The enchanting city of San Miguel de Allende, Mexico.

In central Mexico, there is a magical town in the state of Guanajuato that is well known internationally. San Miguel de Allende is a very charming and historical city with a beautiful architecture from 17th and 18th centuries. 

Walking around the city doesn't get old; there are always new places to be discovered. The charm of the narrow cobblestone streets and the colonial houses covered by different plants, give it a very special touch.
There are beautiful gardens and gorgeous colonial houses hidden behind old walls, that you would never imagine finding places like this.

Life in San Miguel de Allende is safe and quite but not boring; there is plenty of art galleries to visit, there are cultural events all year around, many cute coffee shops, small bars and international restaurants to spend a great time with friends or to meet new people. The library is a great place that offers an infinity of activities; from art classes, house and gardens tours, artistic events, language classes and also has a nice cafe where you can enjoy a cup of coffee while reading your favorite book.
Overall, the quality of life in this colonial city is perfect for the ones who are looking to live a less hectic life style and like to go out for a nice sunny walk around the city.

A perfect day to spend in San Miguel de Allende is by visiting the Botanical Garden. This is a great place to go for a nice hike and spend quality time with your love ones out in nature. At the end of the adventure, you can have a well deserved meal at its out door cafe.

If you like eating healthy and cook your own organic meals, you have to visit the local mercados (Farmers Markets). You would find all kind of fresh vegetables, fruits and meats; you can also go to one of the small shops to get your natural fresh juice that is made at the moment from fruits and veggies. They also have the traditional local food that is very hard to resist... it is delicious!
The mercados are also full of handcraft and textiles shops made by locals... Walking around these places is a very colorful experience!

After a long day of walking and exploring the city, you would be ready to have some of the local homemade ice cream. There are vendors all over downtown selling this delicious treat.
Be adventurous and try some of the many exotic flavors they offer; like sweet potato, cheese, rose petals and many others... You wouldn't be disappointed! 

 

 For a relaxing day, I will suggest the hot springs which are located about 20 minutes outside of the city and a taxi cab can take you there. 
I assure you that it would be a great experience bathing in the outdoor pools or getting inside the caves where the hot water comes from.

San Miguel de Allende has become a home for people from all over the world; making it a very multicultural place. The mix of people gives it a very special touch and the friendly attitude of locals make you feel like home.

Safe travels my friends!

Painting and making memories.

Something I love about our travels, it´s discovering cities full of magic and mystery that inspire me to paint. In our trip to San Cristobal de las Casas, Mexico; we were amazed by all the nature, the charm and mysticism of the Mayan indigenous villages.
Traveling is the best way of making memories and painting some of these places, it´s like having my own souvenir.

Safe travels my friends!

There is a waterfall we went to when we did the tour to Palenque from San Cristobal de las Casas... Amazing place!

San Juan Chamula is a small Mayan village out side of San Cristobal that is very mystic and full of culture.

Why do we have to be old to follow a dream?

I look back and I can see the road that I have been traveling for a long time; I have made mistakes, fail many times and achieved many goals as well. Some times I would've liked doing some things differently but, now I understand that all (good and bad) has been a learning experience.
Time plays such an important roll in our lives, it teaches us to be patient and to wait for the right moment to do what we like. We all have dreams and goals, so the only way of achieving them is by taking a risk and going for the challenge.
Someone once told me that I was a very lucky guy because I was able to get/do what I wanted so easy. The reality is that I learned as such a young age that no body would knock on my door to give me what I wanted, so working hard has been the way of achieving my goals.
Life is full of opportunities but, we have to be willing to take the chance when they´re in front of us; the worst that can happen is that things don´t go as we planned but, at least we can be satisfied by giving it a try. 

JJ and I dream was to be able to travel the world, and I am happy to say that we finally have been able to do it for the past year and a half. It is funny to see people´s reactions when we tell them that we´re a retired couple. They say we´re too young but, why do we have to be old to be able to follow a dream? We want to do it now that our bodies are still strong enough and before we start getting the old age aches and pains.
Everything is possible; young or old, we just have to set our mind to what we really want to do and what would make us happy.
Work hard but don´t spend all your life saving or planning for when you get old to do what you like, the truth is that we don´t know if our road will go that far.
Life is beautiful even with our dark moments, remember that there is always a light at the end of the tunnel.
Safe travels my friends!

Dia de los Muertos in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico.

We are now spending some time in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico and we made it just on time for the celebrations of Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead).

This tradition comes from long time ago, before the Spanish invaded the land that now is known as Mexico. The Mayans, Aztecs, Olmecs are some of the civilizations that flourished for nearly 40 centuries, and they all believed in the after life. This is why they celebrated death and they weren't afraid of it,  to them dying was a continuation to a new life.

After the Spanish conquered the Aztecs, they tried to made them adopt the Catholic beliefs but this wasn't possible. The result was more like a compromise and a fusion of both religions and cultures, what now in days we know as Dia de los Muertos.

Every year on November 1st and 2nd, people remember their loved ones in a very happy way. Bringing food, flowers, live music, liquor and making a big party at each of the cemeteries.

In Mexico, The day of the Dead is not a time for crying; it's a day to make fun of death and partying among rituals, adornments, and joy.

Every year San Miguel de Allende has its streets decorated with beautiful altars and for two days there are cultural events all over the city related to this special day.

This is the annual day when the ground in front of the main altar of the parish of St. Michael the Archangel rises up to show sanmiguelenses and visitors what it keeps underground in the crypts.

There are so many traditions that Mexican people celebrate, but Dia de los Muertos is one of my favorites because it's rich in culture, colorful and fun.

So my friends, lets celebrate that we are alive and take advantage of this great opportunity by doing what makes us happy... Safe travels!