For Sale, Trade, or Exchange items in San Miguel de Allende San Miguel de Allende Mexico Announcements & News


San Miguel de Allende Mexico / For Sale, Trade, or Exchange items in San Miguel de Allende 

For Sale, Trade, or Exchange items in San Miguel de Allende Announcements & News San Miguel de Allende Mexico

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San Miguel de Allende -- Today is Wednesday, February 08, 2012 10:30 at our loyal server in the USA

I thought I would write a follow-up to my column, “Move Over San Miguel de Allende Here I Come”, since this is the only thing, writing, that prevents from committing murderous acts of rage (Just Joking!) As you recall from the previous column, I wrote how I tried to deposit a royalty check from my publisher and was told the check would clear on four different dates. We were shown, last week, on their computer screen that the funds would be available on the 18th of December.

Well, today is the 18th. We marched down to the bank and, of course, in the truest sense of TMO (Typical Mexican Operation) the funds were not available. We went into the bank so I could seize a bank officer and choke him (just kidding!). No, we talked to this guy who thought it cute to mumble at us. He actually told us something entirely new.

He said that “the 18th” did not really mean “the 18th” but it meant sometime after 6 p.m. on the 18th but before mid-night on the 18th and…and…maybe even the 19th.

CAN YOU BELIEVE THIS?

This my dear readers is what we anal-retentive Americans (and “strung-tighter-than-piano wire Germans”) have to deal with when we become expatriates living in Mexico. It would seem, and I could be wrong, that Mexican banks just make up stuff as they go along. There are no policy manuals, procedural steps, no rules, just the “fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants” way of doing things.

“Qué Será, Será: What ever will be, will be. The future’s not ours to see. Qué Será, Será.”

This is exactly how things are done in central México. I have to tell you though, those from other regions of the country are as dumbfounded as I am. They tell me that this region of Mexico is “stuck in time and history.” They are provincial to the point of having been throw into a time loop and cannot escape the temporal hole they’ve been in since the middle ages. Time forgot central Mexico and no one seems to really care to crawl out of this dimensional morass in which they are quagmired.

What are we going to do?

I do not know. But, we are looking to other areas of Mexico that may not be like living in a Latino Twilight Zone.

My fellow American expat said this:

“That what Mexico needs is a Business Manager. These people need a Business Manager in everything that has to do with anything to show them how things work. This is because in all aspects of life, at least in Guanajuato, no one who does anything that has to do with something knows just how it is suppose to work.”

She has no idea what truth she spoke!

by Douglas Bower

Article Source: EzineArticles.com
To some San Miguel de Allende means history and tradition, to others art or language, to many, just a place to call home. But, to all, there are a some things that make it unique and memorable, here are a few personal favorites…

THINGS TO SEE
San Miguel de Allende was, by 1790, one of the richest villages in Mexico, with a population over twice that of New York City at the time. The wealth came from the silver trade, and those that had made their fortunes took it upon themselves to build elaborate mansions, churches and theaters. This past grandeur is still evident, with outstanding examples of most styles of colonial Mexican architecture to be found.
Of note are the Templo de San Francisco, Templo de la Concepción (known locally as ‘Las Monjas’), the Oratorio de San Felipe Neri with its interior Santa Casa de Loreto, the Centro Cultural Ignacio Ramirez "El Nigromante” (a.k.a. Bellas Artes) and, without doubt, the Parroquia.

La Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel:

The original Parish Church, built in the late 17th century, was of relatively modest design. This changed dramatically in 1880 when the master stone mason, Zeferino Gutierrez was commissioned to create a new facade. A self-taught architect, Gutierrez is reported to have taken the inspiration for his design from drawings and postcards of European cathedrals. The resulting neogothic fantasy, whose soaring turrets can be viewed from almost any spot in town, has made the Parroquia one of the most photographed churches in Mexico. El Jardín:

Centered between the Parroquia to the south, colonnades of colonial arches to the east and west and the Presidencia, or historic city hall, to the north, this bustling park is the heart of the city. It draws visitors to sit and gossip on the wrought iron benches shaded by boxy laurel trees, to pause and listen to musicians playing from its central gazebo or to line the stone walls and cheer as one of the town’s many parades passes by.

