San Miguel de Allende--That feeling of acceptance

by Linda Brown
(Rockport, TX)

When my mother moved to San Miguel in 1978, I began visiting her every year. After returning to my home town, my friends would question me as to just what I found so absolutely fascinating and why I enjoyed it so.

I would try to describe the various aspects of the city, the people, my experiences. They would politely nod, seeming not to really get the pictures I attempted to draw for them.

Finally, I discovered that I needed to say only one thing, "In San Miguel, the people there think I am normal!"

So, in 1993, when there were significant changes in my life, I "ran away" to be a part of the place I lovingly dubbed "The Haven for Runaway Senior Citizen Hippies." With the majority of the residents seeming to fall into that category--artists, musicians, actors, free-thinkers--I truly DID feel "normal."

San Miguel de Allende was my home for the next 14 years and I will always treasure them for all the incredible experiences and that freedom to be who I am.