We come together to share our work, and what we love,  on a beautiful private farm, in a sun-filled, golden valley….with no biting insects! …. just outside San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, hosted by poets, Judyth Hill and Art Goodtimes, and farmer/chef, Michael Mckenna.

All prices for lodging include gourd activities,sleeping facilities, hot showers (we have a five shower communal bathroom; the bedrooms share private bathrooms), indoor plumbing, and bountiful, scrumptious, meals, beverages and snacks for one person, for one week.

Travel Details

*** You need your Passport to travel to Mexico!! ***

By Plane: Flights on Continental & American, are usually the best bet for prices; comparison shop for flights on www.Sidestep.com .
We recommend that you fly into Leon (BJX).
There is a shuttle service, San Miguel Super Shuttle, that will pick you up at the airport, and take you in a taxi, or van, right to our house, for $24 USD. Before you leave, contact them by email, info@sanmiguelsupershuttle.com, and reserve your ride. They stand right outside of customs with your name on a placard! Easy-peasy! They’ll either have an office inside the airport to pay the fare, or you pay the driver...it is simple.
Tell them you are going to: kilómetro 9, en la Carretera à Jalpa (9 kilometers down the road to Jalpa); the Farm is the old Chocolateria Factoria (you can mention this – most people know/remember that). We are on the left side of the road, and have a big SC on our gate.
That shuttle will work out better prices for groups, so the best thing is to connect with others coming in when you are.
Once I know who is coming, when, and from where, I will connect people travelling from up North with each other!

By Car: The quickest/straightest-to-here route down through Mexico, (coming from Colorado /New Mexico/ Arizona) is about a 12 hour drive on Carretera (highway) 57. This takes you from Piedras Negras to the cut-off that goes to San Miguel de Allende. When you get to this cut-off, you take the road that goes through the village of Rodriguez, then when you come to San Miguel de Allende, you follow the cut-off to Queretaro. You will go 3 ½ to 4 miles on that road, away from San Miguel. Look for the green sign, that says “Jalpa”, on your right, and take that right turn onto our road. You come up this road, for 9 kilometers, (7 1/2 miles) and there we are, on the left...our big SC on the gate!
The cell phone access is dicey on this road, so if you have a problem, go back to the main road to call, 415-100-9030.
The road ends in Jalpa, you can’t too lost...if you miss us, turn around, and our Farm will be on your right!!!
We usually do this trip, from Santa Fe, NM, in about 2 days.

Travel Tips: Once you get way down into Texas, we have found Fort Stockton, Sonora and Del Rio are the best places to stop, eat and rest. Del Rio is right at the border, and the best place to rest, in our opinion.
We always cross at Eagle’s Pass, just south of Del Rio, because it is small, relaxed and safe. Try to cross into Mexico very early in the morning, so you have a full day of sunlight to travel. Also…fill up with American gas here! It is the cheapest until your return to the US!
We usually spend the night in Del Rio, there are many reasonable motels and a great barbecue place : we love Rudy’s!!!
Highway 57 is mostly a very good road: you are mainly on the “Auto Pista” (the toll roads). Gas is high here, it is all PEMEX, one company, so you don’t bother to comparison shop for gas!
The whole trip, from Santa Fe, including gas, tolls, cheap motels & food, usually costs us around $200 each way.If you got together with a few friends and drove together – this trip would be muy barato & Totally Fun!!!

By Bus: Greyhound offers bus service to San Miguel de Allende, from anywhere in the United States, www.greyhound.com. For example, from Santa Fe, NM to San Miguel is approximately $300, round trip.There are other options: Google buslines to Mexico to check out more : send me any good info you find!
Bus rides with your friends on the same bus, could be a wild and fun adventure…despite, or because of, the length!
When we know who is coming, and from where, we will give all of you each other’s emails to co-ordinate your travels. But please, don’t sing 100 Bottle of Beer….maybe…John Wayne’s Teeth….or other 49’s!
 
Are the Borders Safe?
Yes – some of them – the violence that is highly publicized in America, is the Mexican Government's attempt to deal with their (code for “our”) drug traffic. We have crossed many times this year, always through the small towns, and never had a problem, or even, a long wait. Juarez can be pretty bad; so, maybe don’t cross there!

