San Miguel de Allende, Mexico

Something about the place seems magical.

Cobblestone streets, the narrow sidewalks.

The vibrant colours of the buildings in the style of Mexican baroque.

Art, lots of it – which would fit in Mexico City just as well as New York City.

Cozy bars and restaurants of all kinds : our excellent finds include the Thai at Venus Bar, breakfast (and an expat centre?) at Juan’s Cafe, and Sri Lankan at Dila’s.

Wide open plazas, the compact nature of the town.

Born in this town, Ignacio Allende helped to shape the independence movement from Spanish colonial rule to create the United States of Mexico.

The rich and the poor, the backpacker, and the nouveau riche. Really riche.

The sounds of spoken English heard frequently around town …

What may be unusual is the number of retirees from Canada, USA, Europe, and Mexico City, mixed with and yet separated from local residents. What’s definitely unusual is the real estate for which some reach seven figures in sticker price. As my friend wisely suggested: rent an apartment in Manhattan, but buy a winter house here in town.

For its historical and architectural significance, the town was declared a UNESCO Heritage Site in 2008.

San Miguel de Allende can be reached by car or bus in about three to four hours time from Mexico City.

I made the photos on 3, 4, and 5 March 2012. This post is published on Fotoeins Fotopress (fotoeins.com).