Forums > Areas > Central Highlands

elcomputo

May 30, 2003, 11:09 AM

Post #1 of 6 (1372 views)

Shortcut

I'm New in San Miguel

Can't Post | Private Reply

Hi,

When last heard from, I think I was complaining about Xalapa. Well, this is my first day in San Miguel de Allende, and so far, so good.

I am looking for a place to live. I would like to stay as far under $500 a month as possible without having to camp out. I have two very well behaved dogs who, if it is absolutely necessary, can live in my van -- as long as there is a place to permanently park the van nearby. I intend to use my feet or public transportation for getting around. I would prefer that they sleep on the floor of my dwelling, but if that isn't possible, I will be spending a lot of time with them outside during the day.

I have gotten today's edition of Atencion and circled the Se Renta ads to call. But if you know of other places available, please let me know.

Also, the main reason I came here was to find amigos and amigas Americanos o Canadianos o anybody who speaks English. I am a 64-year-old (forced) retiree who is unattached. Female friends would be espeically nice. I would like to make Mexico my home for the forseeable future, but not without someone to enjoy it with.

Where are the best places to meet folks my age in San Miguel?

While you are all rushing to respond, I will check the posts to see if there are answers to my question.

Me llamo Martin, and I am staying at Hotel Quinta Loreto for a couple of days. (Then I'm going to need to move into something a little less pricey.)

Carol Schmidt

May 31, 2003, 6:26 PM

Post #2 of 6 (1326 views)

Shortcut

Re: [elcomputo] I'm New in San Miguel

Can't Post | Private Reply

Sunday at 10:30 a.m. be sure to go to the Unitarian Universalist service at Posada de la Aldea, Ancho de San Antonio 9, and in the sharing time announce you're new in town and looking for friends. I bet you're swamped. It's a very loose service, not preachy. A woman who founded the first home for the poor aged in SMA is going to speak, on something related to geology and art.

Right after go to the Jardin to see the procession of the Valle de Maiz Festival to get a sense of the festivals here. The parade should reach the Jardin by noon or so. (If you've foudn somebody to do lunch with, that takes priority.)

If you're free at 1 pm go to the bilingual literary reading at Restaurante Bugambilia, Hildalgo 42, 2 blocks north of the Jardin.

Some Sunday go on the House and Garden Tour out of the Biblioteca with all the visitors to town who want to see what the homes look like inside, but it's pricey. You don't need to do it the first week, it will be there every Sunday.

Tuesday is the Social Club at 7 pm, Casa de Jean Schickel, Jacarandas 56, La Lejona Section 1, and bring snacks to share. Call 152-0934 for directions.

The Tuesday and Thursday afternoon language sharing classes in the Biblioteca are good places to talk to people.

Just for laughs, and you will pick up at least some info though it's aimed at selling you a half million dollar house, go to the Information Lecture on Living in San Miguel, 5:30 pm at Hospicio 50 actross from one of the parts of Hotel Sierra Nevada. Those new to town show up there.

Hang out at the Jardin, especially the second row of benches in the shade in front by the Parroquia, which is where most gringos spend at least part of each day when they're out walking.

Go to the movies in the Biblioteca and Villa Jacaranda listed in Atencion. Since you've arrived in the middle of Brotherhood week, see as much of the events in the Jardin as you can.

As far as a cheap place to live, walk the streets a few blocks out of Centro in every direction and see the signs. Read the bulletin boards at places like Espino's (one of the main grocery stories, on Ancho San Antonio) and the internet cafes. The cheaper places probably won't be advertised in Atencion. Lots of friends have dogs and have found places, so it's not impossible. The Hotel Sautto is cheaper, around $30 a night, and they take small dogs, for your interim stay, though Loreto is nicer if slightly higher.

Join the Community Chorus if you're interested. Do buy The Insider's Guide to San Miguel and check out the volunteer opportunities that interest you--best way to meet people. Go to the art openings listed in Atencion. Hang out at the coffee shop inside Belles Artes, especially if you're an artsy type. Go to the sorts of activities you enjoy and people who like the same kinds of activites you do will be there! A single 64-year-old male looking for a female companion? You should have no trouble. Good luck!

Carol Schmidt

pathall

Jun 1, 2003, 8:47 AM

Post #3 of 6 (1304 views)

Shortcut

Re: [elcomputo] I'm New in San Miguel

Can't Post | Private Reply

I would say that you're in a single, older bachelor's heaven. San Miguel is filled with single older women. Also try the bulletin board in the courtyard of the Instituto Allende on Ancha de San Antonio for houses/apartments for rent.

jennifer rose

Jun 2, 2003, 7:49 AM

Post #4 of 6 (1263 views)

Shortcut

Re: [Carol Schmidt] I'm New in San Miguel

Can't Post |

Martin, Carol's given you a wonderfully comprehensive guide.

For my $.02, I'd suggest that you stretch your horizons to include doing things and meeting people that you wouldn't have considered back in the Old Country. Maybe you never had much interest in the Republican Klezmer Airedale Marching Band & Scone Society before (or never realized that you had such an interest), but even groups like this (OK, I made up the name) can lead to leads which you never previously considered in your quest to find housing and make new friends and acquaintances. San Miguel de Allende is a marvelous trove of organizations and viewpoints that should make your integration into Mexican much easier.

gpk

Jun 2, 2003, 10:05 AM

Post #5 of 6 (1253 views)

Shortcut

Re: [jennifer rose] I'm New in San Miguel

Can't Post | Private Reply

All you have to do is walk your dogs 2-3 times a day through the Jardin and you will make 50 friends in one week--male and female. San Miguel seems to be especially full of dog lovers--and the local ASPCA type organization (can't remember the name) can always use your help.

elcomputo

Jul 4, 2003, 4:04 PM

Post #6 of 6 (1117 views)

Shortcut

Re: [elcomputo] I'm New in San Miguel

Can't Post | Private Reply

It's me again. I realize I've taken a long time to answer your kind responses, but what can I say... San Miguel is a pretty good place to be as lazy as you want. And I'm still wondering when my body is going to adjust to this altitude so I can stop being so lazy.

I have gotten involved, as suggested, in a lot of acitivities, including volunteering for the Animales organization. And I met someone at the Tuesday night social group who was handling the rental for a casita. It belongs to an English woman who had to go back to England for medical treatment and who planned on returning here in October. It is 1 bedroom, 1.5 bath, furnished place in a not-bad part of San Antonio, and it is renting for $200 a month until October.

Although the owner is still coming back in October, she now plans on returning to England a couple of weeks later and staying there for two years. She will let me have the place for $300/month, which is still a pretty good deal for SMA. Within two years, I'll probably be ready to move someplace else.

I still haven't gotten up close and personal with any single women, but it's early yet, and there certainly are a lot of them here. The only problem I'm having is trying to sort out the tourists from the residents. Also, I've struck up an e-correspondence with an English-speaking Mexican woman in Mexico City. So I sure don't feel lonely any more.

The only negative notes concern my several run-ins with Bancomer, which I hate with a passion, while trying to cash traveler's cheques, and the fact that last week my wallet fell out of my pocket on the bus from Queretero and was promptly stolen. That really hurt because of the extremely tight budget I'm trying to live on.

Anyway, thanks for all your advice.

Martin