How is Border Inspection?

The Mexican Aduanal (Border Control folk) are, by and large, helpful, and kind! They want us here, and do not want trouble – at all! They do not want to catch people and have scenes; it’s cultural here to be a good, welcoming host! So, please help them! Don’t bring stuff that will just upset them and ruin their day! They sure don’t want to have to ruin yours! If you have any doubt what is contraband, Google Mexican Travel Importation Restrictions, or some such, and follow them to the letter! Don’t take any chances bringing something you know in your heart is questionable : it is NOT WORTH IT!!!!!!!!!

Flu????
Swine Flu is a non-issue here: San Miguel de Allende has never had a case of this Flu, and we don’t seem to have any flus in this country right now at all.
 
The Lowdown (& HighUp!) on Lodging:

                 *** If You Need a Sleeping Mat!***
We can provide a 39” x 78” x 2” thick, upholstered foam mat – from our local tapestero, for $25 for the week – let us know how many you need, and please reserve these when you book your stay.

Indoor, On-the-Floor, Studio Camping:

We have a large, high-ceilinged art studio space, near the kitchen, and close to bathrooms/showers and common area. This can accommodate about 24 people. Evening temperatures inside the Studio are approximately 65¢ª. Bring the weight sleeping bag you think will work for you, and a good foam mat, or reserve one from us, for an additional $25.00. You will be cozy, warm, dry & social!
Price:  $275 weekly, per person, plus IVA  tax, = $317.00 USD

Outdoor Camping in Our Exotic Nomad Tent:

This is dreamy…30’ by 15’ …the Red Tent…! Night temperatures can be from 45¢ª – 55¢ª, please bring the weight sleeping bag that will keep you comfortable, and a good foam mat, or reserve one from us, for an additional $25.00. Our tent is pitched on a sandy bottom, and is a bit elevated off the ground. We can accommodate up to 12 people.
Price:  $325 weekly, per person, plus IVA  tax, = $374.00 USD

Outdoor Rooftop Camping: Sleep Under the Stars:

What a FABULOUS spot! You have views overlooking the campfire, gardens and out towards distant mountains…360¢ª sunrise & sunset vistas…up on our huge, flat, rooftop. February skies are cloudless blue, and the Southern, wintersky stars will be spectacular…the night air may be brisk, 45¢ª – 55¢ª and you’ll be out in the open… please bring the weight sleeping bag that will keep you comfortable, and a good foam mat, or reserve one from us, for an additional $25.00. Access is an easy, outdoor stairway.
Price: $250 weekly, per person, plus IVA  tax, = $288.00 USD

Outdoor Camping: Bring Your own Tent:

You are more than welcome to pitch your tent, and we can have designated spots, cleared and prepared for you, if you let us know in advance the size of your tent(s). Temperatures can be from 45¢ª – 55¢ª, please bring your sleeping bag, a good foam mat and a safe camping lantern, if you like one.
We have communal fire, only, for fire safety.
Price: $250 weekly, per person, plus IVA  tax, = $288.00 USD

                          ***If You Need a Tent! ***
Proud Mama Note: Judyth’s son, Cassidy Hill, sells Fabulous tents -SUPER easy to pitch! – instant up and instant down! And so portable! Visit his website, www.Eldoradocamping.com! Tell him his mother sent you…!

A Room of Your Own:   We have 3 lovely, private rooms; you may view these here on our website.Please get to us Lickety Split to reserve a room!
Prices for the week of Talking Gourd:
Wonderful: Sleeps 2, in Queen size bed, $350, plus IVA tax, = $403.00 USD, per person. Sorry Rented
Comfy: Sleeps 2, in a double bed, $300, plus IVA tax, = $345.00 USD, per person.
Marvelous: Sleeps 4, in 2 double beds, $268, plus IVA tax, = $308.00 USD, per person. 

Fabulous: Sleeps 4, in 2 double beds, $268, plus IVA tax, = $308.00 USD, per person. 

