San Miguel de Allende: Sweat, Mezcal, and a Whole Lotta Confusion
okay, so, i’m pretty sure i’m running on fumes and the lingering scent of *tacos. i landed in san miguel de allende like, 72 hours ago and honestly? it’s a beautiful mess. the humidity is clinging to everything - i just checked and it's...there right now, hope you like that kind of thing. 93% humidity, 22.4 degrees, feels like 22.7 - perfect for melting into a puddle of exhaustion and questionable decisions. the pressure’s at 1018, which is…fine, i guess? it’s not exactly a pressure cooker, but it’s definitely a damp one.
my phone’s battery is screaming, my camera roll is overflowing with blurry shots of brightly colored buildings, and my Spanish is approximately the level of a confused pigeon. but you know what? it’s amazing. seriously. i stumbled upon this tiny plaza - it’s called Plaza Juárez, i think - and there were these old men playing dominoes, a street vendor selling churros that smelled like pure heaven, and a stray dog who looked like he’d seen it all. it felt…real. not the polished, Instagram-filtered version of reality.
i was trying to find a decent coffee shop - desperately - and someone told me that "La Aurora" is supposed to have the best espresso in town. i went, it was okay, a little pretentious, but hey, caffeine is caffeine. i also overheard some drunk advice at a cantina last night: "Don’t trust the guy with the silver watch. He’s a con artist. Seriously." wild.
i’m pretty sure i’m going to spend the next few days just wandering around, getting lost, and eating as many mole dishes as humanly possible. i’m trying to document it all, but my brain is currently operating at approximately 60% capacity. here’s the gear list i’ve cobbled together so far:
*Camera: Canon 5D Mark IV (mostly because it’s heavy and i like the weight)
*Lenses: 24-70mm, 70-200mm (because i’m a professional, obviously)
*Phone: iPhone 13 (for capturing blurry moments of panic)
*Notebook & Pen: For scribbling down half-formed thoughts and receipts
*Portable Charger: Because my phone hates me
*Mezcal: Essential. Duh.
i’m seriously considering buying a sombrero. or maybe a donkey. i don’t know. my decision-making skills are currently impaired by sleep deprivation and a serious craving for chile en nogada.
i checked TripAdvisor and Yelp, and the general consensus is that the city is gorgeous, the food is incredible, and the people are friendly. someone also mentioned that the "El Charco del Ingenio" botanical garden is a must-see. i’m adding it to the list. (link: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g297994-d1238333-Reviews-El_Charco_del_Ingenio-San_Miguel_de_Allende_Jalisco_State.html)
if you get bored, guanajuato is just a short drive away. it’s supposed to be equally chaotic and charming. i’m not sure i’m up for another city, but the thought is…intriguing.
i’m also trying to find a decent taco stand that isn’t overrun with tourists. i heard that "El Huequito" is legendary, but the lines are insane. maybe i’ll just settle for a street vendor.
i’m starting to think i need a massage. and maybe a new pair of shoes. and definitely more mezcal.
i’m going to try and find a quiet corner to write this before i completely lose my mind. wish me luck.
“Don’t go to the Mercado San Juan after dark. Seriously. It’s…an experience. A weird experience.” - A local bartender, clearly seen things.
i’m also checking out some local art galleries. there’s a really cool one called "Galería Arte de Luna" - apparently, they showcase emerging artists. (link: https://www.arte-deluna.com/)
“The best way to see San Miguel is to just get lost. Seriously, put your phone away and wander. You’ll find the best things that way.” - A very chill, bearded photographer.
i’m starting to feel like i’m living in a slightly surreal dream. it’s exhausting, it’s exhilarating, and it’s definitely not going to make it into any brochures.
i’m heading out to find more tacos*. wish me luck. and maybe send coffee.
“Just…don’t ask me about the ghost stories. I’m not really into that kind of thing.” - A shopkeeper, nervously adjusting his glasses.
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