The Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel
	Casa Pina (Pineapple House): Our Lodging in San Miguel
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Greg booked an extremely nice Bed and Breakfast for him and his guests. For some reason, Greg booked so many guests during some of the weeks of his six-week stay that he himself had to stay in a different place across the street. It was named "Posada Corazon" (Inn of the Heart) and it was quite nice. Greg took us over to see his rooms one day, and on another occasion we went over there for a Sunday breakfast (the day that Theresa was off).

Posada Corazon is a large house, just diagonally across Aldama from Casa Pina, set in a large green, wooded area. As I have mentioned before, walking down a street one just sees walls, doors, and the occasional window, but when one goes through one of the doors, quite often a whole world opens up. Entering the door to Posada Corazon, one walks down a shaded walkway to find that the property eventually opens up into an unexpected open area in which the buildings of Posada Corazon are situated.

The house is quite beautiful, and located in San Miguel de Allende's historical downtown. It covers an “apple’s heart", a name given to the areas of gardens and groves that old mansions concealed behind their walled facades. These green and tree-filled zones are found in just about every block of the historical city.

A Beautiful Tree in the Courtyard

The temperate climate and plentiful water from fountains and springs gave life to these traditional garden courtyards, replete with fruit trees, flowers, and ornamental, aromatic and healing plants.

Looking Back Towards the Entrance

These backyards formed a recreational space for the inhabitants, and also an ideal niche for a variety of birds.

There are few remaining apple hearts in San Miguel's downtown. Posada Corazón has made efforts to preserve it as a garden and orchard, providing daily with organic crops as well as herbs and flowers for non-profit local activities.

Part of Greg's Room

Posada Corazon has five different suites that can be rented, and Greg took us to see his.

His room seemed like a separate casita, with a huge bathroom, lots of closets, and French doors that led outside into the garden.

The main house at Posada Corazon, where we went for breakfast one Sunday, was built in mid-twentieth century entirely with local materials. Set in the middle of the garden, it has panoramic views, a library, a music room, and a "teaching kitchen" that also serves meals at certain times.

I Make a Friend at Lunch

When Greg brought us to see his lodgings, we noticed a couple of cats wandering around- a tabby and a Russian Blue. The tabby seemed quite friendly, but the Russian Blue was more aloof.

The Russian Blue

We saw both cats again when we came over for brunch. The Russian Blue was just sitting on a table in the music room/living room, and Fred was able to get a good picture.

As for the tabby, no sooner had we sat down at our table for some breakfast than the tabby ambled over to me and started rubbing against my leg. I reached down to pet it, and almost as soon as I did so, it jumped up into my lap and settled right down.

All through breakfast the cat sat placidly in my lap, and I stroked it occasionally. It seemed perfectly content and in fact stayed in my lap, dozing and getting petted, for the better part of an hour, when some activity outside or in the kitchen drew its attention and it got down to investigate.

The house is a spacious construction typical of Mexican architecture of the 1960s, a balance of beauty and simplicity, designed by Leonardo de la Canal. Up to date the house keeps its original style and feeling of a family home.

During breakfast, there was a gentleman playing a harp, and he was joined at one point by someone on a guitar. I have no idea who either person was, but the ambient music was enjoyable.

In the picture at left, taken from the far corner of the sunken living room where the musicians were playing during breakfast, you can see that the appearance of the interior of this building is indeed that of a family home.

Posada Corazon also contains an outstanding collection of books, mostly on Mexican and international art, as well as a set of sculptures which add to the beauty of the gardens.

Greg said that cooking classes were offered in the kitchen- both to guests and to outsiders.

There was also a large patio where you could eat or just sit and enjoy the gardens.

Although we didn't go see them, Posada Corazon has its own organic orchard and a solar-warmed swimming pool. Greg chose a great place for himself, but it was a shame he couldn't stay at Casa Pina with them all the time. But no one could fault Greg's attentiveness as a host, and we all tried to show our gratitude by making sure he never had to pay for his own dinner!

Now that you've seen the places we stayed, let's look at the things we saw, beginning with Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel- a beautiful parochial church and something of a symbol of San Miguel.

You can use the links below to continue to another photo album page.

	The Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel
	Casa Pina (Pineapple House): Our Lodging in San Miguel
	Return to the Index for Our Mexico Trip