By Fernanda Noriega
Octavio Tovar joined the team at Hotel Casa de Sierra Nevada, eight years ago. With great pride, Octavio talks about the growth of the establishment since that time. He also explains why he fell in love with his work, beginning as a receptionist and moving up to the postition of Concierge, three years ago. He has been chosen by Asociación of Concierges of México regional director of the región—Corazón del bajío (The heart of Bajio).
So what exactly does it mean to be the head Concierge? Tovar explains that his work, in the simplest terms, encompasses “anything from getting a needle to getting a helicopter. That is to say, anything that the guest requires, if it is possible.” His work, along with the fact that he is a true Samiguelense, “born and raised here,” as he says, have allowed him to get to know San Miguel very well. The follow up question came naturally: What is your perfect day here in the heart of México?
His day begins very early. By the time the sun is coming up, Octavio has already read the local news to find out about all the events, happenings, and places to visit in the city. If there is something that he is passionate about, it is to know the town “inside out,” and to rediscover it every day.
A bit later, as part of spending time with family and friends, Octavio loves to visit the Charco del Ingenio. He considers it essential to connect with nature in order to get a positive energy, and to recharge outside the city. But a good walk always creates a desire to eat, and Octavio mentions that he enjoys finding new restaurants by chance. “It doesn’t matter if you visit a a small restaurant or one that is well-known, be assured that in San Miguel the gastronomy will always be interesting.”
Depending on how he feels, there may be days when he cannot resist a visit to the Sanctuary of Atotonilco and its surroundings. “Do you know what the name Atotonilco means? It means hot water,” he shares enthusiastically. He particularly enjoys eating at the gordita stands that are found there. And, why not? To stop at any of these stands with Mexican snacks as you go along the road, is “the best way to get to know San Miguel from outside, in. When someone comes to visit, my recommendation is that they stop and get to know all that is found there.”
As part of a perfect day, he recommends a stop at the Crafts Market as well as the Ignacio Ramirez Market. “To visit the market is to get to know the heart of the people in town: their daily routine, the people, and their work.” For him, it is the simplest activities that allow the visitor to get to know the authentic part of San Miguel; from strolling along the streets and mixing with the locals, to taking in the morning sun in the Jardin, listen to the ringing of the church bells, and to be able to identify that “that was the public clock, and it means it’s 3pm.”
“You find culture, you feel the hospitality of the people, and the love that they feel for their San Miguel,” he says proudly and confesses that as a resident of the city, he loves being able to share with visitors the history, traditions, and warmth of the people here. For him, the Colonial essence and personality of San Miguel is something worthy of maintaining and treasuring. He feels proud of the city’s and its people’s capacity to evolve, and becoming the warm global hosts through their diversity, every day of the year.
