259506 Sat Sep 11 01:02:12 -0700 1999 5 26 International 0 1371846 Hi there, Ellen and I are thinking of going to Mexico for our Christmas vacation. Have any of you been to San Miguel Allende? Any recommendations pro or con? Thanks Jeremy Sat Sep 11 01:02:12 -0700 1999 0 Jeremy Osner 1 1371847 Mexico is great in general, and San Miguel Allende is in particular. It's small and pretty, a great place for walking around and low-key sightseeing and relaxing. And as I recall, the food was quite good as well (I don't have any specific recommendations though -- it's been a while since I was there). There's a noticeable American presence there, since there are a fair number of U.S. retirees and people who go down for the winter months. And, of course, there are a lot of tourists. So there's an English-language bookstore, for example (or was when I was there, anyway.) And the restaurants are a little more cosmopolitan than you might find elsewhere in Mexico. Whether this is a pro or a con is up to you. Two things: If you have time, I'd recommend a trip to Guanajuato. It's really nearby, and it's a beautiful old European-ish city. Also, I'm sure you've heard this elsewhere, but if you go through Mexico City, keep in mind that one has to be careful there these days. Sat Sep 11 01:03:02 -0700 1999 1371846 0 Chris E. 2 1371850 A footnote about safety in Mexico City: Before going to Guatemala (see my other posting) I spent three and a half GREAT days in Mexico City. This was my second trip. I love it! Just make certain you have a reputable hotel or restaurant call you a cab. Do as you would in New York -- don't walk where it is dimly lit and ask about the area before walking around. The Zona Rosa ("pink zone" -- not what you might guess) is a lively international area with great night clubs, bistros, restaurants,and shops. I loved Restaurant Focolare -- my second time eating there (I hope I spelled that right). I discovered a great little Taco place (don't an imageg of Taco Bell here folks, puleeeez) called El Fogocintos (again, I need to find the matches to spell it right). Real Mexican tacos, beer, and more. Mexico City (or DF as locals call it) can be a delight. I am meeting with friends from DF here in my hometown tonight! One more thing, the Hotel Bristolat Plaza Necaxa No. 17 is clean and European in type and about half the price of the big US chains. Importantly, you can hire a driver there to take you to the pyramids or sightseeing for about 2/3 the price of what I found at another larger hotel. Sat Sep 11 01:10:08 -0700 1999 1371847 0 Kitz 2 1371851 It sounds like a great place to relax. Do you remember where you stayed when you went? Also, can you recommend any guide books for the area? Thanks Jeremy Sun Sep 12 22:37:35 -0700 1999 1371847 0 Jeremy 3 1371852 We stayed at a place called Posada de las Monjas, a nice spot located in an old monastery. Like most places in S.M., it was quite reasonable, though not on the level of the bargains you might find elsewhere in Mexico. For other options, check out the Lonely Planet guide. By the way, my caveat aside, I second the endorsement of Mexico City. I expected a big, ugly, drab city when I first went, and was caught offguard by its charm and beauty. Plus, chowhounding opportunities abound there -- see the Alpha Hound's account of his whirlwind chow tour. Sun Sep 12 22:38:27 -0700 1999 1371851 0 Chris E. 4 1371861 "see the Alpha Hound's account of his whirlwind chow tour." ....at the link below! Link: http://www.chowhound.com/writing/mexico.html Fri Sep 17 21:09:21 -0700 1999 1371852 0 Jim Leff