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T he scene feels straight out of the James Bond film Spectre. We're making our way down darkened alleyways teeming w i t h p e o p l e — boys in 007-worthy tuxedos and girls in voluminous cotton gowns and lace sheaths in midnight blues and black — toward our destination, a historic bullfighting ring. Snippets of conversations in French, German, and Spanish float by, with the bits I can understand questioning what's in store for us tonight. Most of us are wearing masks or obscuring our faces with flowery La Calavera Catrina skull makeup, adding an extra-sexy allure to our evening look. Spectre proclaimed in its opening shot, "The Dead Are Alive." In this case, they're ready for some licentious fun. I'm here for the anniversary party to end all anniversary parties: a two- day extravaganza marking the 10th year of Tequila Casa Dragones at its spiritual home in San Miguel de Allende. Globetrotting CEO and co-founder Bertha González Nieves — the world's first female Maestra Tequilera — invited 350 friends from around the world to this romantic Spanish-Colonial city in the central highlands of Mexico. Artists, writers, chefs, designers, slender and somber dark-eyed models, and a handful of Schnabels (Cy, Olmo, and Stella) have joined the celebration, including a good contingent of Texans. "I love Texas," González Nieves enthuses. "I love the people and the generosity of heart in the Texan culture. Plus, Texans are the best hosts." In a crowd like this, my weekend romp soon turns into an insider's experience of a city that has long been a magnet for expats, creative types, and anyone looking for an inspiring weekend getaway just a two-and-a- half-hour flight from DFW. I know I'll be back soon. WANDERINGS 48 HOURS IN SAN MIGUEL DE ALLENDE Billy Fong takes the romantic Mexican city by storm, on an anniversary weekend filled to the brim with shopping, sipping, and sightseeing. Howard & Cindy Rachofsky, Brian Bolke, Suzanne Droese, Faisal Halum, Billy Fong Johann Mergenthaler Priyanka Khanna, Naeem Khan Faisal Halum & Brian Bolke Joann McPike, Bertha Gonzá lez Nieves, Oscar Madrazo Age Salajõ e, Hector Esrawe Tito Fuentes, Aldo Rendon Olmo Schnabel, Lounes Mazouz, Cy Schnabel, Jacob Flood 98 A bejeweled Catrina (continued on page100) The mojigangas