least one of them) of the Mexican War of Independence, another turbulent time marked by bloodshed and violence
- After the chaos, a renaissance emerged! San Miguel de Allende transformed into a sanctuary for artists and intellectuals, its picturesque streets and charming architecture captivating the hearts of creative souls from every corner of the globe.
Fast forward to the 20th century, and San Miguel was rightfully recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, a testament to its profound cultural and historical significance.
But my dear angels, the true magic of San Miguel lies not in these historical facts alone. It resides in the ethereal ambiance that envelops you as you wander through the kaleidoscope of colors adorning the streets of this enchanted place.
Right place. Right Time.
In a stroke of luck during my first week in San Miguel, I had the pleasure of encountering two remarkable individuals who perfectly embody the spirit of female empowerment in travel. Let me share these incredible experiences with you.
First, there was Sandra Velasquez, a dynamic force in the world of travel and entrepreneurship. We had connected previously through a mastermind group, and meeting her in person was an electrifying experience. Our initial encounter sparked an instant connection, and from that point forward, our paths seemed destined to cross. Every time we made plans to meet, serendipity would intervene, bringing us together unexpectedly. It was an exhilarating journey of chance encounters and wonderful surprises
But the adventure didn’t end there. I was privileged to meet the one and only Chef Silvana Salcido Esparza, a true culinary trailblazer and owner of the renowned Barrio Cafe in Phoenix. Not only does she create mouthwatering dishes in her restaurant, but she also possesses an awe-inspiring soul brimming with brilliance and power. Our meeting was a testament to the limitless possibilities that await those who dare to pursue their passions with unwavering determination.
Airbnb TOURS
Finding the perfect place to call home is a big deal for me. It’s all about that feeling of comfort and connection. Luckily, both my homes in CDMX and San Miguel de Allende fit the bill.
First, let’s talk about my AirBnB in Mexico City. Now, this place wasn’t at all fancy or extravagant, but that’s exactly what I wanted! I was craving that authentic local experience, and this 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom unit in Colonia Narvarte delivered just that. If you’re curious about the neighborhood, I dish all the details in this post. Oh, and here’s a pro tip: Most rentals in Mexico don’t come equipped with CO2 monitors, so I brought my own. Safety first, angels! You can grab a portable, battery-operated CO2 monitor for your own peace of mind. Forget cartels, let’s talk about carbon monoxide! HERE is the model I purchased.
Now, let’s move on to my AirBnB in San Miguel de Allende.. It wasn’t super fancy either, but it felt like a little slice of heaven to me! This gem is right smack dab in the middle of centro, so you should expect some hustle and bustle. If you’re a light sleeper or easily bothered by noise, it might not be the best choice for you. But for me, it was pure bliss. I even managed to work on the rooftop most days, soaking in the sun and that gorgeous view!.
When it comes to staying connected, the internet in my San Miguel de Allende spot was rock solid. Very few interruptions while I was hustling away. I can’t say the same for the spot in CDMX. But hot spot to the rescue. If you’re in need of a reliable hotspot, this 5G model has worked for me. Keep in mind, though, that 5G availability can vary throughout Mexico, so it might not be worth the investment, depending on where you plan to explore.
So there you have it! My cozy havens in both CDMX and San Miguel de Allende. They may not have been the fanciest, but they felt just right. After all, it’s the experiences, the people, and the vibes that truly make a place feel like home. And trust me, these places had it all. I hope you’re inspired to, go out there and find your own little slice of paradise!
By the way, some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means that, at no cost to you, Amazon will pay me a lil sumthin if you buy anything. So there’s absolutely no pressure for you to buy, but pure appreciation if you do.