Links on MSN today:
Can men & women really be friends?
How to resist your greatest diet temptations
Where to find delicious doughnuts nearby
Bastards -- MSN's just messing with me.
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Paralysis
I make decisions all the time at work -- every day -- without any kind of problem
So why is it that in my personal life -- I'm so often paralyzed by indecision:
What cell plan should I choose?
Should I buy a new sofa?
Change car insurance coverage?
Open enrollment for benefits -- should I change my plan?
Should I go for a promotion?
I never had this problem when I was married -- and you might be thinking -- well sure -- you had him to bounce things off of -- but really -- no.
The ex was useless at that sort of thing -- not a good listener -- gave no valuable advice -- he was willing to abdicate his responsibility for all of these decisions to me. And the decisions I made when we were married had much larger consequences --
What's changed in me?
I think I've lost the illusion of support -- that I sold to everyone else for so long -- that I even bought into it myself. I'm Linus without his blanket
So what's this all about -- maybe it's a visit to the confessional. I'm facing up to the facts --I don't miss him -- not by any means -- I just want my blanky.
And it's time to give the blanky up.
So why is it that in my personal life -- I'm so often paralyzed by indecision:
What cell plan should I choose?
Should I buy a new sofa?
Change car insurance coverage?
Open enrollment for benefits -- should I change my plan?
Should I go for a promotion?
I never had this problem when I was married -- and you might be thinking -- well sure -- you had him to bounce things off of -- but really -- no.
The ex was useless at that sort of thing -- not a good listener -- gave no valuable advice -- he was willing to abdicate his responsibility for all of these decisions to me. And the decisions I made when we were married had much larger consequences --
What's changed in me?
I think I've lost the illusion of support -- that I sold to everyone else for so long -- that I even bought into it myself. I'm Linus without his blanket
So what's this all about -- maybe it's a visit to the confessional. I'm facing up to the facts --I don't miss him -- not by any means -- I just want my blanky.
And it's time to give the blanky up.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Sn Miguel de Allende - Las despedidas son tristes -- Day 7 (reprinted from facebook originally March 13, 2009)
I've discovered since I've been here that I wake up every night at about 3:00am --it's the silence -- at 3am -- the bells are not ringing-- the goat is sleeping -- and the rooster is hoarse from crowing all day and night -- it's silent -- ahhh (and BOOM -- I'm awake!).
Did I mention that Mom found a jar of ear plugs in the master bath -- hysterical!!!
Back to sleep until the bacon wakes me up again -- I decided to explore the other side of the alley. Dad and I went a little ways up earlier in the week -- but stopped when the road got steep -- I moved on. (again -- if I can post the pictures I will).
This city is a study in contrasts -- beautiful homes next to run down shacks or abandoned buildings. Extremely high home prices -- but nearly every home I passed today for sale.
I came out the other end of the alley to a lovely neighborhood (but a little lost) and just kept heading downhill. It was early -- I got to walk to school with 1/2 the SMdA children. All the kids here are in uniforms and they're all different based on the school. I'm sure they were excited -- Monday is Benito Juarez day and school will be closed.
I worked my way down to the Jardin and had 2nd breakfast (not elevensies -- but close enough) -- chocolate and a fruit plate. At that hour of the morning the Sn Miguelenos are taking the kids to school -- NOT hanging out in the jardin -- so it's all expats -- totally weird.
I cabbed home and cleaned up (it was cool enough to need a sweatshirt in the morning -- but heated up quickly) and Mom and Dad and I went to Bellas ArtesBellas Artes is an art school like no other -- it's in an old convent and filled with scupture (what would the nuns have thought of all those nudes?) -- We went into one room and saw a mural in process -- the echo in the room was awe-inspiring -- I imagine the nuns praying in that room -- every sound amplified for Mother Superior to hear -- yikes!
A not so lovely lunch (if you go to SMdA -- avoid La Terraza -- it was dreadful -- Mom actually got nachos that had a pile of dried out beans on them with cheese that was clearly toasted kraft american cheese slices)
Back home for a siesta -- packing -- and then back downtown for dinner and El Jardin at night.
Tonight there was a cuban music festival (ironic -- no) -- the music was lovely -- the parrochia is lit up and looks both beautiful and scarey (a little like a demented Cinderella's castle)
Now we're home -- tomorrow we return -- tired, happy -- and refreshed.Things I will not miss about SMdA:
1) You can't flush the toilet paper -- you put it in the basket -- you have no idea how hard it is to remember this
2) You can't rinse the toothbrush in the sink
3) You can't figure out when, why or how long the bells will ring -- it makes you crazy trying to find the pattern
4) That damn hill
5) 37 stairs to the top of the house
Everything else I will miss -- it was great
PS -- I found 3 pair of great SMdA shoes in drag queen size -- I am SET! -- Good night
Did I mention that Mom found a jar of ear plugs in the master bath -- hysterical!!!
Back to sleep until the bacon wakes me up again -- I decided to explore the other side of the alley. Dad and I went a little ways up earlier in the week -- but stopped when the road got steep -- I moved on. (again -- if I can post the pictures I will).
This city is a study in contrasts -- beautiful homes next to run down shacks or abandoned buildings. Extremely high home prices -- but nearly every home I passed today for sale.
I came out the other end of the alley to a lovely neighborhood (but a little lost) and just kept heading downhill. It was early -- I got to walk to school with 1/2 the SMdA children. All the kids here are in uniforms and they're all different based on the school. I'm sure they were excited -- Monday is Benito Juarez day and school will be closed.
