I run through the cobblestone streets, up and down the countless hills, around locals queuing up for their morning breakfast before continuing on to work. Abuelos line park benches talking amongst each other, smiling, laughing, enjoying life and the morning sun which was starting to peek around the Parroquia’s steeple.

The abrazo among men,
a kiss on the cheek with the women;
family and friends greet each other,
exchange small gifts, share love.
The air is cold.
Warmth is internal, the feeling of family, community.
All these mingle to become
the aroma in San Miguel.

There’s a certain magic to San Miguel de Allende that appeals to many. Some liken it to Mexican Disneyland, but it is also known as El Pueblo Magico (The Magic Town). Two years ago we made a brief stop, and were convinced to return for a bit more time.

San Miguel beckons; its hillsides are covered with casitas and mansions,
spires of churches, roads snaking up mountains,
and even from a distance, you see Colour, the signature of this town.
Colours of the sunset ricochet off the Parroquia,
golden clouds reflect the dying sunlight in streets and hillsides.

I continue down an alleyway that I strolled along the night before; it’s lined with flags hung out for celebrations. I lose my focus, distracted by the colourful pallet of buildings and I stumble on the uneven cobblestone. I thankfully catch myself, and I am reminded that I have to keep attention to stay upright.

Stones worn smooth through centuries of feet, hooves, wheels.
Stones glistening with water after rain.
Stones of San Miguel, silent sentinels of stories.

My run has slowed to a climbing pace, my heart is racing from the ascent. Reaching the top I’m exhausted and completely out of breath. La Parroquia, the flagship landmark of the city, stares at me. She’s always watching over her town.

The aroma of love pervades bedclothes thrown on the floor.
Can you see moonlight dancing on the tiles?
Light and shadow flee across the Parroquia.
A bird cries out.

There’s really no spot in the city where I can’t see her. She’s San Miguel de Allende’s icon. A beacon to remind you of where you are. She stands tall amongst a city deep in history that has opened her door to many locals and foreigners. She’s the soul of San Miguel.