Karen Bigelow's Exclusive 15 Day Tour
COME WALK WITH ME in San Miguel de Allende
February 13-27, 2012
Grant Morris Cruise and Travel Service Limited
TRAVEL BROCHURE INTRODUCTION
Dare to experience a rare opportunity to be immersed in the life that
is San Miguel de Allende, a colonial town set high in the mountains of Central Mexico
See what inspires other artists and writers.
Experience Authentic Mexico
Imagine... cobble-stoned streets, multi-hued adobed-walls drenched in sunlight
Capture... the spirit, the colour, the light in clean mountain air
Meet... the vibrant and humble people and fellow artists/writers/poets
Indulge... in diverse culinary delights
Retreat... to our B&B sanctuary-once a working bordello
Fuel... your creative spark
COME WALK WITH ME is your chance to join professional artist/writer/poet KAREN BIGELOW on an artistic, renewing adventure as she explores the rich history and culture of this unique artistic community- San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato, Mexico
Come Walk With Me as I explore the town and its streets. Venture out to breathtaking mountain vistas. Explore the ruins of once-flourishing silver mines.
Bathe in sulphur-free mineral hot springs. Enjoy a massage.
Visit the numerous galleries and artistic venues.
Join me to capture the beauty of this colonial town through the stroke of your brush,
the lens of your camera or the words that flow from your pen.
Share history through the stories of our local guides.
Meditate together in my "Catch the Light and Energy" Meditation Workshop. Or relax with a cold drink in the jardin or on a roof-top patio. Retreat to our sanctuary, Casa de la Noche, your home away from home, Enjoy quiet time or mingle with fellow artists and writers.
DARE TO AWAKEN YOUR ARTISTIC SPIRIT:
COME WALK WITH ME-15 Day TOUR February 13-27, 2012
TO BOOK...
Karen Bigelow's Exclusive Tour "Come Walk With Me in San Miguel de Allende"
CONTACT...
Grant Morris Cruise and Travel Service Limited,
1420 Highway 2, Courtice, ON L1E 2J5
Phone 905-404-0061 TICO Reg No. 4445201
Check out Grant Morris Cruise and Travel Service Limited on the web at:
"Travel arrangements for Karen Bigelow's Exclusive Tour "Come Walk With Me in San Miguel de Allende" by Grant Morris Cruise and Travel Service Limited, 1420 Highway 2, Courtice, ON L1E 2J5 Phone 905-404-0061 TICO Reg No. 4445201" intellectual property copyright Karen Bigelow June 2011
TRAVEL BROCHURE ITINERARY SUMMARY
Includes:
* Return air fare
* Return Land transfer shuttle bus from Mexico City airport to San Miguel de Allende
* 14 nights accommodation in Casa de la Noche (B&B) San Miguel de Allende
Guanajuato, Mexico
* 18 Meals: 12 Healthy Start full breakfasts (B), 1 Welcome Dinner (WD), 2 "Be My
Guest" 3-course Mexican Dinners (BGD), 1 Picnic Lunch (PL),
1 Farewell Dinner(FD), 1 Light Refreshment for "Magic of San Miguel" Group Art
Sharing" in B&B casita (LR)
* 1 half day Orientation to Casa de la Noche and San Miguel de Allende
* 1 half day shuttle bus guided tour of town of San Miguel
* 4 half days Plein aire Painting with opportunity for more during leisure time as well as
in-studio painting/workshop. Art studio available: 0900-2100 hrs daily
* 2 half day tours of Fabrica la Aurora Art Gallery and Centre
* 1 day tour to visit Old San Miguel, Atotonilco and La Gruta Mineral Hotsprings
* 1 half day walking tour Outdoor Artisans' Alley/Market
* 1 day tour City of Guanajuato-Most European city of Mexico--Diego Rivera,
Don Quijote museums and historic district
* 1 day tour Town of Delores Hildago-a town of ceramics
* 1 day Guided Tour Mineral de Pozo... town, galleries, music store and vast ruins of
haciendas, silvermines in Cera Peloñ mountains (8000 ft. elevation)
* 1 half day Guided tour of Galleries and Art studios
* 1 day Guided Tour and Lunch Picnic at El Charco del Ingenio Botanical Garden