I worked my way down to the Jardin and had 2nd breakfast (not elevensies -- but close enough) -- chocolate and a fruit plate. At that hour of the morning the Sn Miguelenos are taking the kids to school -- NOT hanging out in the jardin -- so it's all expats -- totally weird.
I cabbed home and cleaned up (it was cool enough to need a sweatshirt in the morning -- but heated up quickly) and Mom and Dad and I went to Bellas ArtesBellas Artes is an art school like no other -- it's in an old convent and filled with scupture (what would the nuns have thought of all those nudes?) -- We went into one room and saw a mural in process -- the echo in the room was awe-inspiring -- I imagine the nuns praying in that room -- every sound amplified for Mother Superior to hear -- yikes!
A not so lovely lunch (if you go to SMdA -- avoid La Terraza -- it was dreadful -- Mom actually got nachos that had a pile of dried out beans on them with cheese that was clearly toasted kraft american cheese slices)
Back home for a siesta -- packing -- and then back downtown for dinner and El Jardin at night.
Tonight there was a cuban music festival (ironic -- no) -- the music was lovely -- the parrochia is lit up and looks both beautiful and scarey (a little like a demented Cinderella's castle)
Now we're home -- tomorrow we return -- tired, happy -- and refreshed.Things I will not miss about SMdA:
1) You can't flush the toilet paper -- you put it in the basket -- you have no idea how hard it is to remember this
2) You can't rinse the toothbrush in the sink
3) You can't figure out when, why or how long the bells will ring -- it makes you crazy trying to find the pattern
4) That damn hill
5) 37 stairs to the top of the house
Everything else I will miss -- it was great
PS -- I found 3 pair of great SMdA shoes in drag queen size -- I am SET! -- Good night
Sn Miguel de Allende -- You again !?!? -- Day 6 (reprinted from facebook originally posted March 12, 2009)
Today is the first day of the rest of our vacation! -- Mom is feeling well and we decided on a trip to the Market de Artesanias. The guidebooks say that you have to dig through a mountain of products to find things that aren't too tacky -- but are just tacky enough.
We called for a taxi to pick us up at the end of the alley and within minutes were greeted by a young taxi driver with full tattoo sleeves-- happy to take us to the market. He took us a few feet down the hill from hell and took a sharp turn left onto a road even steeper incline and worse cobblestones -- only to have to slam on his brakes to avoid hitting a truck full of bags of quick cement -- yikes! Did he back up the few feet on this crazy one-way street - heck no -- he asks the truck to back up (Ok -- guys -- this road is maybe 1 1/2 cars wide with sidewalks that are about 1' wide) -- the truck backs up at an angle and our driver keeps going forward (seriously???) -- after many attempts -- he rushes forward rolling up onto the sidewalk and forcing a woman to jump out of the day (Wow -- if looks could kill!)
About 20 feet further down (let's call it close-call-alley) -- There's a suburban (Ok -- really folks? you've seen the pictures? who would own a suburban in San Miguel?) parked loading luggage -- he moves out of the way so we can proceed down the hill. - We drive ALL over the place -- our destination? -- I kid you not -- the same market I've been going to at the bottom of the hill from Hell -- who knew that if you just kept walking through the market that you would get to the artesian market?
We pay him and flee the cab -- grateful to escape unscathed.
The artesian market was only just opening -- but we found some good bargains -- Mom got to pick up a few things for friends and we were all ready for a break at the end of the market.
We took a cab to El Jardin -- enjoyed a drink (still no Dr. Pepper for Loraine -- so sad) and snack and wandered around the plaza until lunch. We went back to the Posada de San Francisco (Change is bad) -- and had a lovely lunch.
After lunch we showed Mom the convent and she was ready to return home. Cab Cab -- where's a cab.I hail a cab.......Crap -- You again!!!! -- it's out friend with the tatoo sleeves -- I give him the instructions and put M & D into the cab. When I returned home I heard reports of him climbing curbs,careening around corners -- when they arrived at Calle Chepito -- he actually flipped a U turn on that narrow street -- Mom says she had her eyes squeezed shut and Dad reports nail marks on his hands from Mom grabbing his hand so hard.
Dad paid him his 30 pesos (gouger! -- should have been 25) -- Dad said that the cabbie kept examining the coins - and wouldn't have been surprised if he bit into one to see if was real!)Meanwhile -- down the hill -- I had shopping to complete -- we're out of beans (que horror!) -- and I stopped into a store to pick some up -- and what did I find -- No WAY! Dr Pepper in the can!!! -- Who knew it was Mother's day in March! -- I picked up the fruit and veggies we needed and a bunch of tulips (the freshest flowers you've ever seen!) and took a cab (Sorry folks -- I'm done climbing that hill!)
We had a light rain and some strong winds tonight -- so we planned a night in. (no photos today -- too busy praying!)
Other than the brushes with death - this has been the most relaxing vacation I've ever had.
We called for a taxi to pick us up at the end of the alley and within minutes were greeted by a young taxi driver with full tattoo sleeves-- happy to take us to the market. He took us a few feet down the hill from hell and took a sharp turn left onto a road even steeper incline and worse cobblestones -- only to have to slam on his brakes to avoid hitting a truck full of bags of quick cement -- yikes! Did he back up the few feet on this crazy one-way street - heck no -- he asks the truck to back up (Ok -- guys -- this road is maybe 1 1/2 cars wide with sidewalks that are about 1' wide) -- the truck backs up at an angle and our driver keeps going forward (seriously???) -- after many attempts -- he rushes forward rolling up onto the sidewalk and forcing a woman to jump out of the day (Wow -- if looks could kill!)
