Thursday, December 20, 2007

Back in San Miguel



On Tuesday, with somewhat heavy hearts, we returned to San Miguel. Linda's mom was being transferred to a rehabilitation center, and we regret not being there with her. We expect to make frequent visits back to Michigan until she is feeling better.

We arrived, sans two suitcases (which showed up last night). It was a pleasure to open the door and find our warm home ready to receive us (though one bathroom is out of commission while some minor construction work is going on).






















Linda may not have mentioned that I bought a new motorcycle! It will enable me to explore the countryside around San Miguel and report my explorations in future blog entries. It's a bright yellow (all the better to be seen and avoided by cars, pedestrians, etc.). It's only 150 cc. (about 15 hp), but it's ample to get around town, where the average speed is under 20 mph, and one rarely gets into third gear.












Note the sign on the garage door...Se ponchan llantas gratis.

This is a Mexican no parking sign. It translates as We Give Free Flat Tires (if you park in front of our garage). It's one of my favorite San Miguel signs...so amusing and clever...and it makes its point loud and clear.
Bella was very happy to see us return after two weeks. She hasn't left our sides since we returned, and sleeps between the two of us. She has a new habit of climbing on the fountain and drinking from it. Unfortunately, I didn't catch her drinking, but at least you can see her on one of her favorite perches.







Tonight we attended a Posada, one of the religious parades held almost nightly this season. A float with religious figures is followed by a crowd. Neighbors shower them with chocolate coins and oranges. It's very quiet, peaceful and moving. On the way to the Posada, we walked through our local market. Dozens of booths were still open (it's about 8:30 pm), selling holiday lights, decorations, plants, toys, handmade clothing for baby Jesus dolls, etc. Men, women and children of all ages fill the streets of the market, and later the Posada. At the Posada the crowd is singing songs together - possibly religious songs, although they don't have that feel or sound - more like old fashioned popular songs (the Mexican versions of Yankee Doodle or Old MacDonald).





















































































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