Article on San Miguel

Article on San Miguel

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Here's a link to an article written by Joe de Cola in the current Escape from America magazine: http://www.escapeartist.com/efam/78/San_Miguel.html

Mar 14, 2006, 11:02 AM

Post #2 of 18 (4871 views)

Re: [misslyn] Article on San Miguel

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I must agree with Joe de Cola if he is serious which he may not be. I just returned from my first trip to San Miguel since the mid-90s and found current trends there depressing despite the town's beauty. It is terribly overcrowded and there is this palpable "look-at-me" atmosphere among the expats that reminded me of the St. Helena and Berkeley and Monterey Bay unwarranted smugness from which I fled. Over-priced real estate fueled by speculation and a glut of ordinary people shining themselves on as to their importance simply because of their (temporary) addresses are not endearing characteristics of any community. I fled the California Wine Country before the next Silicon Valley Mega-Millionaire called me for another vineyard development loan and that was enough for me. Please - no more preening techno-weenie wine snobs or Texas new rich rednecks.

Of course, Lake Chapala where I live is becoming a bit unpleasant as well but I'm getting a bit old to move out of here. I'll just shut my gate.

(This post was edited by Bubba on Mar 14, 2006, 11:06 AM)

Mar 14, 2006, 2:11 PM

Post #3 of 18 (4843 views)

Re: [Bubba] Article on San Miguel

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Joe de Cola's article is interesting, although off the mark. Hamptons with chili? Cute.
Sounds to me like he's not having fun here anymore and wants to collect his profit.
Pass the sour grapes.

Speaking of bitter tastes: Bubba comes to SMA, stays a few days and mounts the pulpit to pass judgment on the nature and population of the town. I'd like to know where he hung out to collect the data for his pontification. You'd get a mighty different view from Harry's Bar than you would at one of the orphanages where gringos volunteer to help the kids.

But what do I know? I just live here.

(This post was edited by Gringal on Mar 14, 2006, 2:59 PM)

Mar 15, 2006, 8:00 AM

Post #4 of 18 (4781 views)

Re: [Gringal] Article on San Miguel

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Now, now, Gringal:

Harry's Bar has the best fried oysters Bubba has tasted since he left Mobile. The place was a bit crowded and raucus, however. Lots of loud Texas twangs wafting about. Personally, I prefer the ambience at Harry's Bar, despite its crassness, to the ambience at an orphanage but it's nice that others are more civic minded than I. Indeed, my view of San Miguel during my short visit - shorter than intended because of some really bad weather - was superficial. However, I do live in Ajijic and what is happening at Lake Chapala, San Miguel, parts of Baja and other places attractive to gringos, is discouraging because, as Joe implied, not only are gingos pouring in at an accelerated rate but the mix of expats is changing and, from at least one point of view, is not improving. It's nice for property values if I must say so and I am excited about the new Subway Sandwich place moving into Ajijic but something is being lost.

I was hoping for a Burger king in Ajijic and got a Subway instead although the way things are booming around here, a Cheese Whopper is in the community's future. Did you know that a Cheese Whopper has 800 calories whereas a Subway Italian Classic only has 440 calories? I shouldn't complain.

caldwelld

Mar 15, 2006, 8:27 AM

Post #5 of 18 (4771 views)

Re: [Gringal] Article on San Miguel

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You got that right! As we know, the easiest way to get a rise out of Bubba and his ilk is to say something positive about life in SMA. It helps get their juices going in the morning I guess, so we are doing them a bit of a favour in their advancing years - sort of a charity "reach-out" effort from SMA.
dondon

Mar 15, 2006, 10:37 AM

Post #6 of 18 (4750 views)

Re: [Bubba] Article on San Miguel

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Hey there, Bubba-

Try telling yourself how few the calories in a Subway when what you really, really want is a big chub-producing triple cheeseburger! And yes, fries with that. Sunday brunch at Harry's ain't bad either. It's peaceful before noon. If you're into serious self-destruction, try the special eggs over crab cakes with Hollandaise sauce. Yum. If you want a mighty negative experience, have lunch there during rush time, get youself a table next to a gaggle of "ladies who lunch", with or without their spouses, and get the full benefit of bad attitudes, loud voices and criminal costume choices. Twang included at no extra charge, when available. It's the price for having the oysters.

Actually, I have to agree that some of the newbies coming to Mexico are a slightly different breed. Do you suppose that the super-inflation of real estate in the U.S. is promoting an influx of arrogant, no-class bumpkins? If you're having the same infestion in Lakeside, I'll forgive you for SMA bashing.

jennifer rose

Mar 15, 2006, 11:25 AM

Post #7 of 18 (4731 views)

Bashing in the Bajio

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All of this makes me chuckle. For years, the upstanding citizens of SMA have regarded the expats of Chapala a caste somewhat lower than themselves and dedicated to drink, mostly Canadians and military retirees. “Lakeside” has become the politically correct term for the communities along the north shores of Lake Chapala as the town of Chapala became viewed as just too pedestrian and downscale by those inhabitants of Ajijic, which had previously been known as “the artists’ colony of Ajijic,” and burgs westward. In turn, the denizens of Chapala tagged San Miguelenses as Texans, former directors of the Santa Fe Art Museum , effete snobs and worse. Not that there’s anything wrong with being a Texan or an effete snob, mind you. Or, for that matter, being Canadian or retired military.

