Ups and downs in San Miguel
Walking in San Miguel is hazardous. I have to keep my eyes on the sidewalk in front of me at all times. This means that I can miss a lot of what is going on about me unless I stop before I look up. But this is the way to survive here.
The sidewalks can be very narrow, so passing approaching people can be a challenge. Often, one person ends up stepping off the curb into the street. But this maneuver can catch you off guard because the curbs can vary in height dramatically from nothing to 15 inches high.
Also to watch out for are steps. These can crop up unexpectedly, especially if the light doesn't reveal shadows indicating where they are.
At street corners you often encounter bollards placed smack dab in the middle of the already narrow sidewalk.
In Mexico, suing someone for not maintaining their sidewalk does not happen. The rule is that everyone is responsible for their own safety. So it is not uncommon to find sidewalks in disrepair.
Other obstacles to watch out for are utility and sign posts. The space between the pole and the wall can be so tight that you have to walk around it in the street.
And then there are the stepped entrances to the homes and shops that jut out into the sidewalk!
And if you are not paying attention, you can bruise yourself on the window sills that stick out in your way.
In the mornings you have to be especially careful because homeowners and shop keepers scrub the sidewalk in front of their places and the wet flag stones can be very slippery.
So the way to navigate San Miguel is to walk slowly. This can happen automatically if you are not use to being at 6500 above sea level. Then pay very close attention as to where you step. Do not look up unless you've stopped. And you should do this frequently because there are lots of charming and picturesque things to see by looking up.
Many of the buildings have interesting architectural features.
And there are interesting arrangements of plants on roof top patios to enjoy.
Now those things sticking out the wall are waterspouts that divert water from the roofs. When it rains, those spouts pour out water to beat the band. Usually the water ends up in the street, but sometimes it ends up pouring down on the sidewalk on to heads of passerbys. Another reason to be aware of the spouts is that if someone is hosing down their roof top patio, then the water comes out the spouts even if it isn't raining. Just another challenge to the pedestrians of San Miguel.
The sidewalks can be very narrow, so passing approaching people can be a challenge. Often, one person ends up stepping off the curb into the street. But this maneuver can catch you off guard because the curbs can vary in height dramatically from nothing to 15 inches high.
Also to watch out for are steps. These can crop up unexpectedly, especially if the light doesn't reveal shadows indicating where they are.
At street corners you often encounter bollards placed smack dab in the middle of the already narrow sidewalk.
In Mexico, suing someone for not maintaining their sidewalk does not happen. The rule is that everyone is responsible for their own safety. So it is not uncommon to find sidewalks in disrepair.
Other obstacles to watch out for are utility and sign posts. The space between the pole and the wall can be so tight that you have to walk around it in the street.
And then there are the stepped entrances to the homes and shops that jut out into the sidewalk!
And if you are not paying attention, you can bruise yourself on the window sills that stick out in your way.
In the mornings you have to be especially careful because homeowners and shop keepers scrub the sidewalk in front of their places and the wet flag stones can be very slippery.
So the way to navigate San Miguel is to walk slowly. This can happen automatically if you are not use to being at 6500 above sea level. Then pay very close attention as to where you step. Do not look up unless you've stopped. And you should do this frequently because there are lots of charming and picturesque things to see by looking up.
Many of the buildings have interesting architectural features.
And there are interesting arrangements of plants on roof top patios to enjoy.
Now those things sticking out the wall are waterspouts that divert water from the roofs. When it rains, those spouts pour out water to beat the band. Usually the water ends up in the street, but sometimes it ends up pouring down on the sidewalk on to heads of passerbys. Another reason to be aware of the spouts is that if someone is hosing down their roof top patio, then the water comes out the spouts even if it isn't raining. Just another challenge to the pedestrians of San Miguel.
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