About 20 feet further down (let's call it close-call-alley) -- There's a suburban (Ok -- really folks? you've seen the pictures? who would own a suburban in San Miguel?) parked loading luggage -- he moves out of the way so we can proceed down the hill. - We drive ALL over the place -- our destination? -- I kid you not -- the same market I've been going to at the bottom of the hill from Hell -- who knew that if you just kept walking through the market that you would get to the artesian market?
We pay him and flee the cab -- grateful to escape unscathed.
The artesian market was only just opening -- but we found some good bargains -- Mom got to pick up a few things for friends and we were all ready for a break at the end of the market.
We took a cab to El Jardin -- enjoyed a drink (still no Dr. Pepper for Loraine -- so sad) and snack and wandered around the plaza until lunch. We went back to the Posada de San Francisco (Change is bad) -- and had a lovely lunch.
After lunch we showed Mom the convent and she was ready to return home. Cab Cab -- where's a cab.I hail a cab.......Crap -- You again!!!! -- it's out friend with the tatoo sleeves -- I give him the instructions and put M & D into the cab. When I returned home I heard reports of him climbing curbs,careening around corners -- when they arrived at Calle Chepito -- he actually flipped a U turn on that narrow street -- Mom says she had her eyes squeezed shut and Dad reports nail marks on his hands from Mom grabbing his hand so hard.
Dad paid him his 30 pesos (gouger! -- should have been 25) -- Dad said that the cabbie kept examining the coins - and wouldn't have been surprised if he bit into one to see if was real!)Meanwhile -- down the hill -- I had shopping to complete -- we're out of beans (que horror!) -- and I stopped into a store to pick some up -- and what did I find -- No WAY! Dr Pepper in the can!!! -- Who knew it was Mother's day in March! -- I picked up the fruit and veggies we needed and a bunch of tulips (the freshest flowers you've ever seen!) and took a cab (Sorry folks -- I'm done climbing that hill!)
We had a light rain and some strong winds tonight -- so we planned a night in. (no photos today -- too busy praying!)
Other than the brushes with death - this has been the most relaxing vacation I've ever had.
Sn Miguel de Allende - the Jurrassic Park of Skating - Day 5 (reprinted from facebook - originally posted March 11, 2009)
The day dawned early for me -- "Thank you Mr. Goat -- I almost slept past 6am -- that would have been terrible!"
Mom is feeling much much better today -- but decided one more day at home was called for. So Dad and I decided to go on a photo safari. Dad had some insight into what I needed to do to make sure the telephoto shots weren't so blurry -- I needed to hold my breath to make sure that the camera doesn't shake -- time to test the theory.
We first went to take a picture of the stairway just up the alley -- I've been down it once -- it's a little like the stairs you encounter in Mesa Verde -- narrow -- sandy -- slippery -- and every one a different height. I went down some small part of it -- but then took an opportunity to return to the main street -- I was too afraid I would get permanently lost.
So -- off on the Safari -- Dad and I went down the now boringly famous hill -- and worked our way past the market to El Jardin. We decided to stop at a cafe for a bottle of water (Dad) and a hot chocolate (me) -- Mexican hot chocolate is the best -- it has that rich chocolate (not cocoa) taste -- with a hint of cinnamon -- this also had a little bit of a peppermint taste (very faint) and a slight aftertaste of cloves. I'll spend weeks trying to recreate it! I also ordered what has to be the worst piece of apple strudel ever made (soggy -- filling tasted like dirt -- really foul).
We worked out way through some of the ritizer parts of San Miguel where Spanish disappeared altogether.
BTW --what's the deal with all the weird poodle-mix dogs in San Miguel -- either ther
e are dozens of them -- or one of them is stalking us -- While we were in the american-expat section of San Miguel we came across a gorgeous villa -- where an amercian woman greeted us -- asked us our names and told us that we would no doubt fall in love with San Miguel -- She said she visited 2 years ago from Buda, Texas -- fell in love with it -- went home -- got divorced -- sold her house -- went blonde -- and came back!
She recommended that we go 2 doors down to visit Toller Cranston's gallery -- "just ring any of the 3 bells
-- they'll show you around -- he's a wonderful artist -- it's like willy wonka on crack in there"
We nervously went down the street -- rang the bell and then announced ourselves at Toller Cranston's house. Apparently Toller Cranston's a famous ice skater from Canada (who knew) -- he placed 3rd in 1976 -- Dad remembered him. We were greeted by Toller who proceded to show us to his gallery. Willie Wonka on crack is an understatement! Wall were covered by huge russian inspired paintings -- gold, rich reds -- deep blues as well as merry-go-round horses that have been painted and decorated with glass balls -- glown glass decorations -- all set in the most amazing jungle-like garden you've ever imagined.
Toller himself is a bit flamboyant -- very full of himself -- and enjoyed the opportunity to talk about his favorite subject -- he pointed out that Tara Lipinski retired from skating at 15 -- he skated until he was 50 -- "I'm the Jurrassic Park of Skating" -- if THAT's not the quote of the day -- I don't know what is!
We actually had to make an excuse to escape -- he showed us all around is 16th century e
state -- it was quite an experience.
