A Brief Recollection

To be in an unknown land with a strikingly different culture than that of our own Washington DC is an enticingly eventful experience. The discovery of a different lifestyle can lead to enthralling encounters, both major and minute. But in the ocean of a new culture lie the waves of familiar faces, who we come to regard as our fellow “compañeros”. These acquaintances have aided each other towards our positive and animated assimilation to the surrounding environment. However, the uncommon, yet warming hospitality provided by the locals of the lush and luxurious San Miguel has further facilitated the absorption of San Miguel de Allende.
With both the teachers from the Centro Bilingüe and St. Albans constantly being helpful, obliging, and supportive, we students have been able to develop our Spanish-speaking skills and our cultural backgrounds. From venturing to incredible places such as, physically, La Gruta hot springs of old San Miguel, spiritually, the Casa Ayuda orphanage, and emotionally, tonight’s karaoke singing session at Mamma Mia’s, everyone has been able to enjoy and express their appreciation of their being here in San Miguel. Trips to the market, central Jardín, discussions and small conversations with teachers, and even meals strengthened our cultural knowledge. This trip has given us a panoramic view of a world we never knew, ever re-peaking several of our past thoughts and experiences of different feelings and emotions to new heights.


La cultura de San Miguel de Allende es diferente de la de los Estados Unidos. Pero esta diferencia ha cambiado la cultura que ya hemos tenido en nuestra vida. Los lugares en los cuales que hemos estado han cambiado el tipo de la cultura que estamos acostumbrados a conocer. Los viajes a lugares como el estadio de fútbol y la plaza de toros han ampliado nuestra percepción de la diferencia de cultura entre México y los Estados Unidos y nos han enseñado mucho sobre esta diferencia, pero en una gran escala.

Cameron Thariani