Biblioteca Pública:

The English Public library is Mexico's second largest English language library. The rambling building contdecorated reading room, a restful inner courtyard with wireless internet service, a theater offering foreign film and live performances, a computer center and café. It is an not only an important part in the lives of many of San Miguel’s expatriate population but, due to its mandate of enriching the lives of local students, it is also an integral part of the community.

El Charco de Ingenio:

This privately funded botanical garden and ecological reserve, located on the outskirts of town, is dedicated to restoring and preserving Mexican flora and encouraging endangered wildlife to flourish. The extensive grounds house a conservatory of Mexican plants, with particular emphasis on cacti and succulents; a center where one can purchase plants; remains of an ancient wool mill and an historic reservoir that is home to native and migratory birds. All is linked by a network of paths, with wonderful views of the town and countryside, that are ideal for biking and walking, and allow access for rock climbing on the steep canyon walls. An adjacent Nature Park provides grounds for picnicking and horseback riding.

Tianguis:

Imagine what would result if you crossed a flea market, a farmer’s market, a 19th century food court and the closeout bin at a discount clothier? If you can’t, you should visit the Tuesday open-air market held by Plaza Real del Conde. Under the shade of multicolored tarps are hundreds of vendors hawking fresh fruit and vegetables, dried herbs, kitchenware, hardware, beauty supplies, clothing (new, used, or remaindered from American retailers), watches, CD’s (some of which might be legal) and everything else in between. Even if you only go for the sights you will no doubt end up buying something.

Reprint Permission from "Su Casa"--Your Home in San Miguel de Allende
© 2006 Imprint Publishing/Advertising
Telephone in San Miguel:152-0493
From the Vip Club Newsletter for San Miguel de Allende with information on discounts available for club members who have purchased the VIP Club Discount Card
  • Accounting Services: Juan Manuel Orta,
    044-415-101-1805, free consultation for first-timers


  • Aqua Bell, purified water, call 120-3500, 19 liter jugs, home delivered, no deposit charge, 12-pesos, 20% discount


  • Art Print, San Francisco 11, upstairs, (quality full-color digital printing, 10% minimum $400 pesos)


  • BBQ Bob's, Salida de Celaya #6 organic produce, (10%, 100 peso minimum)


  • Beatriz's Vacation Rental Apartments - 10% discount off rentals apartments.


  • "Best of San Miguel" published by Joseph Harmes, (10%), order by e-mail:
    escritorsma@cybermatsa.com.mx


  • Black & White Shop - "Tonina" - now located Loreto 28A, 20% off


  • Camar Printing - 10% off all printing services, minimum $500 pesos.


  • Casa del Inquisidor, Aldama No. 1. Members may take 10% off marked goods. Casa del Inquisidor furniture & décor store, furniture, upholstery, rugs and hardware, in addition to Casa del Inquisidor's professional interior design.


  • Casa Linda, Luxury Hotel - 15% off for cash, 5% when using credit card.


  • Casa Montana Hotel in Pozos - 20%.


  • Chelo's Farmacia - 20% drugs, 15% off retail products except those already marked down, $50 pesos minimum.


  • Classes un LTD - VIP Club members may take 10% off continuous education classes. For additional info visit their website, www.classesunlimited.com, or call: 152-2483.


  • Clinica Izuinapan Pet Care and Spa. Veterinario Dr. Rodrigo Garibay offers 10% off pet needs including spaying, neutering, grooming and SPA services. La Clinica secializes in alternative and preventive medical treatment & Professional Grooming for pets
    Relampago #22 Col. La Lejona 2da. Seccion,
    Cell: 044 415 151 9325.