From there we went back through the park and eventually (after a few wrong turns) found our way back to the Jardin. Dad and I had lunch at the Posada de San Francisco -- a restaurant too expensive for me in the 1980's -- it was still breakfast (at 11:45) in San Miguel and we had a wonderful meal -- total cost including tip $16.16. -- We'll be back with Mom!
Dad declared himself done in and we made our way back home. I've made a video of the ride up the horrible hill -- it's a little 'blair witch' it's so shakey -- but you get the idea.
Wish you were here
Added May 27, 2009 -- my Dad pointed out that I was overly kind about Toller Cranston -- he was a total tool -- his comment when he heard we were from Texas "hmm -- you look like you're from Texas" --
Mom is feeling much much better today -- but decided one more day at home was called for. So Dad and I decided to go on a photo safari. Dad had some insight into what I needed to do to make sure the telephoto shots weren't so blurry -- I needed to hold my breath to make sure that the camera doesn't shake -- time to test the theory.
We first went to take a picture of the stairway just up the alley -- I've been down it once -- it's a little like the stairs you encounter in Mesa Verde -- narrow -- sandy -- slippery -- and every one a different height. I went down some small part of it -- but then took an opportunity to return to the main street -- I was too afraid I would get permanently lost.
So -- off on the Safari -- Dad and I went down the now boringly famous hill -- and worked our way past the market to El Jardin. We decided to stop at a cafe for a bottle of water (Dad) and a hot chocolate (me) -- Mexican hot chocolate is the best -- it has that rich chocolate (not cocoa) taste -- with a hint of cinnamon -- this also had a little bit of a peppermint taste (very faint) and a slight aftertaste of cloves. I'll spend weeks trying to recreate it! I also ordered what has to be the worst piece of apple strudel ever made (soggy -- filling tasted like dirt -- really foul).
We worked out way through some of the ritizer parts of San Miguel where Spanish disappeared altogether.
BTW --what's the deal with all the weird poodle-mix dogs in San Miguel -- either ther
e are dozens of them -- or one of them is stalking us -- While we were in the american-expat section of San Miguel we came across a gorgeous villa -- where an amercian woman greeted us -- asked us our names and told us that we would no doubt fall in love with San Miguel -- She said she visited 2 years ago from Buda, Texas -- fell in love with it -- went home -- got divorced -- sold her house -- went blonde -- and came back!She recommended that we go 2 doors down to visit Toller Cranston's gallery -- "just ring any of the 3 bells
-- they'll show you around -- he's a wonderful artist -- it's like willy wonka on crack in there"We nervously went down the street -- rang the bell and then announced ourselves at Toller Cranston's house. Apparently Toller Cranston's a famous ice skater from Canada (who knew) -- he placed 3rd in 1976 -- Dad remembered him. We were greeted by Toller who proceded to show us to his gallery. Willie Wonka on crack is an understatement! Wall were covered by huge russian inspired paintings -- gold, rich reds -- deep blues as well as merry-go-round horses that have been painted and decorated with glass balls -- glown glass decorations -- all set in the most amazing jungle-like garden you've ever imagined.
Toller himself is a bit flamboyant -- very full of himself -- and enjoyed the opportunity to talk about his favorite subject -- he pointed out that Tara Lipinski retired from skating at 15 -- he skated until he was 50 -- "I'm the Jurrassic Park of Skating" -- if THAT's not the quote of the day -- I don't know what is!
We actually had to make an excuse to escape -- he showed us all around is 16th century e
state -- it was quite an experience.From there we went back through the park and eventually (after a few wrong turns) found our way back to the Jardin. Dad and I had lunch at the Posada de San Francisco -- a restaurant too expensive for me in the 1980's -- it was still breakfast (at 11:45) in San Miguel and we had a wonderful meal -- total cost including tip $16.16. -- We'll be back with Mom!
Dad declared himself done in and we made our way back home. I've made a video of the ride up the horrible hill -- it's a little 'blair witch' it's so shakey -- but you get the idea.
Wish you were here
Added May 27, 2009 -- my Dad pointed out that I was overly kind about Toller Cranston -- he was a total tool -- his comment when he heard we were from Texas "hmm -- you look like you're from Texas" --
San Miguel de Allende - Just give it a little tap -- Day 4 (reprinted from facebook from March 10, 2009)
Mom's under the weather -- so Dad decided to stay close to home and encourage liquids and bland food. I trudged down the hill and found jello (I bought every color but green -- Mom has a great loathing for green jello), 7up, bread, crackers -- Today's the day that Balbina the maid is scheduled to come in -- which means that I ran around the house to tidy -- don't want her to think we're slobs.
Balbina arrived at about 10am -- and started to wash the house.....no seriously -- WASH the house. Now I know alot of you think you keep a clean house -- but you're wrong! -- Unless you start at the top and scrub every square inch of the house -- top to bottom (without stopping I might add) -- you're a pig (and may I say -- oink oink)
Balbina was scrubbing down the rooftop balcony -- I put together some lunch -- I made jello for Mom -- and let me tell you -- mexican jello isn't american jello -- first off -- it sets up almost immediately! -- I left it on the counter for about 20 minutes to let it cool before I put it in the refrigerator -- I wanted to add some bananas but didn't want them to cook in the hot hot jello -- and I had to cut slits in the jello to put in the bananas -- weird. Also -- it's MUCH sweeter than american jello (Mom ate some -- so mission accomplished!)