* 1 quarter day of "Magic of San Miguel" Group Art Sharing Celebration
* 1 day Optional Day Choices specified below:
* Choice of Baking experience in casita with Karen optional visit to market for
ingredients. A taste of cake later
* Choice of "Catch the Light and Energy" Meditative Workshop
* Choice of Art Exhibition Preparation
* Choice of early morning Walking Meditation
* 2 full days and 2 half days of Leisure Self-Enjoyment Free Days
* Optional Tour: San Miguel de Allende organized House Tours-book locally SMA
* Optional Tour: Monarch Butterflies in Cera Peloñ mountains a 10 hour day-includes
box lunch-pre-book
* Optional Tour: Pyramids CAÑADA De La Virgen-4 hour tour-pre-book
* Opportunities for Walking and Courtyard Meditations with Karen
* 1 scheduled session of
"Artwork Critiquing," ad hoc may occur informally
* Entrances to Tour visits: Atotonilco Church, La Gruta Mineral Hotsprings (x2), Pozo
town and extensive silver mine ruins, El Charco del Ingenio Botanical Garden,
Delores Hildago museum, Guanajuato Diego Rivera house museum, Don Quijote
museums and city interests
* Shuttle bus transportation throughout as per itinerary
* Meet and Greet service on arrival at Mexico City International Airport
* Meet and Greet service on arrival at Toronto Pearson International Airport
* Professional English speaking driver/local tour escort
* Airport departure taxes & all local taxes
* All Accomodation and Tour Gratuities Included
* DOUBLE/TWIN OCCUPANCY per person
$3800.00
SINGLE OCCUPANCY per person
$4550.00
* DEPOSIT DUE: IMMEDIATELY... $1000.00 RESERVES Your Experience.
TO BOOK... CONTACT:
Grant Morris Cruise and Travel Service Limited,
1420 Highway 2, Courtice, ON L1E 2J5
Phone 905-404-0061 TICO Reg No. 4445201
Or Email Grant Morris at grant@grantmorriscruise.com
"Travel arrangements for Karen Bigelow's Exclusive Tour "Come Walk With Me in San Miguel de Allende" by Grant Morris Cruise and Travel Service Limited, 1420 Highway 2, Courtice, ON L1E 2J5 Phone 905-404-0061 TICO Reg No. 4445201" intellectual property copyright Karen Bigelow June 2011
TRAVEL BROCHURE HIGHLIGHT SUMMARY
v Premium Highlights
* Discover the colonial architectural jewel of San Miguel de Allende-a UNESCO
World Heritage Town nestled 7000 feet high in the Sierra Madras mountains.
* Visit Fabrica la Aurora Art Gallery and Centre once a progressive textile factory
* Visit Old San Miguel and view the Old Church made of field stone newly covered
with adobe and painted white for the 2010 Bicentenial Celebrations
* Visit UNESCO-Santuario de Jesus el Nazareno (church) in Atotonilco
* Bathe in the many sulpher-free hot pools of La Gruta Mineral Hotsprings
* Explore the UNESCO-City of Guanajuato-Most European city of Mexico in the
centre of the once vast and flourishing silvermines.
* Visit the house/museum in Guanajuato-the birthplace of Diego Rivera famous painter
and muralist-visit museum of Don Quijote the first modern spanish literary novel
written 1615, the historical district-La Alhondiga-site of the first rebel victory in War
of Independence, Alley of the Kiss and Hidalgo Market engineered by Gustave Eiffel
and downtown and monuments
* Discover Delores Hildago-a town of ceramics-and a museum of interest
* Immerse yourself in Mineral de Pozo... town, galleries, music store and vast ruins of
haciendas and silvermines tucked within expansive vistas in the Cera Peloñ
mountains (8000 ft.elevation)
* Walk the myriad of paths in El Charco del Ingenio Botanical Garden and Las
Colonias Reservoir-a biodiverse landscape supporting a variety of species both
plants and animals in three distinct zones: canyon, wetlands and arid scrubland. The
Botanical Garden protects and preserves cacti and other succulent Mexican plants,
many of which are rare, threatened or in danger of extinction.
