Around Town

Meetings & Lectures

Unitarian Universalist Fellowship

Sandy Books, longtime San Miguel winter resident, discusses “Justice Crucified: Sacco and Vanzetti” at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship on Sunday, February 18, at 10:30am.

At a time when migration for economic opportunity is an issue in the US and other countries, Brooks discusses two poor Italian immigrants who, more than 80 years ago, many felt were denied justice during a repressive time in America. Questions surrounding their 1921 trial for the murders of a paymaster and his guard bitterly divided a nation. From the time of their conviction until decades after their deaths, people lined up in one of two camps: those believing that they were the innocent victims of political and economic interests determined to send a message about the rising tide of anarchist violence and those believing that the trial was fair and that the two murderers got what they deserved.

The UU Fellowship meets every Sunday at 10:30am at La Posada de la Aldea, Ancha de San Antonio 15. Visitors are invited to attend the service and then join the UUs in the hotel restaurant for brunch. For more information, visit portalsanmiguel.com/lifestyle/unitarians/unitarians.html

Reading the Biblical Psalms for their beauty and insight

Milton Teichman and Sharon Leder facilitate a reading and discussion of selections from the Biblical Psalms on Monday, February 19, 2007 at 4:30pm as part of the Shalom San Miguel Jewish Forum series. The program will take place at the Quinta Loreto TV Room. A donation of 50 pesos is appreciated.

The Biblical Psalms are moving lyric poems in which ancient Hebrew writers addressed the full range of human emotion as they spoke to or about their God. These poems are part of the Jewish and Christian traditions, and indeed part of the world’s great poetry. Who does not know lines from the Twenty-third Psalm? Wherein lies the beauty and enduring appeal of these Biblical poems? What distinguishes their language, even in translation? What insights do they offer to secular- minded as well as religiously-oriented readers? These questions and others will be entertained through reading and discussion of selected Psalms in translation. Participation will be encouraged. Members of all faith traditions are welcome.

Milton Teichman and Sharon Leder are retired professors of literature who now devote themselves to writing, painting and sculpture.

Men’s Spiritual Group

A Men’s Spiritual Group convenes at 6:30pm on Monday, February 19 at LifePath Center, Recreo 80. The object of the group is to help men come in touch once again with the spiritual aspect of their lives. 

Host Jock Whitehouse is an author, spiritual guide and leader of the workshop “Transformation through Crisis: Six Steps to Spiritual Wholeness.” His work emphasizes the transcendent spiritual aspects of our selves and seeks to awaken the internal language necessary to lead a spiritually inspired life. 

The Men’s Spiritual Group meets on the first and third Mondays of each month, from 6:30 to 8:30pm. For more information contact Jock Whitehouse at jockwhitehouse@mindspring.com,  or call 152-8146. Cost is 100 pesos.

San Miguel Christian Fellowship

With the kind permission of the Buddhist community, The San Miguel Christian Fellowship, a non-denominational group, now meets at The Meditation Center on Tuesdays at 5pm. The Center is located on Callejón Blanco 4, off Quebrada. This coming Tuesday, the Rev. Dr. Harold H Weicker will present a meditation on “How to Be Peaceful in a Disturbing World.” Open discussion will follow. All are welcome.

A donation, if possible, of 15 pesos is requested.

For more information, please call the Rev. Dr. Harold Weicker at 120-8180 or visit the group’s website, www.smacf.org 

Midday Rotary Club welcomes Warren Hardy

On Tuesday, February 20, Warren Hardy of Warren Hardy Spanish is our guest speaker, at the invitation of Rotarian David Bossman. This is the second year that Warren has graciously taken the time to present one of his most popular talks to the Midday Rotary Club. His topic is an important subject to all non-Mexicans living in San Miguel, “Social Protocol in Mexico.” Warren compares brief histories of the United States and Mexico, points out core values of each nation and discusses social protocol in Mexico and how to be good guests and residents in San Miguel.

Warren Hardy became fluent in Spanish as a young man while living in Argentina. Before receiving his BS in Education from Northern Arizona University, he had already published his own Spanish textbook and started his school for adult learners. Since then, he has founded two other successful language schools; one in the US and one in San Miguel. The Warren Hardy School is now an affiliate of the University of Texas in Brownsville. 

Warren and his wife, Tuli, have lived here for 17 years. When asked for an update on his accomplishments, he replied, “I am just a simple teacher and am grateful that after 35 years I still enjoy delivering my message, and that when I do, I am not alone.”