I decided to make bean tacos for lunch for Dad and I -- I taught him how to make homemade refried beans (you would think I made eggs benedict he was so surprised that I could do this) -- and I sent him in to get that jar of red enchilada sauce from the pantry. Poor Jack -- he was really struggling with the lid -- after straining to open it -- he decided to just hit the top of the lid forcefully to see if he could break the seal (like tapping it on the counter only more gentle) -- I heard a popping noise (yeah! seal broken) and then glub glub glub -- Dad broke out the bottom of the jar (poor thing) -- we had to scramble to clean up the mess before Balbina saw it!
After lunch -- I was decided on another adventure -- to a new part of town. I walked down the hill (really -- not so hellish the 6th or 7th time down -- until you turn and look back up) and back down towards the Jardin -- I stopped at the church with the dome on top (there are pictures -- I'll see if I can post them here) and got some lovely photos.
Then I went to the Jardin -- as I may have mentioned -- this is the heart of the town. People just go and sit on the benches under the trees and visit -- or watch the world go by. I even got hit on by a creepy old guy (just like old times -- sigh).
From there I moved on to Juarez Park -- which I don't think existed back in my day and then made the trek back. It was just like any other park in the world -- On the way back I found a great chocolate shop -- you would think they were selling fine jewelry based on the store front and the display. No prices -- yikes -- I ordered 6 small pieces to bring home -- total= 57 pesos -- or about $4.00 -- I'm saving the chocolate until Mom feels a little better.
Back home (BTW, Amy -- I found a Tshirt for Craig -- I think it's too big -- but it's likely to shrink -- I can't wait to bring it home -- it had to be brought -- it's classic) -- a lovely dinner -- freshest avocado and tomatoes you'e ever seen. Mom's feeling much better (hooray!)
It was a nice day -- enjoy your Dallas rain
Balbina arrived at about 10am -- and started to wash the house.....no seriously -- WASH the house. Now I know alot of you think you keep a clean house -- but you're wrong! -- Unless you start at the top and scrub every square inch of the house -- top to bottom (without stopping I might add) -- you're a pig (and may I say -- oink oink)
Balbina was scrubbing down the rooftop balcony -- I put together some lunch -- I made jello for Mom -- and let me tell you -- mexican jello isn't american jello -- first off -- it sets up almost immediately! -- I left it on the counter for about 20 minutes to let it cool before I put it in the refrigerator -- I wanted to add some bananas but didn't want them to cook in the hot hot jello -- and I had to cut slits in the jello to put in the bananas -- weird. Also -- it's MUCH sweeter than american jello (Mom ate some -- so mission accomplished!)
I decided to make bean tacos for lunch for Dad and I -- I taught him how to make homemade refried beans (you would think I made eggs benedict he was so surprised that I could do this) -- and I sent him in to get that jar of red enchilada sauce from the pantry. Poor Jack -- he was really struggling with the lid -- after straining to open it -- he decided to just hit the top of the lid forcefully to see if he could break the seal (like tapping it on the counter only more gentle) -- I heard a popping noise (yeah! seal broken) and then glub glub glub -- Dad broke out the bottom of the jar (poor thing) -- we had to scramble to clean up the mess before Balbina saw it!
After lunch -- I was decided on another adventure -- to a new part of town. I walked down the hill (really -- not so hellish the 6th or 7th time down -- until you turn and look back up) and back down towards the Jardin -- I stopped at the church with the dome on top (there are pictures -- I'll see if I can post them here) and got some lovely photos.
Then I went to the Jardin -- as I may have mentioned -- this is the heart of the town. People just go and sit on the benches under the trees and visit -- or watch the world go by. I even got hit on by a creepy old guy (just like old times -- sigh).
From there I moved on to Juarez Park -- which I don't think existed back in my day and then made the trek back. It was just like any other park in the world -- On the way back I found a great chocolate shop -- you would think they were selling fine jewelry based on the store front and the display. No prices -- yikes -- I ordered 6 small pieces to bring home -- total= 57 pesos -- or about $4.00 -- I'm saving the chocolate until Mom feels a little better.
Back home (BTW, Amy -- I found a Tshirt for Craig -- I think it's too big -- but it's likely to shrink -- I can't wait to bring it home -- it had to be brought -- it's classic) -- a lovely dinner -- freshest avocado and tomatoes you'e ever seen. Mom's feeling much better (hooray!)
It was a nice day -- enjoy your Dallas rain
San Miguel de Allende -- you can't go back home again - Day 3 (reprinted from facebook March 9, 2009)
I miss my cell phone. I have it turned off so I don't have to pay international paging -- but I use it as a clock. I thought it was time to get up and came downstairs only to discover it was 3:30am in San Miguel. After several more hours of sleep -- I had the fabulous mango breakfast up on the rooftop balcony with 1/2 a sweetroll. Definately worth the climb.
Dad decided to be brave and walk down to the market (that I finally located) on a quest for a polleria (Chicken seller) -- He was a real trouper working his way down the hill from hell -- but commented that he had never had to turn sideways to stay on a narrowing sidewalk before. Part-way down Dad commented that he was suffering for the illusion that he could walk back up.
I turned him around by the shoulders and pointed up.
We found everything we needed for a Chicken dinner -- and after a cab ride back (Jack's not stupid boys and girls!) Mom made a wonderful chicken and rice dinner followed by chicken soup for supper.
Mom's really struggling with breathing here so they decided on a day in -- after lunch I decided that this was the day to return to the Academia -- where I studied (can you believe) 22 years ago and from there to try to retrace my steps back to the house we lived at. I don't remember the address -- but we walked there everyday twice a day....how hard could it be!
