Monday, 02 June 2025. San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato, Mexico.

31 days until blast off.

Feeling proud of myself that I’ve managed to write and post five days in a row. It was touch and go over the weekend. I didn’t think I’d be able to do it on Saturday. You know, the whole three days in a row writing fatigue thing.

Actually, more like the wallowing in self-centered self-pity and despair of the whole “I’ve fucked up and wasted my whole life, while ruining the life of my wife and son.” It’s a post-project crash and despair I go through almost every time I finish up a big group of projects and am sucked into the vacuum of time that’s suddenly left over. But, a good nights sleep on a cool rainy night next to the woman I love was the balm I needed.

San Miguel is so full of interesting things. I’m curious about everything and everyone. I could find something almost anywhere in this city to write about. And so many interesting people who live here or pass through here. I want to lean in to the curiosity more. Engage. Ask questions. Say hola.

As I was passing through the Jardin Principal this morning, I looked up and was reminded of the inscription on the front of Ignacio Allende’s home: Hic Natus Ubique Notus. Born here, known everywhere. Modest, right?

The plaque beside the door adds: “Here was born the immortal Ignacio Allende y Unzaga.” Immortal? He was executed by firing squad…so…there’s that.

As I passed this stone fountain, on the corner of Cuna de Allende and Cuadrante, I noticed a cloud of bees flying around. I looked to see what was up and noticed they were collecting on the fountain, drinking the moisture collecting around the rim and overflowing. Yes, they’re bees. Thirsty, thirsty bees. Yes, I stopped and took photos. You’re welcome.

I pass by this door all the time on Aldama and love the rich, weathered texture and colorful patina. I’ve always wondered who lives here. I’ve never seen anyone coming or going. It’s a mystery…(bonus points if you can name that movie).

If you’ve ever been to San Miguel, every morning you will see people opening their shops and mopping the sidewalks. The scent of Fabuloso wafting in the air. It’s always a curious site for new visitors; when I used to give history tours for Patronato Pro Niños, it came up quite a bit. I can’t remember anymore if it is actually mandated by the city (I believe it is) or just a point of civic pride.

I’ve been asked about these signs from time to time. You’ll see them around large buildings, especially public buildings like schools. They are emergency gathering points. After the devastating 1985 Mexico City earthquake that leveled large sections of the city, Mexico instituted a series of reforms to try and bolster their disaster protection measures.

The country now has a large civil protection force to respond to public incidents. And you’ll see these signs. At least once a year (and I think a few times, but can’t remember), the country goes through a disaster simulation and among other things, building occupants evacuate to gather at these points.

And another tranquil end to another beautiful day just south of the Tropic of Cancer. Grateful, curious, a little tired, and still here…for 31 more days.