The Rotary Club of San Miguel de Allende-Midday meets every Tuesday at 12:30pm in the upstairs theatre of the Villa Jacaranda Hotel, Aldama 53, Centro. Visiting Rotarians and others interested in Rotary, are always invited to attend. A special lunch follows the meeting at 1:30pm in the hotel dining room and everyone is encouraged to attend. For more information, please go to our website, www.rotarysma.org  

Gathering of Facilitators for Healing

The next Gathering of Facilitators for Healing, an “energy exchange,” takes place at 12pm on Thursday, February 22, at Privada de Pila Seca 5 (turn into cul de sac opposite Pila Seca 45). Every meeting is different and is free and open to the public, including those in need. Facilitators are invited to participate. Call 152-0376 to reserve a place on the program

Wacky names and weird numbers: Finding your way around San Miguel

“Seek and ye shall find.” So writes Matthew in the New Testament. Well, maybe. In San Miguel it can be a tough call.

Streets change names every block. Arrows point in different directions. A nearby village has four different names. Three different streets have the same name just a few blocks apart. House numbers are in mind-boggling sequences. Misspellings abound. Ring a bell? And be at the wrong house? Welcome to San Miguel and the pleasures and pitfalls of finding your way around our fair city.

On Friday, February 23, at 5pm, San Miguel-based writer and photographer Robert de Gast presents a slide show and talk at the Teatro Santa Ana in the Biblioteca. He calls his presentation “Wacky Names and Weird Numbers: Finding Your Way Around San Miguel” and warns that it is a tongue-in-cheek examination of the way culture and language affect map-makers and city planners (and can drive visitors crazy).

You will find out where the names “Umarán” and “Diez de Sollano” come from. You will discover what it’s like to try to find a particular house number on a street named after the birthday of the first person to build a house on it and experience the frustration of obtaining reliable directions.

De Gast, the author of nine books, including, most recently, Behind the Doors of San Migue,l is also the creator of The Best Map of San Miguel, his venture into map-making. “Still,” he says, “unfortunately maps only approximate the real world.”

The Netherlands-born speaker, whose photojournalistic work over the last four decades has been published world-wide, will also talk about his personal experiences in finding his way around the city and surrounding countryside, on foot, by car, canoe, and burro, and occasionally with his hot air balloon.

Admission to the event is 50 pesos and benefits the Biblioteca’s many programs.

Classes & Workshops


La Cocina cooking classes

Tuesday, February 20, from 4 to 7pm is devoted to Mexican food—traditional dishes, as well as a few with a modern twist. The menu includes roasted tomatillo salsa, chile pasilla salsa with skirt steak, grilled vegetable and goat cheese chile rellenos, chayote salad, raspberry chipotle brownies and café de olla.

On Wednesday, February 21, from 2 to 5pm, savor some traditional dishes made with corn—the soul of Mexican cooking. This popular class, taught by Mercedes Arteaga, owner of La Bugambilia restaurant, features pozole, tamales, quesadillas and corn flan. The cost is US$55 per person.

Thursday, February 22, from 4 to 7pm is mole class. After snacking on freshly made sopes con tinga, you’ll learn the secrets of making homemade mole, one of Mexico’s most festive dishes. The menu features black mole cheese enchiladas, green mole with chicken, cactus salad and tres leches cake.

Tuesdays and Thursdays are not just cooking classes, but fun evenings out with dinner and margaritas. The cost is US$45 per person. For more information and registration, stop by El Buen Café, Jesús 23, between 9 and 4 or go to www.mexicocooks.com 

Computer Obedience Training

Another session of Roger Hind’s acclaimed computer classes for new users, and for those who want to better learn the basics, commences on Tuesday, February 27 2007. Roger is particularly well known for his ability to put at ease those suffering from “computerphobia.” The classes are in the computer training room at the Biblioteca and cover an introduction to computers and computing, introduction to Windows and basic Windows techniques, introduction to the internet, internet browsing and searching, basic internet-based e-mail, introduction to word processing, and managing internet-based e-mail attachments. Classes are in plain English (no computerese!). Each student will have their own computer and there are lots of hands-on exercises to reinforce the principles as they are presented.

Classes run from 10:30am until 1:00pm and take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays over 4 weeks, beginning Tuesday, February 27. Pre-enrollment, including payment of the course fee of 350 pesos, is required and places are limited to 10 people, who must have either temporary or full membership in the library. A temporary membership costs only 150 pesos, of which 100 pesos is refundable when you leave San Miguel.

Please note that the classes are for PC users—we do not have Macs.

To enroll please take your membership card and 350 pesos to the front desk.

Roger has written a detailed manual which is used as an adjunct to the class. The manual is available for purchase from Roger at the first class for 150 pesos.

