In the charming Mexican town of San Miguel de Allende, a stunning three-story house has become the unlikely home of Michael and his husband. With its massive living room, five bathrooms, four fireplaces, two bedrooms, and both a casita and a den, this palace for rent is a far cry from their previous nomadic lifestyle.
The couple’s grand new abode boasts a courtyard and rooftop garden, complete with outdoor BBQs and two massive water features. And if that’s not enough, the house has three balconies off the various rooms – although Michael and his husband didn’t even know about one of them until they’d been living there for a week.
As they explore their new surroundings, they can’t help but feel like royalty, complete with a staff of three who handle everything from housekeeping to gardening. But despite the luxuries, they’re aware that their presence in this beautiful home raises questions about income disparity and the unfairness of the world.
The neighborhood is diverse, with expats and Mexicans living side by side, some rich, some middle class, and some poor. A shop down the street sells roasted chickens and potatoes for just seven dollars USD, while a woman across the street sets up a small stall to sell plastic containers of Jello and flan for 50 cents each.
Michael and his husband have been buying both the chickens and the flan, although he admits to not eating the flan due to concerns about purified water. They’re aware that their decision to rent this large house in Mexico may be seen as problematic by some, but they argue that employing local workers and contributing to the town’s economy is a positive thing.
As they settle into their new life, they can’t help but feel grateful for the opportunity to experience all that San Miguel de Allende has to offer. And despite their concerns about income inequality, they’re determined to make the most of their time in this beautiful town.
Source: Gay Cities