                                               
What Shall I Bring?
Because our weather has such large temperature fluctuations, bring layerable clothing; think t-shirts & shorts, and cooling town attire by day, jackets, sweaters and socks by night. Bring a bathing suit to visit our nearby Hot Springs. Bring sunglasses and a hat, comfortable shoes for walking on cobblestones in town, hiking through cactusy terrain.
Toiletries: Please bring a towel. We’ll get them washed here! We do have extra…and towels in the bedrooms.Bring sunscreen, creams for sunburn and moisturizers …soap, shampoo, etc. 
Don’t forget your evernecessary water bottle- just like home! And a travel mug for your beverages…
Please bring a pillow for the nightly Gourd Firecircle/ and sleeping! You will want a flashlight, extra batteries, maybe binoculars (we have fabulous birds!) and art supplies…Certainly musical instruments! And your writing & writing gear!

Is there Telephone, Cellphone, Email and Internet:
These are a go-to-San-Miguel thing. We have a phone at the Farm, 415-100-9030, for emergencies, only.There are many internet Cafes and wireless scenes (including in the Jardin…a glorious place to write ---we’ll do it!)

How is the Water?
Our water comes from an aquifer 800 feet below ground, and is pure and delicious. If you prefer bottled water, we have that as well! The most important thing to know is…is to drink a lot of it! At our altitude, drinking a lot of water is critical to feeling good!

What is the Weather?
San Miguel de Allende is located in waaay Southern, central Mexico. It is deliciously sunny, high and dry, verdant, desert; our altitude is about 7000 ft.  February days are usually around 80° degrees, nighttime, the temperatures drop to 50° - 55°, with clear, starry skies.

How Do I Reserve My Space?
The easiest, fastest way to book your Talking Gourd week, is to email us at simplechoicefarm@gmail.com. Tell us which accommodations you would like, how and when you are arriving, and anything else we need to know for your Gourd adventure. Ask us whatever else you need to know. Once we have agreed on all the details, we will send you an invoice, either through PayPal or directly to you: you specify which you prefer. You can pay by check or PayPal. A payment of half will hold your space from that time on. Please send the balance by January 15th, at the very latest!

Meals:
We cook “Fusion Farm Gourmet”: Nuevo Fabulou!s, that arcs back to traditional Forager Mexican, combined with Ultimate Comfort Food from many traditions! Meals are served family style. We prepare all kinds of delectable dishes, featuring meat and vegetables, serve beans, rice, pasta and breads fresh from our oven.Many variations of delicious, local salsas and farmmade condiments are served with each meal. OOOO, and do we bake! Divine (famous!) brownies, cookies, oatmeal scones, tender, hot  biscuits, cinnamon buns, fruit cobblers and crisps….pizzas…But, you wheat-issue folk have no worries: the main grain in Mexico is corn, so you shall be in dining heaven, and atoles (lovely hot and cold beverages) are made of rice and corn! 
We serve coffee, a selection of teas, and fresh juices every morning, have iced herbal teas, limonadas, jugos, available all day.  

Special Diets:

We will always have generous, delicious vegetarian options  – i.e., no meat…. And we will have no wheat/no dairy options, as a matter of course.
Above and beyond these restrictions, please talk to us about co- managing your food needs. We will do our best to make sure that your food experiences are magnificent, no matter what the parameters!We live in foodie/fruit/vegetable paradise!

Children: We are not set up to easily host and entertain small children, and the Farm environment is not Child-Proofed ! If you want to bring your young children, please write us, and let’s talk …

Pets: We have dogs, rabbits, chickens… the neighbors have dogs….everyone has burros, horses, cows, pigs, chickens…bringing your mascota to Mexico is challenging – better not to….

San Miguel Writer's Conference: This year’s Writing Conference is SPECTACULAR!!!! Not only is the featured writer, Barbara Kingsolver, but there is a total emphasis on beautiful, local events, and Green/Local/Organic values…AND!!!!!!!!!!! Artful and Judyth are the Opening Act on Friday morning! And Judyth is teaching a performance workshop and a Writing Intensive….Check out the website, www.sanmiguelwritersconference.org