AROUND TOWN
Meetings & Lectures
 |
Unitarian Universalist Fellowship
At this week’s meeting, Ed Clancy will explain the role of a consular agent in an expat community. A graduate of Stanford Law School, Clancy has lived in San Miguel with his wife and children for eight years. Following his graduation, he practiced law in San Francisco, then worked as a chief financial officer and investment banker in New York City. He was appointed US Consular Agent here in the summer of 2006.
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.
Midday Rotary Club
On Tuesday, June 9, Don Patterson discusses the extraction of sand and gravel from rivers and streams and the economics involved.
Having lived in Mexico for 30 years, Patterson is considered the local expert on the environment. In October 2006, he became Director of Ecology here and has earned four certifications for the work of his office on environmental education, water, air and soil. He and his staff also have been recognized by the federal government for their organization of the “Green Fund.”
Later this month, together with the Mayor, Patterson attends a major conference in Alberta, Canada, about ways to restore the watershed. He has long insisted that clean water should be the number one social and economic priority in San Miguel.
The Rotary Club of San Miguel de Allende-Midday meets Tuesdays at Hotel Real de Minas, intersection of calles Ancha de San Antonio and Stirling Dickinson. Check-in time is 12–12:15pm and the meeting starts promptly at 12:30. Visit
www.rotarysma.org for more information.
Lions Club International
The Lions Club next meets Thursday, June 18, at the Hotel Quinta Loreto, Loreto 15. Check in time is 12:30pm and the meeting begins at 1pm. You may order lunch from the special menu and parking is ample. For information, contact Norma Robinson at 120-0726.
Tours & Excursions
Saturday Adventure Tours
Will Miguel Jimenez welcome us on his flying carpet? Or will we only see the carpets flying off the looms because of the dexterous hands and nimble fingers of the weavers? The weaving follows many time-consuming processes after the wool arrives, fresh off the back of the sheep, full of burrs and dirty. Then comes the washing, hanging to dry, carding and spinning into skeins. The dyeing is done in a huge vat then the wool again hangs to dry. When the skeins are placed on the loom, we marvel at the speed of the weavers’ hands as they manipulate the shuttle between the warp and woof. You will see rugs of all sizes and designs at factory prices.
A ride through the countryside brings us to La Puerta de Sosa, a sixteenth-century hacienda. We visit an enormous granary built by Otomí masons. Frescos of centuries ago are still visible in the chapel. The colonial home, built around a patio surrounded by the rooms off of red-tiled corridors, is well preserved, though modern amenities such as a kitchen and baths have been added. In front of the home is a lagoon with a family of ducks diving for dinner. Much to see, much to learn of the history. Take your camera!
These tours benefit the Centro de Crecimiento school for disabled children and leave the Jardín, across from the Parroquia, at 10:30am.
Botanical Garden Tour
A guided tour in English of El Charco del Ingenio each Tuesday and Thursday, 10am–12:30pm, is a fun and informative activity for people of all ages. Entry is 30 pesos (waived for members) and the tour is 50 pesos. Wear a hat and closed shoes. The juice bar next to the gift shop has water and refreshments. The easiest way there is by taxi. Staff will call a taxi for the return trip. Reservations are not necessary. Information:
www.elcharco.org or email nzerriffi@yahoo.com.
Instituto Allende’s field trip to Pozos
Instituto Allende hosts a field trip on Saturday, June 13, at 8am, to Victoria and the “ghost town” of Mineral de Pozos, about 45 minutes from San Miguel. The scenery is spectacular and the adventure is a camera buff’s delight. Pozos was once a bustling silver-mining center. It has bottomless shafts and we explore some of the old mine ruins. Pets and children are not permitted on this trip due to some dangerous areas. Sunscreen and wide-brimmed hats are suggested. Some moderate hiking is required to view the ancient petroglyphs.Other highlights are touring the remains of giant hearths built by the Jesuits in 1597, and hearing a concert at the old musical instrument store.
Each Wednesday at 4pm, Instituto provides a free lecture previewing the upcoming weekend’s field trip. Bilingual, native-speaking guides lead all Instituto outings and field trips in a safe environment. Cost for this all-inclusive trip (museum fees, transportation, meal and cocktails) is US$65. Reservations are a must. Instituto Allende, Ancha de San Antonio 20, 152-0226.
Performances & Events
Singles Social Group
The San Miguel Wednesday Social Group has moved its meeting place from Woolis Kaban restaurant to Restaurant Bacco in the Hotel Sautto, Hernández Macías 59. Singles, couples and anyone interested in meeting new people are welcome every Wednesday, 5:30–7:30pm, for 2-for-1 national drinks, delicious Mexican botanas and lively conversation.
Films & Videos
Meditation Center
The Meditation Center of San Miguel shows videos on Thursdays at 5:30pm, at Callejón Blanco 4. They’re taking a couple of weeks off; the next video will be June 25.
|