Foreigners flock to Patzcuaro, infatuated with the notion that “It’s not San Miguel” and determined to find a Mexico more authentic than the Chapala they vociferously disdain, and in the process, many embark on creating clones of what they seek to escape, opening quaint B&Bs, doing good deeds as “Amigos of,” and clustering in packs, determined to bring cheddar cheese to grocers’ shelves while protesting Walmart’s entry into the community. Those who discovered Patzcuaro first have mixed feelings about these newcomers.

And now for Morelia. “Mexico” Mike Nelson calls it a conservative place, suited for those who wish to be and observe as a third party. I live here, and I’m biased. I think his characterization fits. But others have painted foreigners who live in Morelia as a snotty, unfriendly lot, lacking community, and not in the least bit interested in performing good works or even acting as the Welcome Wagon. And, of course, Morelia is bashed for having the worst driving habits in the country.

The expatriates of Queretaro strike me as a fairly reserved lot, keeping mum and never boasting about their city’s virtues, leading fairly regular lives and not making comparisons.

Is there no place in the Bajio safe from expatriate rivalry? Maybe it’s time to consider Celaya and Acambaro.

Mar 15, 2006, 11:41 AM

Post #8 of 18 (4724 views)

Re: [jennifer rose] Bashing in the Bajio

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Let's form a posse and go get Palomares. He's the one who was touting the joys of "Lakeside Two". Now where is he? Possibly, he's enjoying cafe society with all the newcomer gringos to banter with.

You are so right about the bashings. Here we all are, stangers in this land, all hoping we picked the "best" spot. What I'm seeing is a pattern all too familiar from the U.S.A. Take any piece of fine looking scenery where the living is good and cheap and lo! you will soon find artists and other creative types settling there. Shortly after, the well-off will plop in a few vacation homes. Once word gets out, everybody else heads there. The old-timers would like to lock the gate. What else is new?

Do you suppose Rodriguez would work as "the next San Miguel"?

Anonimo

Mar 15, 2006, 12:51 PM

Post #9 of 18 (4710 views)

Re: [Gringal] Bashing in the Bajio

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Quote

Let's form a posse and go get Palomares. He's the one who was touting the joys of "Lakeside Two". Now where is he? Possibly, he's enjoying cafe society with all the newcomer gringos to banter with.

He is in reclusion; lurking but not posting. I miss his picaresque view on various topics.
I think he has reversed his promotion of Lakeside Two and is now hoping newcomers stay away.

Saludos,
Anonimo

Mar 15, 2006, 12:55 PM

Post #10 of 18 (4709 views)

Re: [Anonimo] Bashing in the Bajio

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Yes, he is missed. But as for his discouraging more newcomers - as they say in the country: "too late to lock the barn door now - the horses are out."

Mar 15, 2006, 1:41 PM

Post #11 of 18 (4702 views)

Re: [caldwelld] Article on San Miguel

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Dondon:

Bubba and "...his ilk...."???? That hurt. I am destroyed to hear that you think I have ilks. Now, that got the blood flowing through these ancient veins.

One of us is misreading the post by Misslyn that started this. The article she sited was anything but complimentary of SMA and was, in fact, a put down by one of your ilk. All Bubba was doing was joining in the fun.

I got tired of making fun of San Miguel so I wrote a piece highly critical of those who choose to live in Paris, France. I'm sitting here waiting for rejoinders from Parisians. I am certain that they are as incensed as denizens of San Miguel when belittled by old, armpit scratching trailer park goobers living on polluted muddy sumps in the middle of nowhere.

I'll keep you informed of the response when I get one.

(This post was edited by Bubba on Mar 15, 2006, 1:42 PM)

Bear

Mar 15, 2006, 5:04 PM

Post #12 of 18 (4657 views)

Re: [jennifer rose] Bashing in the Bajio

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Estimada Jennifer,

We are quiet because we want this place to stay just like it is. It is what it is. It is for us to know and others to find out. All things good to you, wherever you are...........Bear

caldwelld

Mar 16, 2006, 7:10 AM

Post #13 of 18 (4610 views)

Re: [Bubba] Article on San Miguel

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Bubba, Sorry. I was using it in its more common form (...meaning "of that type") and did not mean to suggest a Scott connection if that was the part that offends. Otherwise I don't understand your hurt. Frankly, I don't give a rat's petuti whether anyone else likes SMA or not. I have made my "bed", so to speak. I am simply amused at the amount of traffic that a simple article (positive or negative) can create.

I know a little bit about Parisians from a previous life. If you can get them distracted from themselves and their own complaints long enough to make your point I am sure you will get a rise out of them. Yes, keep us posted.

Mar 16, 2006, 7:24 AM

Post #14 of 18 (4604 views)

Re: [caldwelld] Article on San Miguel

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DonDon:

You didn't offend me at all. I agree with you that one should settle where one is pleased to settle without regard to what anyone else may think of one's choice. You are right on about Parisians - I know since I married into a family of them. They couldn't give a rat's ass what any of us thinks of them and that was the whole point as I'm sure you know.

carlw

Mar 16, 2006, 8:12 AM

Post #15 of 18 (4595 views)