MEXICO! Best Vacation in a Long Time!
Wonderful Surprise
Mexico was a great surprise to both me and my wife. We had never been to Central Mexico. We spent a week in Playa del Carmen on the Yucatan Peninsula a few years ago. But that was not a true Mexican cultural experience.
Covid19
Like everyone else the Covid19 virus put a big halt to our travel plans in 2020. We did travel to Panama in February of 2020. But, because of border closings we were unable to travel internationally again until March of 2022 when we traveled to Lisbon, Portugal.
Portugal was nice. Lots to see and great food. Our accommodations were excellent and in a great location. But…… it was the wrong time of year. The weather was a little chilly. I kept a slight sniffle while we were there. But mostly we had to be concerned with getting a negative Covid19 test within 24 hours before departure so we could re-enter the US.
Mexico – No Restrictions
Traveling to Mexico was much easier than traveling to Europe. We left Greensboro, NC at 06:30 and arrived at Leon/Guanajuato at 14:45 in the afternoon. There were two short layovers in Chicago and Houston. From the Leon/Guanajuato Airport we took the BajioGo Shuttle for an hour and a half ride to our Airbnb accommodations in San Miguel de Allende (SMA). Most of Mexico is in the Central Time Zone. That means no jetlag!
The Adventure Begins
In Mexico we split our time between San Miguel de Allende (SMA) and Guanajuato City, the capitol city of the state of Guanajuato. Once we arrived at our Airbnb in SMA, the only glitch of our whole trip happened.
The instructions I had printed for entry into our Airbnb did not work! We had no way to contact the owner because we did not have access to Wifi. Hummm – what to do? I asked a gentleman coming out of a villa across the street if there was free wifi available nearby. He thought for a moment and said to try the library down the street and around the corner. Using the library’s wifi I was able to access my Airbnb account and send the owner a message to obtain the instructions for access into our loft apartment. Fortunately, another couple was at the door when we returned. They were having the same problem. Together we deciphered the combination to gain entry and all was well. Whew!
Accommodations in SMA
Our loft apartment was very nice with a large kitchen, a sitting area, and a nice bedroom with ensuite bathroom. The best and most spectacular thing was the rooftop terrace. I just loved sitting up there drinking coffee and watching the sun rise. Having a glass of wine there in the evenings was not bad either. The view was just extraordinary!
Location, Location, Location!
Our Loft was located on Calle Relox about two blocks from the center of San Miguel de Allende. It was convenient to everything. Anything you needed was within a couple of blocks. That included ATMs, a laundry, restaurants, Mercado de Artesanias, Jardin Allende and more. We especially loved the little family owned tienda called Bonanza. It has most everything you need including a deli.
We never got into the restaurant scene. However, we ate at a couple of good restaurants. Interestingly, neither one was Mexican. One was Italian (Antiqua Trattoria Romana). The other one was the Qrquidea Thai. Both were excellent and moderately priced.
We spent a week in San Miquel de Allende (SMA) and then moved to Guanajuato City about an hour and a half north of SMA. We rented a BajioGo shuttle for the trip which cost about $90.00.
On to Guanajuato City
My initial reason for moving was to get closer to the Leon/Guanajuato Airport for our departure back to the US. Guanajuato City is only about 20 minutes away. But once we arrived, I was glad we moved. Guanajuato is very different from SMA. It is smaller, very historic and a university town.
Sanbernabe’ Tres
We stayed at a Bed-n-Breakfast named Sanbernabe’ Tres. It was absolutely wonderful. The location, the accommodations, the pastries in the morning, and the lovely terrace are memorable. Rafael and Veronica, the owners made every effort to make our stay as comfortable as possible. Rafael even arranged our transportation to the airport the day we left. Sanbernabe’ Tres is highly recommended.
Departing Mexico
I was sad to leave Mexico this time. I had read about central Mexico and watched a couple of Youtube videos about SMA. But, otherwise, I did not know much about this region of the country. I am glad we found it. I hope to go back and explore the area more. The biggest challenge is getting my wife back on an airplane. But I am working on it.
Hasta luego! Viva Mexico!