Wednesday, March 26, 2008

Botanical Garden of San Miguel de Allende - A Pleasant Surprise



The Botanical garden in San Miguel de Allende is marked only by a tiny unassuming sign and is situated at the end of a long, winding, bumpy dirt road.

By looking at the little sign, you wouldn’t think it was worth the trouble to check it out. But I am sure glad we took the time. It turned out to be a very pleasurable day.






The garden consists of 220 acres of magnificent landscape dedicated to the preservation of nature and home to nearly over 800 species of cacti and other flora.
It is situated on a hilltop overlooking an impressive canyon, Charco de Ingenio (Pool of ingenuity), a huge dam and a reservoir. The views are really spectacular.
The cacti and flora are displayed in manicured gardens, in a conservatory and in a natural setting along 6 miles of hiking trails.

This monument commemorates the park as a Peace Zone by the Dalai Lama during his visit to Mexico in 2004.

The quotation on the monument reads:

"Like the waves of water, the vibration of the zones of peace produce a movement that, in a future not so far off, will create a new consciousness in humanity, a consciousness of peace"

Dalai Lama







The Tibetan prayer flags blow gently in the breeze. It is said that the wind, like the mind, carries the blessings throughout the countryside and across the world.
The sun, wind and rain have faded and worn the prayer flags… “a subtle reminder that all things are impermanent or temporary.”


Enjoy every moment

Gypsy Girl

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hello Rita,
I am enjoying reading your blog and learning all about Mexico. I was very surprised to see George doing yoga!!! Glad you are enjoying your vacation.

Beth

Anonymous said...

Wow, this must have been a wonderful day. That garden was unbelievable. And to see the prayer flags and the words of the Dali Lama, each like a little golden nugget of life. Enjoy your adventures. Keep up the good work on your blog. Love Heidi

Babs said...

I'm so glad to see you back blogging! I really enjoyed meeting you and Ron the other night. This blog is beautiful!

Gypsy Girl said...

Hi Beth I am happy to see that you are reading my blog. It is really beatiful here in Mexico.
We miss George and Ann, wish they stayed longer. Every time we go somepplace new, we say they would have loved it.
Maybe next year they will stay for a month!!!

Gypsy Girl said...

Heidi
The Dalai Lama monument was a spurprise. It is a very peaceful and tranquil place and what he says in the quote is so true about a new consciousness...you just have to be present and allow consciousness and God to be alive within.

Gypsy Girl said...

Hey babs, It was a pleasure to meet you too. My first ever friend from the blogosphere!!!

Mark Hohmeister said...

Just got back from San Miguel and was looking for a translation of that plaque when I stumbled on your blog. Very nice. And yes, the botanical gardens were a delight. (And one heck of a walk up that hill if one decides to skip the cab.)

Mark H. in Tallahassee, 2011