"Travel arrangements for Karen Bigelow's Exclusive Tour "Come Walk With Me in San Miguel de Allende" by Grant Morris Cruise and Travel Service Limited, 1420 Highway 2, Courtice, ON L1E 2J5 Phone 905-404-0061 TICO Reg No. 4445201" intellectual property copyright Karen Bigelow June 2011
^ Included Personal Insights
* Find out about the history of Casa de la Noche as a working bordello and its
renovation into a deluxe bed and breakfast guest house
* Experience Plein Aire painting of El jardin, Parroquai square, El Charco landscape
and cacti, Vista of San Miguel's skyscape, multi-hued adobe-walled sun drenched in
sunlight, courtyard of Casa de la Noche, and bougainvillea and splashes of colour.
* Paint in Casa de la Noche's Art Studio. Opened: 0900-2100 hours daily
* Share the treasures found in the Outdoor Artisans' Alley/Market
* Catch the moment in Pozos and as you explore the ruins of the silver mines, marvel at
the cacti, mesquite trees and possibly see a roadrunner. Experience a variety of art and
creations during tour of Galleries and Art studios
* Enjoy the music of the Mariachi band
* Enjoy the light show in El Jardin and Parroquai square if on display
* Be amazed at El Charco del Ingenio Botanical Garden and "push the edge" to paint a
cacti or this harsh and diverse landscape and enjoy a Mexican picnic.
* Share and participate in "Magic of San Miguel" Group Art Sharing Celebration
* A Day of Choices for fun and coming alive...
* Bake a cake and experience these high altitudes 7000 feet challenges in the casita oven
with your host. Stretch yourself and visit the market for ingredients. Share and taste
the baking...later
* Focus during the "Catch the Light and Energy" Meditative Workshop
* Participate in the Art Exhibition Preparation
* Experience an early morning Walking Meditation
* Discover wonders during 2 full days and 2 half days of Leisure Self-Enjoyment
Free Days
* Consider and experience the Walking and Courtyard Meditations with Karen
* Participate in the scheduled session of "Artwork Critiquing" to improve your eye
* Taste the unique Mexican cuisine and sample the ice cream and tequila.
* Immerse yourself in the culture, history and magic of San Miguel de Allende
* Take a taxi to a destination or back to Casa de la Noche
* Attend the Writers' Conference 2012 to hear the Canadian Keynote speaker Margaret
Atwood and Canadian Joseph Boyden or enroll in an intensive workshop session
or mingle with writers, poets, publishers and authors. Individuals must Pre-Book with
Conference in advance.
"Travel arrangements for Karen Bigelow's Exclusive Tour "Come Walk With Me in San Miguel de Allende" by Grant Morris Cruise and Travel Service Limited, 1420 Highway 2, Courtice, ON L1E 2J5 Phone 905-404-0061 TICO Reg No. 4445201" intellectual property copyright Karen Bigelow June 2011
k Optional Tours for Leisure Free-Time
* San Miguel de Allende organized House Tours-book in San Miguel
* Monarch Butterflies in Cera Peloñ -10 hours-includes box lunch-pre-book
* Pyramids CAÑADA De La Virgen-4 hour-pre-book
¯ Included First Class Mexican Services
* Escorted by a professional Tour guide
* Accompanied by a knowledgeable host and her assistant
* Air-conditioned nine seat Shuttle bus excluding on-board restroom
* Casa de la Noche bed and breakfast includes all service charges, taxes and porterage
* Traveller journal and information package
* Airport arrival and departure transfers on the first and last day of your tour
* Meet and Greet service on arrival at Mexico City International Airport
* Meet and Greet service on arrival at Pearson International Airport Toronto Canada
* Entrances to Tour visits: Atotonilco Santuario de Jesus el Nazareno (Church), La
Gruta Mineral Hotsprings (x2), Pozo Silvermining Ruins, El Charco del Ingenio
Botanical Garden, Delores Hildago Museum, Guanajuato Diego Rivera house
museum, Don Quijote museums and city interests
* Shuttle bus transportation throughout as per itinerary
* Meet and Greet service on arrival at Mexico City International Airport
* Meet and Greet service on arrival at Toronto Pearson International Airport
* Professional English speaking driver/local tour escort
* Airport departure taxes & all local taxes
* Bed and Breakfast and Tour Guide Gratuity Included
ä Included Quality Dining
* 2 "Be My Guest" Dinners- 3 course Dinners at Casa de la Noche (BGD)
* Choose from a vast selection of restaurants for Leisure Free-time Dinners
* 12 Healthy Start full breakfasts (B), 1 Welcome Dinner (WD), 1 Picnic Lunch (PL).
