A day without Trump! Sound glorious? It’s yours for the taking. A trip to Mexico, that is.
Aerobus from Reynosa (safe, remodeled airport) or Aeromar from McAllen (or other routes, other airlines, from south Texas or elsewhere). Or, why not first class bus from McAllen to San Miguel de Allende (over-night, about $65; discount for seniors)?
San Miguel, charming colonial town nestled in the mountains, cool and inviting. Visit hot mineral baths nearby and—one hour away—historic Guanajuato. Forget the mummies; concentrate on the architecture, the people, the culture. They (the people, not the mummies) are friendly, as in San Miguel. Both towns are full of art, artists, and Americans (about 20 percent ex-pats) who get along swimmingly with the locals.
Many go to visit; some to retire. A few more go for “destination weddings;” some visit without an excuse at all. (But elaborate weddings and receptions—in old churches and historic homes, such as the Casa Quebrada in San Miguel—could cost a tenth of what one might spend in the States.) Knowledge of Spanish is helpful but not required.
Good friends of mine recently attended splendid festivities there, complete with giant Paper Mache puppets of bride and groom dancing in the street. Members of my family are currently in Cuernavaca, participating in similar events. That city of “Eternal Spring”–where Cortéz housed Malinche, where his Palacio boasts a giant Diego Rivera mural–is only an hour trip over the mountains from Mexico City. These towns are more affordable than the “ten top” sea-side resorts. They are accessible but not as well- known; they deserve your consideration.
The reason I mention these possibilities is to suggest a doable R and R for many readers—and a break from disturbing political news here on the home front. The result? Good for you and good for Mexico. With such a trip, you achieve more cultural awareness and add an economic contribution to our “good neighbors,” Mexico; (the peso is about nineteen to one).
Google; arm yourself with some useful photos and facts. Cuernavaca is safe. It features fine, bi-lingual language schools. I studied there, with Ivan Illich. It features fine dining. Famous Las Mañanitas is perhaps my favorite restaurant in the world. Mole Poblano at La India Bonita, is perhaps the best outside Puebla, where it was invented.
San Miguel is also safe. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is full of Baroque and Churrigueseque architecture. The gothic façade of Parroquia de San Miguel Archangel was inspired by Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia of Barcelona, Spain. Both towns are walkable, San Miguel more than Cuernavaca. Once there, you will want to go back often (or retire there).
Tourism is “la industria sin chimeneas,” that is, an industry without smokestacks, relatively green. An increase in tourism will help the Mexican economy. That, in turn, will help the U.S. economy. New economic engines started in both countries will help the global economy, taking advantage of the urge to travel in the soul of many. Tourism is also “la industria de amistad” (the friendship industry).
Tourism is a win-win proposition. Win now on the personal, micro, aesthetic level. Win later on the broader, macro level—improved economies in both countries. Tourism in Mexico, in the recent past, exceeded even oil and manufacturing as the most important source of Mexico’s foreign exchange. Your participation—for a wedding, business or other purpose—will be your contribution to a better you and a better world.
So, if things are so great, why am I not down there now at the wedding in Cuernavaca with my family? I would love to be. But, someone had to stay and mind the dogs. Also, someone had to stay and listen to news about Trump. Oh, the things we do for family.
