For our first trip out of the country since we went to Japan in November of 2017, we headed south of the border to visit my in-laws in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. They moved there/retired there shortly after Harrison was born in 2018 and this was our first visit to see them there – as well as my first time in Mexico. Our trip coincided with Dia de Los Muertos so we went all out and brought costumes, had our faces painted and even joined in the parade around the town square (Centro). This is the first of three posts about our time in this beautiful and historic mountain town.

Sean’s parent’s place is located just outside the historic center of the city in a quiet neighborhood and is exactly how I pictured a Mexican home. It was bright and cheery with vibrant colors, gorgeous and rounded brick ceilings, and a lovely courtyard.

Our first full day we did some sightseeing and drove to a local lookout point.

We were the guests of honor at the party of my in-law’s friends, Warren and Tulie. Their place was an entire compound with multiple buildings, an incredible garden, and sweeping city and mountain views. We had a spectacular time here.

Monday was Dia de Los Muertos and after a delicious breakfast of fish tacos, we headed into Centro for our two-night stay at Barbara Porter’s place. Barbara is a dear friend of Sean’s dad and stepmom. She’s 91 years old and was a reporter in old Hollywood for decades – her home is grand and beautiful, filled with history and an entire wall of photographs with her with some of the biggest TV and Movie stars. She doesn’t act her age and is vibrant, charming, sharp and hilarious. We absolutely LOVED our stay with her and appreciated her generosity is letting us stay in an entire suite of her home, complete with access to the terrace with perfect views.

Me, Sean and Barb did more sightseeing through town, taking in all the amazing decorations for the festivities, visiting local markets, and having a delicious lunch of bean and cheese nachos and tortilla soup in a local restaurant.

After lunch, we had our faces painted and dived into an experience of complete anonymity that was really quite thrilling. we relaxed back at Barbara Porter’s place until the evening and then got dressed in our costumes to join the crowds and the parade in Centro. We had a great experience and loved taking in everyone’s makeup and outfits as they celebrated the return of the spirits of their loved ones.