It was a perfect storm that brought me to San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. I went to a travel-related conference in June and while there learned of a writer, Rolf Potts, legend of vagabond travel. No, really, his first book was called “Vagabonding.”
Curious, I went to his web site, where I found that he was leading a six day, travel memoir writing workshop in San Miguel de Allende.
This just happens to be the town where a friend of mine owns a vacation home, which coincidentally is only a 10 minute walk to the workshop.
I had just built this very friend a simple website for her other vacation home, in Puerto Vallarta (see www.villlasolana.com — it’s for sale, by the way), so she happily agreed to barter a stay in San Miguel.
You see, I’m a bit of a vagabond myself. And free accommodations, plus a frequent flier flight (not quite free anymore), certainly helps when you’re required to pony up a couple grand for a workshop.
Anyway, here I am for a week of tourism followed by the workshop. And I don’t know squat about San Miguel de Allende. I had heard of it, but that’s really about it.
So, logically, I asked Google, and this is what zhe had to say: The readers of Travel + Leisure magazine had voted San Miguel de Allende as their favorite city in the world in both 2017 and 2018.
I repeat: Favorite city in the world!
The rating, according to the magazine, is based on “the sights and landmarks, culture, cuisine, friendliness, shopping and overall value of the destination.” In 2019, San Miguel was usurped by Hoi An, Vietnam, which apparently has fabulous shopping and an abundant supply of vegan options, if you’re not interested in eating a dog or a cat.
My question is: What the hell is going on with Travel + Leisure readers?!
Here, in San Miguel de Allende, I’m going to try and find out.
First impressions
1) What an incredibly beautiful, colorful historic city! And so many hills!
2) Am I (gasping) getting enough air at 6,200+ feet?
3) Why are there so many women in wedding gowns?
4) Will those church bells ever stop ringing?
5) And what’s up with the 6:30 am fireworks?