1 Farewell Dinner (FW), 1 Light Refreshment for "Magic of San Miguel" Group
Art Sharing" (LR)
* "Be My Guest" Dinners are BYOB
"Travel arrangements for Karen Bigelow's Exclusive Tour "Come Walk With Me in San Miguel de Allende" by Grant Morris Cruise and Travel Service Limited, 1420 Highway 2, Courtice, ON L1E 2J5 Phone 905-404-0061 TICO Reg No. 4445201" intellectual property copyright Karen Bigelow June 2011
Legend Key:
[ Meditation
å Wine
Ï Plein Aire/In-studio Painting/Artwork
ä Highlights and Dining Around Town Dinners
^ Personal Insights
v Premium Highlights
Ø Locally Guided Tours/ Shuttle Bus Service
. Orientation Tour
¯ Optional Tours for Leisure Free-Time
k Leisure Self-Enjoyment Free-time
wC Writers Conference 2012
Dining Legend:
(B) Breakfast, (BGD) "Be My Guest" Dinner, (WD) Welcome Dinner, (FD) Farewell Dinner, (LR) Light Refreshments, (PL) Picnic Lunch
BYOB Bring your own bottle (alcoholic beverage)
SMA San Miguel de Allende Guanajuato Mexico
"Travel arrangements for Karen Bigelow's Exclusive Tour "Come Walk With Me in San Miguel de Allende" by Grant Morris Cruise and Travel Service Limited, 1420 Highway 2, Courtice, ON L1E 2J5 Phone 905-404-0061 TICO Reg No. 4445201" intellectual property copyright Karen Bigelow June 2011
TRAVEL BROCHURE BIO...
Host: Karen Bigelow is an artist, photographer, poet and writer. She is a Craniosacral, Therapeutic Touch practitioner and teacher of Meditation. As an artist she paints in acrylic, pastel and watercolour, the land, the people, and life are her subjects. She has a passion for silverpoint drawings, breathing fresh life into this ancient and intriguing art form. Her words "Come Walk With Me" are an invitation to walk a different path, experience another's culture and history, be inspired, energized and live fully in this moment. Push the edge of expression and indulge in quiet moments of reflection and sharing. Experience clarity and rediscover magic and wonder. Accept her invitation to experience meditation, one point focus and touch the life-force within you. She has an innate love of discovery. Laughter is a celebration of life. She will help you capture the essence of Mexico for a lifetime of memories and inspire the artist within to new levels. All are welcome from beginner to advanced artists, photographers, writers and kindred- soul seeking adventurers.
Casa de la Noche is a deluxe bed and breakfast (B&B) guest house designed with a Mexican architecture and decorated and managed with a Mex-American flair. It's rich history as a working bordello is tastefully preserved. Artist Barbara Edell Poole-owner and innkeeper-has renovated and created a sanctuary of light, space and relaxation in the heart of San Miguel de Allende. The B&B is within easy walking distance to el jardin (town centre), restaurants, activities and places of interests. A modern deluxe guest house with filtered water, WIFI reception, private baths/showers in each room, spacious common rooms with TVs, reading material and kitchenette facilities. A variety of original artwork is displayed on the coloured adobed walls. Rich original wood doors lead into private rooms. Bouganvillea and flowers add splashes of colour. Barbara has a wealth of knowledge both practical and adventurous. She has made available for our use, her newly constructed art studio, the Besitos Garden courtyard, a roof-top patio and a variety of common areas casitas with kitchenette facilities, and for reading, watching TV and comfortable group gatherings.