For more information about course objectives and content you may contact Roger by phone at 154-6552 or by email at rogerhind@hotmail.com 

Art is a verb.....think, create, draw, paint

Local artists Edina Sagert and Brian Care are offering a 6-day workshop on creativity through drawing and watercolor painting in their studio/galería at Fábrica la Aurora. The workshop runs from Monday to Saturday, February 19 to 24, from 10am to 1pm each day. It is presented in two parts: thinking and creating through drawing with Brian, a former educational consultant and visual arts specialist, and exploring and creating through watercolor with Edina, a watercolor artist and instructor.

If your perceived inability to draw is holding you back from exploring your potential as an artist, this may be the opportunity for you. Many of us have never had the right opportunities to develop a positive self-concept about drawing. The first three days of the workshop will engage you in creative activities and practices that will allow any level of student to change how you see yourself as an artist. You will be involved in a variety of experiences designed to activate, renew and reshape your perceptions of the world around you through thinking creatively and drawing. The focus will be on simple line contour drawing to encourage the artist to capture the essence of the subject—no shading required or allowed.

Using ideas, techniques and strategies developed in days 1 through 3 working with Brian, you will integrate these into three days of exploration in painting through the medium of watercolor. Edina will introduce you to a variety of techniques that maximize the potential of the fluid attributes of this medium, challenging you to see things clearly, yet differently. 

Participants need only provide their own sketchbook (the larger the better) and purchase their own watercolor paper (Hot press 140lb. preferred). All other materials will be provided by the instructors. Anyone from beginner to more advanced will find the workshop appropriate as no prerequisite experience is required. Enrolment is limited to a maximum of 8 to ensure individualized attention.

Contact Edina at 120-8088 or www.edinasagert.com, or Brian at 152-8178, or www.briancare.com  for further information.

Archetypal drama at La Escuela

On February 22 through March 22, Thursdays from noon to 2pm, there will be a series of workshops concerned with the subject of gratitude and its opposites, perhaps resentment, anger, frustration or discouragement. At this time in world history, when many problems could be solved with intelligent governance and there are unnecessary wars raging, how can we find our way back to gratitude? This will be the presenting subject of the Workshop in Archetypal Drama, which will be held at La Escuela, 27 Ancha de San Antonio, near Instituto Allende. Cost is $500 pesos for five sessions. For more information or to make reservations, email Bill at bdpearl@yahoo.com.  Bill Pearlman has been offering workshops in San Miguel for seven years. He has taught at NYU, CIIS, Southwestern College (Santa Fe), and the University of New Mexico. His book, Characters of the Sacred, explores the archetypal experience in light of findings from Jung and Hillman, as well as ideas from the modern theater of Brook and Grotowski.

Rare opportunity for writers seeking publication

If you had political aspirations, would you like a private consultation with Bill Clinton? That's the type of opportunity available to you now if you are a writer interested in publication. Seasoned New York editor Alan Rinzler is coming to San Miguel to present a workshop and is available for private manuscript consultations. Since the last time he offered individual consultations here, at least two of his San Miguel protégés have been published by major publishers.

Rinzler's credits make it clear why his opinion on your manuscript will be meaningful. He has been an editor at Simon and Schuster, Macmillan, Grove Press, Bantam Books, and Rolling Stone Magazine. Currently, he is an executive editor at Jossey-Bass, an imprint of John Wiley & Sons, and is the academic director for trade publishing at the world famous Stanford Publishing Program.

Rinzler has published many distinguished authors, including Toni Morrison, Hunter Thompson, Tom Robbins, Shirley MacLaine, Andy Warhol, Bob Dylan, Lorraine Hansberry, Frank Capra, and many more.

His workshop, entitled “What Writers Must Know About Today's Publishing World,” will be held on Saturday morning, March 31, from 10am to noon at Posada de San Francisco. Admission is 100 pesos and is open to the public without pre-registration. 

To make an appointment for a private consultation on March 30 or 31, email Susan Page at susan@susanpage.com. Alan's usual fee for private consultations is US$225. However, he is offering a special fee for seminar participants of US$175. (This fee includes the workshop.) You will be invited to send your manuscript or proposal to Alan via email attachment so he has time to review it before your appointment. The workshop and consultations are being sponsored by the San Miguel Authors’ Sala ( www.sanmiguelauthors.com ).

Tours & Excursions

Saturday Aventurers

On February 17, the Adventurers’ first stop is Lothar Muller’s gallery and home. He has made concrete a thing of beauty, not only with dramatic rough walls, but also highly polished tables and countertops. The exhibits may startle, and the placement of his bathtub surely will! Don't miss his roof-top cactus collection. It’s one of the best, and has a stupendous view. From there we go to the palatial Rancho Encantado, once the home of famous rejoneador (a bullfighter on horseback) Gerardo Trueba.

