Aloha Everyone,
There were already a group of about 50 gathered at the Jardin (the main square) in front of the Perroquia Church. J.J. and I paid US$16.67 each for our tickets and promptly received a little sticker on our shirts to indicate that we will be a part of the Historical Walking Tour.
The tour began at Parroquia (Parrish) Church, one of the most recognized and iconic landmark in San Miguel.
Our tour guide, Cheryl is from Ontario, Canada. She and her husband are part-time residents of San Miguel. Like all tour guides of Historical Walking Tour, they are volunteers. Engaging, personable and well-versed in the subject matter, Cheryl led us through the Jardin, churches, plazas of San Miguel that included 8 highlights with colorful anecdotes. She was an excellent guide. Her ability to bring historical events to life and hold the attention of participants for 2 & 1/2 hours was impressive.
For more information about the historical walking tour and the Patrinato Pro Niños, the non-profit organization being supported by volunteers, please go to: https://
For lunch, J.J. and I stopped at “The Kitchen”, an ultra-modern food court. Our simple hamburger with side of fries and a bottle of water was US$18. The quality is comparable to “In-N-Out” but for local consumer, the price is too high. All the diners were visitors and foreign residents.
By the 3rd day, the two of us learned to walk around the Jardin and enjoy people watching as locals and visitors do before looking for a restaurant for dinner. The city is saturated in an orange hue at dusk; marching bands and oversized puppets appear around the Jardin; and a Mariachi band serenades promenaders. We were told that evening entertainment is part of the city budget.
Our dinner at a small restaurant consisted of seafood pasta for JJ and garden salad for me. It was superb. The price for our meal, drink and tip also came out US$18.
Aloha -- Cathi