Casa de la Noche can be seen on the web at http://www.casadelanoche.com/
Jamie, the owner of a San Miguel de Allende touring company, is both driver and guide. He has been offering tours to visiting artists and tourists for many years. An English-speaking Mexican with a flair and love for history, culture, knowledge and hospitality. The land and people come alive through his words, spanish mixed with English as he passionately expresses and shares with us the Mexican history, culture and local stories.
"Travel arrangements for Karen Bigelow's Exclusive Tour "Come Walk With Me in San Miguel de Allende" by Grant Morris Cruise and Travel Service Limited, 1420 Highway 2, Courtice, ON L1E 2J5 Phone 905-404-0061 TICO Reg No. 4445201" intellectual property copyright Karen Bigelow June 2011
ITINERARY HEADINGS WITH MEAL NOTATIONS
Itinerary Day 1: Monday February 13-DEPARTURE Toronto-Mexico City (WD)
Day 2: Tuesday February 14-ACCLIMATIZE-a Guided Orientation of (B&B) and
town-a Guided Shuttle Tour of San Miguel Colonial Town (B)
Day 3: Wednesday February 15-TOUR Old San Miguel, Atotonilco, La Gruta Mineral
Hotsprings/Plein aire Painting Old San Miguel Church (B, BGD)
Day 4: Thursday February 16-PAINTING Plein aire in Jardin/Visit to Fabrica la
Aurora... Opening Day of Writers' Conference (B)
Day 5: Friday February 17-TOUR City of Guanajuato-Most European city of
Mexico (B)
Day 6: Saturday February 18-Walking MEDITATION-TOUR Outdoor Artisans'
Alley/Market-LEISURE-TIME Afternoon and Evening (B)
Day 7: Sunday February 19-LEISURE Self-Enjoyment Free Day and Writers'
Conference 2012 Final Day
Day 8: Monday February 20-TOUR Delores Hildago-Enjoy Mexican Ceramics Writers'
Conference Intensive Workshop First Day (B, BGD)
Day 9: Tuesday February 21-OPTION DAY CHOICES... Walking MEDITATION Artist
Awakening WORKSHOP... Art Exhibition PREPARATION...High Altitude
Cake BAKING-Writers' Conference 2012 Intensive Workshop Final Day (B)
Day 10: Wednesday February 22-TOUR of Mineral de Pozos-Town, Abandoned
Silvermines-Plein aire PAINTING-BATHING at La Gruta Hotsprings (B, BGD)
Day 11: Thursday February 23-Walking MEDITATION-"Artwork Critiquing" Session-
TOUR Art Galleries/Studios and REVISIT Fabrica la Aurora (B)
Day 12: Friday February 24-TOUR el Charco del Ingenio Botanical Garden and Las
Colonias Reservoir-Plein Aire PAINTING and PICNIC (B, PL)
Day 13: Saturday February 25-Courtyard MEDITATION-LEISURE Self-Enjoyment
Free Day (B)
Day 14: Sunday February 26-GROUP Meeting-Group Art Sharing Exhibition "Magic
of San Miguel de Allende"-FAREWELL DINNER (B, LR, FD)
Day 15: Tuesday February 28-DEPARTURE San Miguel de Allende-Toronto (B)
"Travel arrangements for Karen Bigelow's Exclusive Tour "Come Walk With Me in San Miguel de Allende" by Grant Morris Cruise and Travel Service Limited, 1420 Highway 2, Courtice, ON L1E 2J5 Phone 905-404-0061 TICO Reg No. 4445201" intellectual property copyright Karen Bigelow June 2011
TRAVEL BROCHURE DETAILED ITINERARY
åvØ.ä Itinerary Day 1: Monday February 13-DEPARTURE Toronto-Mexico City via Air Canada.
