Don Quijote at Suryaluna

The past few days has been an interesting one. An eccentric character has been staying at the oasis of Suryaluna. This wonderful character is no other than Don Quijote de la Mancha.

An actor, originally from Jalisco, he is a funny and loyal friend. He makes his living mingling with tourists and locals alike, who love to take pictures with him. They tip him and he moves on. He works in the main plazas of Mexico. Being tall and amazingly dressed, one cannot miss him as he wears his armor, helmet, sword and lance each time he goes to work. The people of San Miguel crowd around him and talk to him each time he is in town. A character from another time, one might think that he is simply a fictional character. He is, however, very real and is here, looking for the conquest of his own life, among other things and finding his eternal beloved Dulcinea.

A brave warrior who is not afraid of fighting demons or giants, the extreme weather and various sorts of tourists, he is suited in his armor everytime he steps into public. We know that he is a romantic and always polite, but the real man behind the character is a mystery. We heard he might make San Miguel his base and live here, if that were true, it would be very cool indeed.

the story of don quixote

Don Quixote by Pablo Picasso

Who IS Don Quixote?

Don Quixote or Quijote is actually a fictional character created by the renowned author Miguel de Cervantes, based on a story, manuscript by a Moorish historian called Cide Hamete Benengeli. The original books, part 1 and part 2 were published in Spanish, of course, in 1605 and 1615 respectively. It was originally called El Ingenioso Hidalgo Don Quijote de la Mancha. It was translated to English in 1885 by John Ormsby (1829-1895).

In the Spanish speaking world, it is known as the first true novel. The famous theme of the idealistic, insane knight and the devoted, down to earth squire is used to portray many complex themes through unforgettable incidents. There is a great blend of tragic and comic. With its variety and colour, the book is known as a masterpiece of droll humour, giving the modern readers an interesting picture of 16th century Spanish society, made all the more beautiful by its fantastic prose style. Cervantes started the novel with the intention to parody the many romances of chivalry which were popular in those times and also, which the Church was unsuccessfully trying to check. The result, however is Don Quixote.

Although the novel is essentially humorous, the second half is more serious and philosophical. It is a source of inspiration for literature, art and music. Pablo Picasso made a painting, based on the book and Richard Strauss made music of it. Quixote has served as an important thematic source not only in literature but in much of art and music, inspiring works by Pablo Picasso and Richard Strauss. The contrasts between the tall, thin and idealistic Quixote and the fat, squat, world-weary Panza has been echoed ever since the book’s publication. Don Quixote's imaginings are the butt of outrageous and cruel practical jokes in the novel. Even faithful and simple Sancho is unintentionally forced to deceive him at certain points.

The real Don Quixote, is Alonso Quixano. A retired country gentleman in his fifties. He lived in an unnamed section of La Mancha with his niece and a housekeper. He became obsessed with books of chivalry and believe everything he read as the truth. Eventually, he appeared to others as people appears to other people to have lost his mind from too little sleep and food, too much reading.

The Don Quixote who stays with us at our Suryaluna Hostal is quite a character too..we wish him all the very best as he 'does his rounds' and hope to see him again soon.

Us

Suryaluna is located in Hidalgo 17, San Miguel de Allende, in the state of Guanajuato. It is a restaurant and a hostal. We have teapots and teas, and other art-related gifts for sale. We have coffee and pastries all day and all night as our doors are open 24hrs/7 days a week.
Suryaluna, however, is more than just a restaurant..more than just a store..more than just a hostal. It is more like a family than a business, Suryaluna feels like a home where you can hang out with friends and strangers alike. Here, we have had people meet and become friends, brothers, sisters, even lovers. It is a blending of cultures and souls. We have had guests from other parts of mexico - Jalisco, Michoacan, Durango, Aguascalientes, Guerrero and of course Mexico City. We have had guests from Greece, from France, Italy, Germany and many more. We are all family and we try to make our guest feel a part of our family here. We've always believed that in life you have two families; one is the one that you dont choose, your blood ties, and the other is the one that you choose...friends, colleagues, class mates and such. These people, we call our soul family. The ones that are in your life, your heart and soul because they want to and you have more mutual interests with. This is the kind of family that Suryaluna tries to make...build...as big as possible. It feels like home here, from the atmosphere, to the food, everyone who has been to Suryaluna says it feels like hanging out at grandma's place or best pal's place, it feels like vacations with the family in some place lost in time and space...enveloped in good vibes, good food and good conversations..

Our Hostal

Suryaluna Hostal is a fresh, quaint lil spot right in downtown. Its near enough to be in the heat of things, far enough to have a quiet night. Surrounding areas are well lit and safe. Our restaurant specialises in Singaporean and Indian cuisine, with Mexican and American breakfast.Suryaluna is exactly 1.5 blocks from the Jardin. We are 2 blocks from the major bus stop and within close proximity to a 24-hr clinic, pharmacies and stores, not to mention touristical places of interests like San Miguel de Allende's famous churches, galleries and art schools, libraries and theatre, also restaurants and bars.Suryaluna is meticulous about cleanliness and hygiene. We aim to welcome every guest to a home-like atmosphere. Our rooms, toilets and restaurant is very clean and comfortable. We have beds for 22 people. Our 2 couple room has matrimonial-sized beds, side-tables, a closet, reading light, fan and mirror. We provide a towel, soap and bottled water to each of our guest and have other essentials for sale if needed. We also do wake-up calls. We are in the midst of setting up a TV and lounge area with books, magazines and games. Some Fridays and Saturdays we have live music and open mic for musicians.
Come visit us at Hidalgo 17, Centro!