The Weickers have completely renovated the ranch, including the old bull ring, where a dressage exhibition will be given to show off the magnificence of their German and Dutch Warmbloods, such as the beautiful Hanoverians. You will be enchanted walking through the grounds of this estate, and their beautifully decorated home, hung with many paintings.

This tour leaves on February 17 from inside the Jardín across from the Parroquia at 10:30am.

Audubon birdwalk

The birdwalk for this month is on February 18, the morning after the Audubon membership party. We hope there will be new members wanting to take part. Transportation permitting, we will go to the new birding site on the road to Guanajuato. It takes just 22 minutes to get there, and last time we went, we saw birds not seen at our other birding sites. We will be grateful to anyone who can contribute transportation.
People wanting to take part should be in front of the Instituto Allende by 8am to sign in; as cars leave promptly at 8:15. Bring binoculars and bird books if you have them, though there will be at least one scope among the birders. Also, hats and drinking water are advised.

The Audubon birdwalk is a monthly event open to members and non-members alike. It is offered gratis to members of our local chapter, and a donation of US$10 or 100 pesos is asked of nonmembers to support the ecological projects with which Audubon is involved. 

People with questions may call Bob at 154-9856 or Fen at 044-415-153-5438.

Botanical garden tour

Every Tuesday morning discover the marvels of cacti and other Mexican plants as well as the history of El Charco with Martin Smith, curator of plants. View plants in the nursery, including many rare species. 

Entrance fee is 30 pesos (waived for members) and the tour is 50 pesos. All proceeds benefit the garden. The tour is in English and starts at the main entrance at 9am and lasts about two hours. Bring a hat and water. Space is limited, so reserve by calling Martin at 154-8838 or 154-4715 or email charco@unisono.net.mx. 

Instituto Allende hosts field trip to Pozos

Instituto Allende will host a field trip to what is often referred to as the ghost town of Pozos and the surrounding area, on Saturday, February 24 at 8am. Pozos and Victoria are approximately 45 minutes from San Miguel. This outing is a camera buff’s delight. The scenery is spectacular. There is some moderate hiking in order to view the ancient petroglyphs. Pozos was once a bustling silver-mining center. It has bottomless shafts and some of the ruins of the old mines will be explored. Pets and children are not permitted on this trip due to some dangerous areas. Sunscreen and wide-brimmed hats are suggested. Other highlights of the outing will be to tour the remains of giant hearths built by the Jesuits in 1597, plus being treated to a concert at the old musical instrument store. Bilingual, native-speaking guides lead all Instituto outings and field trips in a safe environment. Cost for this all-inclusive trip is US$55. Visa and Mastercard accepted. Instituto Allende, Ancha de San Antonio #20, 152-0226.

Performances & Events

Harry’s Mardi Gras celebration

Harry’s New Orleans Café and Oyster Bar, Hidalgo 12, celebrates Mardi Gras with a host of in-house parties up to Fat Tuesday, February 20. Harry’s will serve an array of new and standard Cajun and Creole dishes, as well as many two-for-one drinks and live entertainment all through the weekend up to Fat Tuesday.

This year’s Mardi Gras king and queen at Harry’s are Larry Zafer and María Sanchez. Queen Maria performs Tuesday evening. One of the highlights of the week-long partying is Harry’s, annual parade—a tawdry event that’s always billed as if it could be the last—which kicks off precisely at 6:07pm on Tuesday, February 20. According to owner Bob Theiman, you should watch the parade, but don’t blink, because it might not last as long as the title, as it begins on the corner of Mesones and Hidalgo and ends at the middle of the block. There will be bead-throwing and other shenanigans with the party going on all night. For more information call Harry’s at 152-2645.

Volunteer Opportunities

Library volunteers needed

The Biblioteca Pública still needs volunteers in several departments. In the Tienda, we need people, preferably with retail experience, to work morning and evening shifts during the week (10am to 2pm and 3pm to 6pm). In Teatro Santa Ana, we need hands-on gadget men to help José Luis with ticket sales and other tasks from 10:30am to 3pm. Volunteers with basic computer skills are needed in the computer center from 4pm to 7pm. Bus guides for the House & Garden Tour are needed on Sundays from noon to 2:30pm. 

A minimum three-month commitment is requested for these positions. If you are interested in volunteering, please send an email to Judy Boston at volunteers@bibliotecasma.com 

See you in the funny papers

Mark Saunders, creator of Atención’s “Más o Menos” cartoon, invites suggestions from readers for funny material about living in San Miguel that would lend itself to a cartoon. Selected ideas will be drawn by the cartoonist, and authors will be given credit as well as a signed copy of their cartoon. Please send your “expat” cartoon ideas to edit@atencionsanmiguel.org  or drop them by our office at Insurgentes 25, Centro (upstairs at the Biblioteca Pública).