Welcome to Mexico! Arrive Mexico City International Airport the same day. Transfer by Shuttle bus from Mexico City to San Miguel de Allende (UNESCO World Heritage Site)... approx. 4 hour road trip into the picturesque mountains of Central Mexico (altitude 7000 feet). Arrive at 1800 hrs Casa de la Noche (B&B) your home base in San Miguel de Allende for 14 nights. Check in. Join me, your travel assistant and fellow travellers for a glass of wine and Welcome Dinner. (WD)
vØ^.ä Day 2: Tuesday February 14-ACCLIMATIZE-Guided Orientation of (B&B) and town-Guided Shuttle Tour of San Miguel Colonial Town
Healthy Start full breakfast at Casa de la Noche. Come with me to tour the B&B... common areas... kitchenettes, courtyard gardens, roof-top patio, art studio... then out-the-door for a stroll around the town... including el Jardin (town square and garden)... Bibliotechae (library and art theatre)... shopping district...fruit and vegetable stores... curb-side vendors' wares. Eat lunch at one of the local restaurants and regroup to board our private Shuttle Bus for a guided Tour of the colonial town of San Miguel de Allende. Travel a portion of the route the silver wagons traversed from the mines in Pozos. Visit the laundry fountains. Pass statues and churches of interest. Enjoy the majestic panorama of San Miguel and it's myriad of steep narrow cobbled-stoned streets. Absorb history as we view the colourful narrative mural on the wall of the Instituto and take in the "best photographic view of the Parroquai (church)." Return to B&B. Regroup and join your travel companions at a local restraurant for dinner. (B)
ÏvØ^ä Day 3: Wednesday February 15-TOUR Old San Miguel, Atotonilco and La Gruta Mineral Hotsprings-Plein aire PAINTING Old San Miguel Church
After breakfast board the shuttle bus for a morning guided tour with a two-hour plein aire painting opportunity of Old San Miguel Church. Then off to visit Santuario de Jesus el Nazareno (church) in Atotonilco (declared UNESCO World Heritage Site). Eat a late-lunch at La Gruta Hotsprings. Bring a towel and bathing suit to enjoy La Gruta Hotsprings' multiple sulphur-free mineral pools and covered hot pool with cascading water. Return to B&B. Tonight enjoy an authentic "Be My Guest" Mexican dinner of local produced served in Casa de la Noche. (B, BGD)
ÏwC vØ^ä Day 4: Thursday February 16-PAINTING Plein aire el Jardin-Visit Fabrica la Aurora and Artist Open Studio... Opening Day of Writers' Conference
Writers' Conference 2012 Opening Day. A shuttle ride for a morning of "plein aire" painting in the jardin or Parroquai de San Miguel Arcangel square or photograph buildings and sights of interest. Lunch in a local restaurant. Afternoon a shuttle-ride to Fabrica la Aurora Art and Gallery Centre for open studio tour. Return to B&B by shuttle bus to refresh and an at your leisure drinks and dinner at a local restaurant.(B)
vwC Ø^ä Day 5: Friday February 17-Guided TOUR of Guanajuato-Most European city of Mexico
Travel by Shuttle bus to Guanajuato a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008. Explore this captivating city at the heart of worlds silver mining area of 18th Century. Guanajuato is the birth place of famous painter and muralist Diego Rivera. Visit his house museum and the museum of Don Quijote. View the Alley of the Kiss, Juarez Theatre, the main historical district-La Alhondiga-site of the first rebel victory in the war of independence, the Hidalgo Market-designed by famous engineer Gustave Eiffel. View the winding streets, and downtown city centre. Lunch in a café. Continue to absorb the richness of monuments, history and culture as we visit the university and galleries. Close the day with an enjoyable dinner in one of the fine restaurants in Guanajuato before returning to San Miguel de Allende. (B)
k¯[wC Ø^ä Day 6: Saturday February 18-Walking MEDITATION-TOUR Outdoor Artisans' Alley/Market and LEISURE-TIME Mid-Day