I found the Academia with no problem. It was during lunch so they let me go in and take photos of my old haunt. It looks almost exactly the same -- From there I head down Mesones street and think -- Hidalgo -- that sounds familiar -- I'll turn right -- I'll make it short -- I walked several miles all around San Miguel -- nothing looked familiar, It wasn't Hidalgo -- or Macias Hernadez street -- could it be that the house is gone? maybe -- You can't go home again -- but you can sure try!
I did about 3 miles total -- my legs are definately complaining. At the end of the day we finally got some pictures of the sunset -- gotta love the sunsets you get in a place with just a little bit of low lying smog -- gorgeous! As the sun touched the horizon -- the church bells started to ring -- and continued until the last bit of sun disappeared -- I love San Miguel.
Good Night
Gina
Dad decided to be brave and walk down to the market (that I finally located) on a quest for a polleria (Chicken seller) -- He was a real trouper working his way down the hill from hell -- but commented that he had never had to turn sideways to stay on a narrowing sidewalk before. Part-way down Dad commented that he was suffering for the illusion that he could walk back up.
I turned him around by the shoulders and pointed up.
We found everything we needed for a Chicken dinner -- and after a cab ride back (Jack's not stupid boys and girls!) Mom made a wonderful chicken and rice dinner followed by chicken soup for supper.
Mom's really struggling with breathing here so they decided on a day in -- after lunch I decided that this was the day to return to the Academia -- where I studied (can you believe) 22 years ago and from there to try to retrace my steps back to the house we lived at. I don't remember the address -- but we walked there everyday twice a day....how hard could it be!
I found the Academia with no problem. It was during lunch so they let me go in and take photos of my old haunt. It looks almost exactly the same -- From there I head down Mesones street and think -- Hidalgo -- that sounds familiar -- I'll turn right -- I'll make it short -- I walked several miles all around San Miguel -- nothing looked familiar, It wasn't Hidalgo -- or Macias Hernadez street -- could it be that the house is gone? maybe -- You can't go home again -- but you can sure try!
I did about 3 miles total -- my legs are definately complaining. At the end of the day we finally got some pictures of the sunset -- gotta love the sunsets you get in a place with just a little bit of low lying smog -- gorgeous! As the sun touched the horizon -- the church bells started to ring -- and continued until the last bit of sun disappeared -- I love San Miguel.
Good Night
Gina
San Miguel de Allende -- If you can carry it home, you can eat it -- Day 2 (reposted from facebook - March 8, 2009)
Day 1 ended ridiculously early -- I think we were all asleep by 8:30 -- when most San Miguelenos are having supper. We were sleepy.
This means that we were all up by about 6:30am -- I awoke to the smell of bacon (I love my Dad) -- and lovely sweetrolls found on the somewhat fruitless trip the day before.
After breakfast Dad and I decided to go exploring. When we were planning the trip the Casa Chepitos people said there was a tiendita across the street from the house -- we failed to find it yesterday and decided to try again. Dad and I first turned up hill -- after about 1/2 a city block we decided -- nope -- across the street doesn't mean here. Then we turned left -- Nope -- pretty garden -- but across the street didn't mean here.
Then we went down the street -- again -- no luck.
So we decided to explore further up the alley -- maybe there's an outlet on the otherside that will have this little store we're searching for......alleyway -- alleyway and more alleyway. There's a stairway that goes down to other parts of the village -- but no tiendita.
At this point Dad's done in -- according to his watch/pedometer/heart meter -- we've gone about a 1/2 mile. and on the way back -- across the alley -- about 15 feet from our front door -- is a tiendita. Mostly sodas and chips -- but food.
After our survey -- Dad determined that there's no way in hell Mom can make the trek down the hill (I concur) -- so we order up a cab and head to El Jardin (The garden).
El Jardin is the center of San Miguel -- and it's wonderful -- full of trees and benches -- and people just spend hours watching the world walk by. We had a wonderful time shopping (Mom got some amazing shoes -- apparently they don't carry drag queen size in Mexico so I'm SOL). When we start to scout for a restaurant for lunch - -- I found my favorite restaurant from 1988 -- Mama Mia!
Back in the day I had a standing date with an archelogist friend of mine to have lunch at Mama Mia....not italian -- but just amazing modern mexican food. It's in a converted house and the tables are all in the middle of the building where the garden would be. The same gigantic trees growing up through the middle. We had an great meal for about $18 for the 3 of us (before the tip) -- we'll be back!
After more exploring M & D were ready to go back -- (still haven't scouted out where I used to live -- maybe tomorrow) After we got home and siesta-ed -- it was time to try again to find a meat market -- seriously -- my first venture yielded mustard, mayo, cans of tuna and some fresh veggies. So I bravely set out -- tote bags in hand
Down the hill from hell
Left one block
Down another hill from hell -- and found a covered market. Flowers as far as the eyes can see (I'll take a photo on another day -- I was on a mission) -- finally found a meat market -- and thought -- hamburger meet -- that's good -- hmm...kilos....Gina's bad at metric. A liter is less than a gallon and a kilometer is less than a mile -- so a kilo must be less than a pound -- "2 kilos please!" -- YIKES -- we'll ber eating burgers forever!! Note to self -- kilos are WAY more than pounds!