  • Darla's Jewelry, corner of Correo and Recreo, (15%)


  • Dryclean USA, Salida A Celaya No.14, 185-8200,
    Dry clean and laundry services, pick up and
    delivery, 15% discount, 100 peso minimum.


  • DuPont Paints, 152-39-87, (10%) off
    Two locations Salida de Celaya #26 and, Libramiento a Dolores Hidalgo #46, 044-415-100-6552


  • Elite Nails, waxing etc. Zacateros #29 (15%) 100 peso minimum


  • ERA Gift Shop, Zacateros #39, (10%)


  • Georgia Dering Massage Therapy, 044-415-103-3364 (10%)


  • Goldie Designs, Canal #9, (10%)


  • Helena Moreno Fine Arts Gallery, Jesus #18, (10% off marked items)


  • Hotel Casa Cafe on Hidalgo, (10%) coffee by the kilo, whole bean or ground


  • Intercam Casa de Cambio - (premium rate slightly above posted rate when cashing in dollars).


  • Joyous Heart represents, Shaklee, Mexico, Zamora Rios #9, Colonia Allende, 152 1213. Deep discounts to VIP Club Members.

  • La Morada Hotel - 20% off rooms and suites (some black out dates apply).


  • Lavamagico laundry service (home delivery), Pila Seca #5, 152-0899. (10)%


  • Noel Propane Gas, home delivery, (6%) off retail price 154-8383 Special Instructions, must call in for cylinders or tanks beforehand give card # and date of expiration. If encountering truck on the street must call in when in house. laundry service (home delivery), Pila Seca #5, 152-0899. (10)%


  • The Leather Shop - Umarán #1, (10%)


  • Moyshen Art Gallery Hidalgo #4, (10% off marked art)


  • McDonalds Mail Box Service to US (10% discount for year payment)


  • Patricia's facial & body treatments, Ladrillera #1, 154-8104. (10%)


  • Ren Ellis Leather Goods, Recreo 8A (10%)


  • San Miguel Health and Fitness Center - 20% off first month's membership.


  • Satellite Mexico TV - Welcome, SATELLITE MEXICO, VIP Club members can take 10% off services, including installation. Contact Chuck for info: satellitemexico@yahoo.com


  • 3 Señores - Camping and horseback riding. For reservations call:
    044-415-101-4976. 25% discount of regular rates.


  • San Miguel Designs; (www.sanmigueldesigns.com). (15%).


  • Satellite Mexico TV (10%) off services, including installation


  • Seventh Heaven Boutique - Sollano #13, Various discounts to members.


  • Stilo Lamps and Furniture, Casada Aurora, (10% off marked goods)


  • Vista Real Hotel and Vista Real Hotel's Restaurant - (20%) Blackout periods apply


Notice: Certain Restaurants and Businesses may have restrictions that do not appear on this website. Please contact The Restaurant Club directly for a complete list of participating businesses and restrictions.

Web site Questions/Corrections, contact web@vipsanmiguel.com and Lou Christine

VIP Questions, contact vipsma@cybermatsa.com.mx for the VIP CLUB

There are a thousand and one descriptions of San Miguel de Allende written over the past decades. Here's one writer's short take:


San Miguel's reputation as an arts center was established by the founding of the Allende Institute. One of its American founders, Stirling Dickson, came to Mexico as a tourist in the 1930s and fell in love with the city. A painter and engraver, he helped inaugurate the institute in 1950 and was its director until 1987. The lovely building housing the school once was owned by the wealthy Canal familiy. Fountains, arcades and courtyards gardens grace the grounds of the campus, which has extensive classroom space, two are galleries, a theter and a library.

Students from throughout the Americas take advantage of the art and language classes offered, and the institute also functions as a campus abroad for several American and Canadian art schools. The Centro Cultural Bellas Artes, is also known as the Centro Cultural el Nigromante (its official name) and the Centro Cultural Ignacio Ramirez. It is a branch of the wellknown Instituto de Bellas Artes in Mexico City. The impressive building, which dates from the mid-18th century, was once the Convento de la Concepcion and features an immense, tree-shaded courtyard. It offers music, dance and visual arts classes; a bulletin board lists lectures and concerts given both here and elsewhere in the city. Several murals are also exhibited, including one by David Alfaro Siqueirs.