Join me in a walking meditation... in the early morning... when the streets belong to us... and the morning light touches a town slowly awakening. Enjoy breakfast and then spend a morning visiting the Outdoor Artisans' Alley and a diverse selection of jewellry, beadwork, textiles, art, and vendor wares. Be served a four-course Mexican lunch at café on Calzada de la Luz. Enjoy an afternoon and Evening of LEISURE-TIME... An opportunity to enjoy an optional trip to PYRAMIDS CAÑADA De La Virgen-4 hours of immersion in Otomi culture with special lectures on-site including science and religion in Mesoamerica. Or plein aire/in-studio painting... or explore the town... enjoy a musical performance, or cinema or relax in the jardin... listen to the Mariachi band in el jardin... or take in the light show in Parroquai square, or buy a BBQ chicken from a street vendor and make your own dinner in the B&B casita kichenette...or share with friends... a quiet evening... or a night on the town. (B)
k¯wC ^ Day 7: Sunday February 19-LEISURE Self-Enjoyment Free Day-Writers' Conference 2012 Final Day
Breakfast on your own. Some suggestions for this leisurely day are: attend church service, in-studio/plein aire painting, around town photography, join a town-organized House Tour, visit art galleries, take in live theatre (it is wise to book ahead) or be adventurous and explore... write or relax... An entire day to yourself...Leisure time... absorb the magic...
vwC Ø^ä Day 8: Monday February 20-TOUR Delores Hildago-Writers' Conference Intensive Workshop First Day
The Writers' Conference 2012's first day of Intensive 2-day workshop. Tour Delores Hildago a town known for its ceramics and an immense variety of ice-cream. Enjoy a leisure lunch from a town vendor... Make sure you have small denominations of pesos to pay for your lunch... and any street purchase you wish to make... Visit the museum and take pictures of the colourful vendor stands. Return by Shuttle bus to Casa de la Noche... and for leisure time for remainder of the day. "Be My Guest" for a Mexican dinner in the B&B casita and BYOB. (B, BGD)
[wC Ø^Ïä Day 9: Tuesday February 21-OPTION DAY CHOICES... Walking MEDITATION Artist Awakening WORKSHOP... Art Exhibition PREPARATION...High Altitude Cake BAKING-Writers' Conference 2012 Intensive Workshop Final Day
Writers' Conference 2012 last day of Intensive 2-day workshop. Join me for an early morning Walking Meditation. A Day of Choices: Choose a morning of plein aire painting on a quiet street or courtyard or in-studio painting in preparation for "Magic of San Miguel de Allende" Art Sharing Exhibition. Or choose High Altitude Cake Baking from scratch with an expedition to purchase ingredients. Lunch is free-time. Join my "Catch the Light and Energy" Meditation Workshop. Leisure time after 4 p.m. Dinner on your own but please return for a taste of carrot cake. An early night is suggested because tomorrow we tour Pozos-a full day of experiences. (B)
vØ^Ïä Day 10: Wednesday February 22-TOUR of Mineral de Pozos-Town / Abandoned silver mines-Plein aire PAINTING-BATHE IN La Gruta Hotsprings
A guided trip and amazing photographic tour of a ghost-town reawakening-Mineral de Pozos and onto the abandoned silver mines including Cinco Senores, Hacienda Baldomero, ex-haciendas, crumbling walls, columns and arches extensive majestic ruins, evidence of the success of mining operations high in the Cera Peloñ mountain range. Alert eyes may see a roadrunner zip by the towering stalks of 100 year-old cactii and pass by mesquite trees. We will visit the Pozo's music store with pre-Hispanic hand-carved musical instruments. Lunch at one of the eating establishments recently re-claimed from ruins. Plein aire painting for three hours in Pozos with a stop at La Gruta mineral hotspring for a dip in the hotsprings on-route back to San Miguel. Enjoy a "Be My Guest" dinner in Casa de la Noche casita. (B, BGD)
[Ø^ä Day 11: Thursday February 23-Walking MEDITATION-"Artwork Critiquing"SESSION-TOUR Art Galleries/Studios-REVISIT Fabrica la Aurora