On the way back -- tomatos, cilantro so fresh that she pulled it out by the roots, broccoli (stray fact -- the family I lived with in the 80's farmed broccoli -- I grew to hate it back then), limes, serranos, queso -- more fresh bread -- now -- back up the hill -- Damn -- I hate the hill -- the hill is evil.
I feel like I've been sent to some sort of demented fat farm....you can eat whatever you want -- but you have to drag it up the hill -- seriously -- where's my donkey!
Mom made an great meal with the 10,000 lbs of hamburger meat -- we had a nice fresh salsa and there's another mango in my future.
It's a wonderful Sunday -- we can hear music and partying from one of our neighbors -- the goats and chicken are still singing to us -- and we're cooling our feet on the saltillo tiles. (we were startled by the beware of scorpions sign -- but we're over it now -- cold tile feels good on sore feet)
Greeting from San Miguel -- Jack and Loraine say Hi.
This means that we were all up by about 6:30am -- I awoke to the smell of bacon (I love my Dad) -- and lovely sweetrolls found on the somewhat fruitless trip the day before.
After breakfast Dad and I decided to go exploring. When we were planning the trip the Casa Chepitos people said there was a tiendita across the street from the house -- we failed to find it yesterday and decided to try again. Dad and I first turned up hill -- after about 1/2 a city block we decided -- nope -- across the street doesn't mean here. Then we turned left -- Nope -- pretty garden -- but across the street didn't mean here.
Then we went down the street -- again -- no luck.
So we decided to explore further up the alley -- maybe there's an outlet on the otherside that will have this little store we're searching for......alleyway -- alleyway and more alleyway. There's a stairway that goes down to other parts of the village -- but no tiendita.
At this point Dad's done in -- according to his watch/pedometer/heart meter -- we've gone about a 1/2 mile. and on the way back -- across the alley -- about 15 feet from our front door -- is a tiendita. Mostly sodas and chips -- but food.
After our survey -- Dad determined that there's no way in hell Mom can make the trek down the hill (I concur) -- so we order up a cab and head to El Jardin (The garden).
El Jardin is the center of San Miguel -- and it's wonderful -- full of trees and benches -- and people just spend hours watching the world walk by. We had a wonderful time shopping (Mom got some amazing shoes -- apparently they don't carry drag queen size in Mexico so I'm SOL). When we start to scout for a restaurant for lunch - -- I found my favorite restaurant from 1988 -- Mama Mia!
Back in the day I had a standing date with an archelogist friend of mine to have lunch at Mama Mia....not italian -- but just amazing modern mexican food. It's in a converted house and the tables are all in the middle of the building where the garden would be. The same gigantic trees growing up through the middle. We had an great meal for about $18 for the 3 of us (before the tip) -- we'll be back!
After more exploring M & D were ready to go back -- (still haven't scouted out where I used to live -- maybe tomorrow) After we got home and siesta-ed -- it was time to try again to find a meat market -- seriously -- my first venture yielded mustard, mayo, cans of tuna and some fresh veggies. So I bravely set out -- tote bags in hand
Down the hill from hell
Left one block
Down another hill from hell -- and found a covered market. Flowers as far as the eyes can see (I'll take a photo on another day -- I was on a mission) -- finally found a meat market -- and thought -- hamburger meet -- that's good -- hmm...kilos....Gina's bad at metric. A liter is less than a gallon and a kilometer is less than a mile -- so a kilo must be less than a pound -- "2 kilos please!" -- YIKES -- we'll ber eating burgers forever!! Note to self -- kilos are WAY more than pounds!
On the way back -- tomatos, cilantro so fresh that she pulled it out by the roots, broccoli (stray fact -- the family I lived with in the 80's farmed broccoli -- I grew to hate it back then), limes, serranos, queso -- more fresh bread -- now -- back up the hill -- Damn -- I hate the hill -- the hill is evil.
I feel like I've been sent to some sort of demented fat farm....you can eat whatever you want -- but you have to drag it up the hill -- seriously -- where's my donkey!
Mom made an great meal with the 10,000 lbs of hamburger meat -- we had a nice fresh salsa and there's another mango in my future.
It's a wonderful Sunday -- we can hear music and partying from one of our neighbors -- the goats and chicken are still singing to us -- and we're cooling our feet on the saltillo tiles. (we were startled by the beware of scorpions sign -- but we're over it now -- cold tile feels good on sore feet)
Greeting from San Miguel -- Jack and Loraine say Hi.
San Miguel de Allende - The return - Day 1 (reposted from facebook - March 7, 2009)
As many of you know -- this is a return to San Miguel for me -- I went to school her in the 80's to study language.
This is my first trip back.Jay and Jill took Mom and Dad to go whale watching years ago in Pta Vallarta -- and we've longed to take a trip (just the 3 of us) as well. We settled on San Miguel with is in the center of Mexico -- about 1.5 hours outside of Guanajuato and about 4 hours North of Mexico city.
We've had fun planning this for months and are excited that it's finally here.Flying here was -- I hope -- the worst part of the trip -- the plan to Leon was tiny -- and filled to the brim with humanity. After 2 hours on the flying bus -- we arrived in Leon -- found our bags -- made our way through customs and found out driver. I hope someday to be as brave as a driver in Mexico -- but I think it's unlikely. Mom's shoulder is bothering her again so the bumpy, swervy ride was a little much.
