My Amazing Family Legacy Here In Mexico

It was really mere Serendipity that selected San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, when I concluded my latest solo, around the world trek in late 2018.

I was in Hanoi, Vietnam, planning to travel on to China, Siberia, Russia, South Korea and Japan, when I learned that my sister, Ann, faced pancreatic surgery. Suddenly, family ties kicked in and I decided to head home immediately. I first had lovely visits in Colorado with my daughter and family; and then, with my sister in Lakeland, Florida.

Ann’s treatment is going well, so I looked around Florida, where I have spent so many years of my life, and decided to leave The States for more adventurous and less-expensive regions. Suddenly, the name of San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, popped into my head and I bought a plane ticket and reserved a bunk in a hostel here; knowing that I had been very impressed on my only other visit here a few years ago. Hadn’t thought about it since, but it sounded like a great “near-to-home-but-not-too-close” solution.

Little did I know, that this metal bust would change my viewpoint…. and my reputation!

It represents Stirling Dickinson, an early 1937 expat here, who established the library, two art institutes, two baseball teams and a stadium, lots of orchids and many families to whom he provided education.

This week I became the surving family member when the city honored him and several others in this city’s “Faces Of The Past” Ceremony.

So, within such a short time, I have settled-in,

and have taken up my honorary post as Uncle Stirling’s niece. I even live near to his most visible monument: Calle (Street) Stirling Dickinson.

Who could imply that this brand-new city hasn’t been waiting for me all along? That proverbial “End of the road” even fully-equipped with friends I haven’t met yet? Every day this proves to be the case… with huge hugs, followed by: “Hello darling! What’s your name?”