By Fernanda Noriega
Saúl García is a Sanmiguelense in love with his city and the wonders that it keeps in every corner. Without making a particular attempt, eight years ago, Saúl realized that many of the visitors were unaware of what activities are available in the city. In particular, they did not know enough about Centro, so it occurred to him to create a page on Facebook to “talk about San Miguel.” This way he is able to describe and identify for visitors those attractions particular to San Miguel and not found in any other part of the country. His priority is to provide recommendations to travelers, but locals have also taken a special affection for Saul’s way of sharing San Miguel.
His page took off very quickly and in a surprising way so that today there are about 474,000 users who follow “San Miguel de Allende with Saúl.” Through digital content such as videos and photographs, Saul spends his time sharing with the virtual community, showing what it is like to live in San Miguel, from walking the streets to visiting places that few know.
When asking Saúl what is a perfect day for him in his beloved town, he responds without thinking: “Rediscovering it is an endless task,” and that despite being a native, he never ceases to be surprised.
His day starts very early, whether he is at work or having breakfast in a cozy cafe in the city. “You have to contemplate the landscape from the heights,” he says, which is not complicated since if there is something abundant, it is the roof terraces or activities like riding in a hot air balloon. To continue his day, one of his favorite activities, especially after the pandemic, is riding a bicycle near the Allende dam or on the outskirts of the city. He loves being among nature while pedaling and making strategic stops at different food stalls—tamales, tacos or the famous gorditas of Atotonilco. When evening falls, “a little terrace, right?” he comments. Whether to share a drink with an old friend or meet a new one for coffee, Saúl loves and enjoys the tranquility that characterizes the Heart of Mexico. From the terrace of the El Cielo bar or sitting at the bar in La Sirena Gorda.
Although going to the Jardin Principal is pleasant at any time of the day, Saúl prefers to save this moment for the evening. “Listening to the mariachi mix with the sound of the clock chiming, people singing, or children having fun while everything is illuminated is one of my favorite things,” he says. “There are many things to see, San Miguel holds many things,” he concludes. Remembering, surely, the many stories shared here, in this very special corner.
