My grandmother grew up in San Diego California during WWII, when almost all of America’s resources were being sent to troops abroad fighting in the war. Sugar, milk, and meat were hard to come by unless you lived right next to the Mexican border.
Photo/Hunter ConradGrowing up, my grandma and her parents would cross the border to go to Tijuana to buy “illegal contraband” like sugar, eggs, and flour. These trips instilled a great love for Mexico in my grandmother.
From a young age she became enamored with Mexico’s colors, textiles, way of life, and people, things which came to inspire much of the art she created later in life as an artist.
Although my grandma continued to return to Mexico, there was one place she had always dreamed of going: San Miguel De Allende, a dry mountain town in Central Mexico that had transformed into a mecca for American and Mexican artists after WWII. For my grandmother, San Miguel was heaven on earth.
That is why for her 80th birthday she asked to go there, after waiting nearly 60 years to do so. Without any hesitation, we agreed. My mother, my cousin, my aunt and I packed our bags and headed for border.
Upon arriving, it became clear that there is something whimsical about San Miguel. It is a beautiful clash of colonial architecture and modern art. On every corner there is a gallery, and right next to it is a churro stand.
There is no doubt that over the years the city has become more and more touristy; a Starbucks opened up downtown, and a few art galleries that seem a little pretentiously aimed at super wealthy visitors. However, if you take the time to explore the back streets, you will be almost overwhelmed with the sheer number of craftsmen and artists that seem to be seeping from the city’s pores.
I watched my 80-year old grandmother transform back into a little girl, eyes wide, jubilantly admiring all the delicate textiles, turquoise earrings, and sculptures. This city of wonder let her relive her childhood, and see into the future of inspiration she would draw from the trip.
Whether or not you consider yourself an artist, San Miguel is a must visit. It is a UNESCO world heritage site demonstrated by the fact that simply walking around the colonial streets is inspiring. Moreover, there is amazing food, spectacular architecture, and of course beautiful colonial Airbnbs to stay in.
P.S. If you go, don’t forget to take an art class!
Article written by Hunter Conrad.