San Miquel is known for the variety and quality of its regionally produced handycrafts. Metalwork -- masks, trays, lanterns, picture frames and decorative objects made of tin, copper, brass, bronze and wrought iron -- and the design of local silversmiths are particularly worth seeking out. Also available are pottery, weaving, sculpture, straw items, hand-loomed cambaya cloth (a material frequently used to make skirts), and folk and traditional art.

The colonial furniture is some of the finest produced in Mexico. Open-air Mercado Ignacio Ramirez, the city market, fills the plaza in front of the Oratorio de San Felipe Neri, and spreads onto the surrounding streets. Livestock and fresh preduce share space with inexpensive everyday items and souvenirs at the cheaper end of the price scale. The Mercado de Artesanias consists of vendor stalls in an alley. Pricier boutiques are scatted throughout the downtown area. Art galleries are concentrated around the main plaza, and exhibit openings are big social events. Two that showcase both regional and national talents are Galeria San Miguel and Galeria Atena.
Another perspective on the state of Guanajuato from Guide2Mexico.

Guanajuato, set up in the mountains, is a twisted mess of narrow little alleys, streets and tunnels that seem designed to confuse and disorient you. But in reality it is just a product of the mountainous topography that sandwiches it along the old river bed. That is part of its charm though. At every turn you find yourself distracted by its picturesque beauty, and a constant temptation to snap a photograph. Founded in the mid 1500s, it was built along the meandering path of the Río Guanajuato. The town was plagued by floods that claimed many lives, but eventually the river was diverted. The old riverbed is now a twisting underground street that is sure to leave you without a clue about where you are on your first time through it.

If you have ever seen any drawings or paintings of Guanajuato, chances are good you have seen bits and pieces of this subterranean part of the city. During the colonial era the city was fabulously wealthy from mining. World famous mines such as La Valenciana, Mineral de Cata and Mineral de Rayas earned their wealthy owners titles of nobility. From the 16th through the 18th centuries, Guanajuato was one of Mexico's most important colonial cities, along with Queretaro, Zacatecas, San Miguel and San Luis Potosi. These cities accounted for 1/3 of the world's silver production, and with the immense wealth came elaborate architecture including many churches and mansions. In 1989 the city was declared a "World Heritage Zone".

The city remains the state's capitol, although not its largest city. Today, Guanajuato is alive with music that can regularly be heard eminating from its plazas. In the evening, groups of young people called estudiantinas stroll through town playng stringed instruments. During the Cervantinos, music seems to be coming from every corner of city. As home to a major university the city enjoys a large student population, so there is no shortage of nightlife. The bulletin boards at the university are a good place to look for news about art exibits, concerts, plays and lectures.

With a climate at an altitude of 6000 feet, Guanajuato enjoys pleasant temperatures year round. Winter evenings are cool, so a light jacket and a sweater are a good idea, but the day should bring temperatures in the 60s to 70s. The rainy season in from June to September, but that generally consist of afternoon showers and occasionally one in the evening. Otherwise expect daytime summer temperatures in the 70s.

Anytime of year is fine for visiting Guanajuato. Because of its year round popularity it is a good idea to call ahead for accommodations, but if you arrive early you can usually find somewhere to sleep. The one time of year that gets absolutely crazy is in October when the city celebrates the Festival Internacional Cervantino. During the festival, artists from all over the world come to perform their music, drama and dance. The festival is wonderful, but unless you are going to see the performances it is the most inconvenient time to visit the city. In recent years hordes of young people have turned it into a drunken street party. If that's your thing, then great. Otherwise hotels are jammed; you can't get a table at a restaurant or bar and it is even difficult to walk in some areas.