By Bill Wilson, Deputy Editor
You’ll notice a name change of this column.
Back when our town had a Sunday print newspaper (AM San Miguel) this was my column’s name. I see our town with a photographer’s eye and a notepad. We will report on the weather (keeping with Weather or Whether) and can also check my Facebook weather pages.
A camera and pen has always been in my hand since high school where I was yearbook photo editor and photographer and covered football for the local paper.
My Dad was an award-winning news and sports cinematographer and my brother was a combat photographer in the Navy and a sports photographer.
Photographers look at the world with a different eye.
Observing, people watching and taking pictures is a San Miguel pastime.
One night while driving home from the jardin (when parking was easy) I approached our development and several bulls were wandering on the cobblestoned road. Yup, bulls. The week before at the same intersection there were two giant tumbleweeds blocking my way. Something not found on the highways of Philadelphia.
We know driving on San Miguel topes can be a killer. One day while in the CRV, half car and half computer, I was driving toward Celaya and hit a tope under a shaded overpass. A hard thump --then all of a sudden, the electronics went out. Yikes.
I sat on the shoulder for a bit and then turned the car off and then restarted. Voila. Guess it’s an automotive equivalent of control-alt-delete. I did find that if one pushes the volume knob in and hold it in the car is rebooted.
Because of these experiences I am writing a book on driving in Mexico: Toros, Topes and Tumbleweeds. If you have any driving experiences you’d like to share email me at wmhwilson.home@gmail.com.
BITS AND PIECES
Fun Facts
Mexico City is the second city of the world with the largest number of museums. From the Metropolitan Cathedral to the Bellas Artes Museum and the remains of the Aztec constructions, Mexico has rich culture. CDMX has a remarkable number of museums, over 170 museums. This makes it the second largest city in the world in terms of museums. Only London surpasses with 200 museums.
The poinsettia, known as Noche Buena, is native to Mexico. This flower is a popular decoration during Christmas thanks to its beautiful red and green colors.
Weather or Whether
As of press time our rainfall for the rainy season (since June) stands at 23.24 in (590.26 mm).
Word Salad
¡Aguas!
An odd expression, it has no relation to water. It refers to being alert or aware of your surroundings. ¡Aguas! – Watch out!
Chido
Mexicans love to use “chido” to describe something cool, or with good vibes. It can be used with people, objects or situations.
Esta bien chido ese regalo, gracias wey – That gift is really cool, thanks man
You Don’t Say (Dichos)
Al nopal solo se le arriman cuando tiene tunas
Literal Translation: “The prickly pear cactus is only approached when it has fruit”
It’s about opportunistic people. What does it have to do with nopals? The nopal (“prickly pear cactus”) is a plant that’s usually neglected and forgotten, maybe because it looks plain and has lots of spikes — that is, until it bears fruit (prickly pears) and becomes everyone’s favorite.
Passings & Passages
Debra Jean Sullivan
In early October received word that Debra Jane Sullivan has passed away. Debra, whose late parents also lived in San Miguel, was very active on Facebook groups namely “San Miguel Friends” and other endeavors.
Adios to Trish and Dick Snyder and Karen and Donn Kelley are headed back to the US after living in SMA for many years. You’ll be missed.
Book Ends
The other day I decided to find our new bookstore on Calzada de La Aurora 48A, tucked in an alleyway next to Casa Carly. Aurora Books is now owned by our Literary Festival and managed by noted author and poet Catherine Marenghi. Nice space and while there I picked up two books. One is SMA 911 by L. M. Lawson, a guide to emergency medical resources in San Miguel. The other is The Mexican Slang Dictionary. Compiled by journalist Alasdair Braverstock, it’s chocked full of everyday slang. If you get a chance stop in and also visit the other shops in this alley-arcade.
Hasta el proximo mes!
Bill Wilson has lived in San Miguel for more 18 years and has been a journalist for more than 50 years covering everything as an editor and reporter from the United Nations to Cub Scout news. He’s also known as “The Weather Dude” and a ham radio operator and fourth generation firefighter.
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