Quick trip to the Stray Dog workshop is always refreshing, especially as September is such a lovely weather month in San Miguel de Allende. Rain season has started, the desert is greening, the lakes are at capacity, and the wildflowers are popping. Here are some shots/videos from on of my favorite spots El Charco del Ingenio Botanical Gardnes.
Downtown was quiet but gearing up for Independence Day celebrations. San Miguel de Allende is part of the “Cradle of Independence” and at 11 PM on September 15th, a dignitary will shout from the corner balcony of Ignacio Allende’s house into a packed Jardin (town center) “Viva Mexico! Viva la Independencia!” It is loud, passionate, raucous and full of fireworks.
Most of my time was spent at the office and workshop, which is a small hub of activity. The team was packing a shipment that was to go out at week’s end. So chandeliers were suspended in their shipping frames across the packing warehouse floor, and final touches of paint were being applied.
A few years ago, after noticing the some of the men had calendars with scantily clad ladies modeling next to paints and tools, I decided to get the ladies a Chippendales calendar for balance. Once the year ended, the ladies asked for a new one. Last year I brought them another calendar from Rome of “Hot Priests”. The ladies prefer the Chippendales…
Saturday was reserved for a little property hunting in the country (because why not??), then a two and half hour lunch with the Alvarez Brothers Jose & Pato of the Penzi Weddings along with their lovely and talented wives and beautiful children at the Italian fared Mercantino di bella Italia.
Sunday, I made my requisite appearance at church (Oratorio de San Felipe Neri) to appease our dear friend Lala (Mariano’s wife) along with my goddaughters, and I was rewarded with this for breakfast at one of my favorite breakfast spots, Raices!
On Monday we loaded everybody up from the workshop and headed out to Don Ciros for famous gorditas! I forgot to take a picture as Mariano and I were heavy conversation the whole time.
On my last night I got to spend it with old friend Charlie Hall of the famed Rose Ann Hall Designs, a workshop that makes traditional etched glass and candles. If you are unfamiliar with their work, please give them a gander. And if you are ever in town, go out to his shop and visit. We dined at Tostovere, one of my favorite little restaurants which features Mexican cuisine with modern twist. Drinks are great too! Ask Charlie ;)
Quick trip, but so nice to see everybody!
