Buenos Dias
The Jardin anchors el Centro. Perfectly manicured trees, green benches and walkways fill the block. Colonial buildings of ochre and yellow embrace all sides except one where the church reigns supreme.
Saturday I sat on one of those benches for hours absorbing the sights and sounds. I was thrilled to find the promenades filled; 98% were Mexican which surprised me a bit. Vendors with ice cream, hats and balloons were kept busy.
Mariachis played in one corner of the park, a 12-pc band in the other and the center stage gazebo held a vocalist and teens dancing. Pigeons ruffled my hair as they swooped close.
A red carpet display to rival the Oscars passed as back-to-back weddings were performed.
Inside the church, the long aisle was bedecked in four-tiered 8′ spirals overflowing with baby’s breath and hundreds of votives. How I wished for entrance to photograph. The flower girls were especially darling.
Giant puppets danced and twirled with the wedding party as they walked down the street led and serenaded by mariachis.
Children and dogs chased balls, an occasional beggar approached with nuts or straw coasters to “sell”, cameras clicked, laughter rang, giggles and chatter competed and smiles were contagious.
Streets surrounding the Jardin are closed off daily, allowing one freedom to walk, gaze and participate in the festivities. Weekends bring country families, rich Mexicans from Mexico City, fancy cars and filled restaurants. If you’ve no agenda other than to have senses piqued, it’s a great time to show up.
Today “host Olivia” took me to Tuesday Market. It is massive and sells everything you could imagine…and more.
My days are filled with lunches, performances, STREET WALKING, market browsing and people watching. Evenings bring dinner parties, concerts, dance and, occasionally, a quiet evening at home. Oh, and the party for Oscar night….the TV event both tedious and fun having missed them for several years, but the gathering lovely.
Sunday was the Fringe Festival (yes, here in SMA). Events were free and outdoors and I was finally able to enjoy a terrific Flamenco dancer.
All my new friends and neighbors departed this morning. I’m looking forward to my last week to cross things off my bucket list that I’ve yet to do. Last evening everyone living in the four units here had a sunset happy hour to inaugurate the new rooftop gazebo, say farewell and watch the sunset over the mountains.
I moved to a different apt in the same bldg today and know I’m going to thoroughly enjoy it.
Thanks for stopping by.
Hasta Luego
Sharon
SAGEBLESSINGS 
Your description and photos are so fantastic, I feel like I am right there with you. Thank you so much for blogging. I love it. Can’t believe you are down to only one week left.
From: SAGEBLESSINGS To: ltstaiger@yahoo.com Sent: Tuesday, March 1, 2016 6:20 PM Subject: [New post] SAN MIGUEL #5… THE JARDIN, MARKET & FRINGE #yiv6000402328 a:hover {color:red;}#yiv6000402328 a {text-decoration:none;color:#0088cc;}#yiv6000402328 a.yiv6000402328primaryactionlink:link, #yiv6000402328 a.yiv6000402328primaryactionlink:visited {background-color:#2585B2;color:#fff;}#yiv6000402328 a.yiv6000402328primaryactionlink:hover, #yiv6000402328 a.yiv6000402328primaryactionlink:active {background-color:#11729E;color:#fff;}#yiv6000402328 WordPress.com | sageblessings posted: “Buenos DiasThe Jardin anchors el Centro. Perfectly manicured trees, green benches and walkways fill the block. Colonial buildings of ochre and yellow embrace all sides except one where the church reigns supreme.Saturday I sat on one of tho” | |
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Thank you Laurie. I can’t believe it either!
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I can’t stop thinking about our time there. Never have I felt this way.
Thank you for affirming my positive experience.
Your photos and description compliment each other perfectly.
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Phyllis you are a dear! I miss you, neighbor, and you both helped make the month such fun!!!
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I will miss your vibrant photos and even more colorful descriptions!! So happy you are having such a wonderful adventure and can share it with us! I look forward to seeing you next week!!
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How kind, my dear friend! Although I’m so happy here, I will also be so happy to see friends and family again!!
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Your photos enthrall, as always. Can’t believe it’s almost over. What a great new place for your last week there…a bit of a different perspective! Thanks so much for enriching us with your travelogue and pictorial journey.
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It has been a wonderful adventure and I’m talking with Alfonso about returning next year. Perfect weather, warm people, new friends and lovely visual stimulants. Sound familiar? Just a bit closer than Bali plus I’ve enjoyed being on the same time zone!
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Good pics Thanks for sharing
Sent from my iPhone
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Thanks Janet for following!
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