We're staying at Casa Chepitos with is on an impossibly steep street. This could be a nightmare w/Mom and Dad -- but fortunately cabs are super cheap. The house is AMAZING!!! -- We were greeted by Balbina the maid who showed us around the house and made us feel right at home -- It has 3 bedrooms -- and an insane number of stairs as it has 2 levels and gardens/balconies on the two levels and the roof. (I'll see if I can add a few of the photos) The place is over decorated -- and yet it works -- it's homey and comfortable.
As soon as we got settled in I decided that I needed to go find a market and pick up something for dinner (we're ALL too tired to go find a restaurant tonight) -- as I worked my way down the (remember) incredibly steep hill (45 degrees at least) I got to see a fabulous cliche -- a man leading a donkey up the hill (Oh -- to have a donkey!) -- where's my camera? Yup -- in my room -- dammit.
I headed down Chepitos street -- and then turned on Aspiro (I think) where I found an tortilleria and picked up hot hot hot tortillas to bring back. Then I turned onto Mesones -- Hey! Mesones??? I went to school on Mesones! -- So I work my way down the street. -- Hmmmm, have I mentioned that I'm going downhill the whole time?? -- gotta love foreshadowing.
I walk and walk and walk -- no school? I do find a market -- and pass a meat market (but foolishly decide not to pick any up) -- As I continue to walk -- things look more and more famliar(cool!) -- then I see the most horrible thing so far.....there's a Starbucks in the town square (doh!). I finally decide that I've gone too far -- WAY to far as I turn around and see the huge hill that leads me back home and I find my way back to Mesones -- I did finally find my school (it was WAY farther up the hill than I remember -- Oh to be 20!)......and miss my turn....and got very very lost.
I was fortunately rescued by a lovely cab driver -- who took me right back up the huge hill. Exhausted.
Dinner was the best mango grown on this planet -- I think Dad had a left over sandwich.... tomorrow we will find the Carneceria again and buy something to actually cook.
Right now -- Mom's enjoying Soduku -- Dad's exploring the kitchen in search of a knife sharp enough to cut a banana -- and we're all listening the the sounds of San Miguel. Kids playing outside, a rooster crowing, bells ringing at churches with no dicernable pattern, goats -- and a man roaming up and down the alleyway calling out something we can't quite make out -- is it Elotes (yummy roasted corn) -- or Helotes (ice cream) -- perhaps tomorrow we'll find out.
We're having a wonderful time -- paradise has 3 balconies and Wifi.
G
This is my first trip back.Jay and Jill took Mom and Dad to go whale watching years ago in Pta Vallarta -- and we've longed to take a trip (just the 3 of us) as well. We settled on San Miguel with is in the center of Mexico -- about 1.5 hours outside of Guanajuato and about 4 hours North of Mexico city.
We've had fun planning this for months and are excited that it's finally here.Flying here was -- I hope -- the worst part of the trip -- the plan to Leon was tiny -- and filled to the brim with humanity. After 2 hours on the flying bus -- we arrived in Leon -- found our bags -- made our way through customs and found out driver. I hope someday to be as brave as a driver in Mexico -- but I think it's unlikely. Mom's shoulder is bothering her again so the bumpy, swervy ride was a little much.
We're staying at Casa Chepitos with is on an impossibly steep street. This could be a nightmare w/Mom and Dad -- but fortunately cabs are super cheap. The house is AMAZING!!! -- We were greeted by Balbina the maid who showed us around the house and made us feel right at home -- It has 3 bedrooms -- and an insane number of stairs as it has 2 levels and gardens/balconies on the two levels and the roof. (I'll see if I can add a few of the photos) The place is over decorated -- and yet it works -- it's homey and comfortable.
As soon as we got settled in I decided that I needed to go find a market and pick up something for dinner (we're ALL too tired to go find a restaurant tonight) -- as I worked my way down the (remember) incredibly steep hill (45 degrees at least) I got to see a fabulous cliche -- a man leading a donkey up the hill (Oh -- to have a donkey!) -- where's my camera? Yup -- in my room -- dammit.
I headed down Chepitos street -- and then turned on Aspiro (I think) where I found an tortilleria and picked up hot hot hot tortillas to bring back. Then I turned onto Mesones -- Hey! Mesones??? I went to school on Mesones! -- So I work my way down the street. -- Hmmmm, have I mentioned that I'm going downhill the whole time?? -- gotta love foreshadowing.
I walk and walk and walk -- no school? I do find a market -- and pass a meat market (but foolishly decide not to pick any up) -- As I continue to walk -- things look more and more famliar(cool!) -- then I see the most horrible thing so far.....there's a Starbucks in the town square (doh!). I finally decide that I've gone too far -- WAY to far as I turn around and see the huge hill that leads me back home and I find my way back to Mesones -- I did finally find my school (it was WAY farther up the hill than I remember -- Oh to be 20!)......and miss my turn....and got very very lost.
I was fortunately rescued by a lovely cab driver -- who took me right back up the huge hill. Exhausted.
Dinner was the best mango grown on this planet -- I think Dad had a left over sandwich.... tomorrow we will find the Carneceria again and buy something to actually cook.
Right now -- Mom's enjoying Soduku -- Dad's exploring the kitchen in search of a knife sharp enough to cut a banana -- and we're all listening the the sounds of San Miguel. Kids playing outside, a rooster crowing, bells ringing at churches with no dicernable pattern, goats -- and a man roaming up and down the alleyway calling out something we can't quite make out -- is it Elotes (yummy roasted corn) -- or Helotes (ice cream) -- perhaps tomorrow we'll find out.
We're having a wonderful time -- paradise has 3 balconies and Wifi.
G
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