Better Than Disney World

La Parroquia – the first Cinderella’s Castle

This year I tried my hand at an exotic-type getaway for the holidays.  More like a mini-family reunion that happened to be somewhere foreign.  There were no last-minute Target trips, candy canes or even a Christmas Eve slumber in my childhood bed.  My boyfriend and I, along with the rest of my family on my mom’s side, visited my uncle who lives down in San Miguel de Allende.  A magical colonial city in the mountains of central Mexico about 3 1/2 hours NNW of Mexico City.

This is such an extraordinary town; it’s special.  It’s well known for being an artist’s community and has attracted many creative types and ex-pats over the years.  It doesn’t hurt that it’s idyllic main church, La Parroquia, looks like a better version of Cinderella’s castle.  It’s a town that’s modern while still being quaint, with its cobblestone streets and plenty of restaurants, bars, shopping and culture.  You can read more about its history here –

My trip was filled with more breathtaking sunsets than most see in a lifetime, a group ATV ride to ancient pyramids, more great tequila than should be drank, and an absolutely awesome family that I’m really glad is mine.  But one of the most phenomenal parts about my trip was something that took place about 10min outside of the city.  A trip to the Mayan Baths – coming soon in the next post…

Don’t let the over-sensationalized news freak you out.  Mexico is much more awesome than most people give it credit for.  There are some very safe cities in Mexico; as long as you travel smartly (like you should everywhere you go) you can have a sensational and enlightening trip south of the border.

The colorful buildings of San Miguel

Statue (wish I knew who) in one of the town’s jardins

Some Christmas decorations

Toy sellers in the Main Jardin

Storefront

Sky view

Sunset view from the gorgeous B&B/Hotel of Casa Puesta del Sol

Cactus – come on, it’s Mexico

Cemetery of Children – outskirts of San Miguel. Came across it while on the ATV ride

ATV ride

Traditional wedding, I snuck a shot

A town we passed that has the unique art talents of carving cantera stone into beautiful pieces

Beautiful cantera stone

At Hacienda Galindo

That place w/ the line must be good

Market

La Paroquilla at night

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