Come with me on a morning walking Meditation before breakfast. Join me in the Besitos Courtyard Art studio to share your artwork creations and participate in an informative "Artwork Critiquing" session. Be immersed in art culture as we tour independent and collective Art Galleries by shuttle bus including a sculpture's studio out-of-town concluding with a follow-up visit to Fabrica la Aurora. Return by shuttle to B&B for leisure time followed by dinner on your own. (B)
vØ^Ïä Day 12: Friday February 24-TOUR el Charco del Ingenio Botanical Garden and Las Colonias Reservoir-Plein Aire PAINTING and PICNIC
A guided tour and paradise for the adventurous artist, photographer and at-heart botanist. El Charco's unusual topography is a natural landscape of great biodiversity supporting a variety of species both plants and animals in its three distinct zones: canyon, wetlands and arid scrubland. The Botanical Garden protects and preserves cacti and other succulent Mexican plants, many of which are rare, threatened or in danger of extinction. The network of paths allow a close-up experience of this amazing and rugged landscape and appreciation of plant and animal life in a harsh environment. Sturdy footwear is essential. Painting cactus is a challenge not to be missed... a full day event... A picnic lunch in the Garden. Return by shuttle to Casa de la Noche and leisure time...(B, PL)
k¯^ä Day 13: Saturday February 25-Courtyard MEDITATION-LEISURE-Self Enjoyment Free Day
Join me in a morning meditation in the Besitos Courtyard. Some suggestions for this leisurely day are: pre-book an optional trip to see Monarch Butterflies in the mountains of Cera Peloñ elevation 8000+ feet leaving at 700 hrs returning at 1900 hrs., or in-studio or plein aire painting, around town photography, jardin relaxation, schedule a massage, meet up with new found friends, take in live theatre (it is wise to book ahead), make purchases or explore and discover... write or relax... An entire day to yourself... Leisure time... absorb the magic... (B)
kå^ä Day 14: Sunday February 26-GROUP Meeting- Group Art Sharing Exhibition "Magic of San Miguel de Allende"-FAREWELL Dinner
Our artistic experience is winding down... but closing with a splash. The art-board reflects our adventures... but more to see and do. Continue your artistic awakening. Before you head out for breakfast, join me in the casita for a "touching-base" Group Meeting. Remember... Artwork submission deadline is today at 1100 hrs. "Magic of San Miguel de Allende" Group Art Sharing Exhibition can only be successful if you participate with your artwork and attendance. Leisure time to absorb the magic. Regroup for the Exhibition at 1400 to 1600 hrs in the Besito Garden. Invitate your new friends to view the exhibition. Light refreshments and wine to be served. Leisure time until we share a Farewell Dinner 1900hrs in the casita of Casa de la Noche. (B, LR, FD)
Øä Day 15: Tuesday February 28 -DEPARTURE San Miguel de Allende-Toronto
Breakfast in B&B 7:00 a.m. in preparation for 8:00 a.m. Shuttle Bus transfer to Mexico City International Airport-approx. 4 hour road trip... for flight to Toronto aboard Air Canada. Lunch in Mexico airport at own expense after passing through security. A light dinner will be served aboard Air Canada. Arrive Toronto same day. Transfer arrangements in Toronto is your responsibility. (B)
COME WALK WITH ME in San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato, Mexico
February 13th - 27th, 2012
Deposit Deadline: NOW... February is peak-season in Mexico... Reserve Now!
Book with...
Grant Morris Cruise and Travel Service Limited,
1420 Highway 2, Courtice, ON L1E 2J5
Phone 905-404-0061 TICO Reg No. 4445201
Have a wonderful summer...
"Come Walk With Me in San Miguel" for 15 days in February 2012
Karen
"Travel arrangements for Karen Bigelow's Exclusive Tour "Come Walk With Me in San Miguel de Allende" by Grant Morris Cruise and Travel Service Limited, 1420 Highway 2, Courtice, ON L1E 2J5 Phone 905-404-0061 TICO Reg No. 4445201" intellectual property copyright Karen Bigelow June 2011
