Guanajuato, City of Rich Culture and Historic Beauty

We have been in Guanajuato, Mexico for two weeks now, with two more left. This is an amazingly beautiful city with winding pedestrian-only streets and alleyways. There is so much to do with a plethora of plazas, museums, and theaters. Most of the architecture has distinct Spanish influence including wrought iron balconies scattered with terracotta planters and ornate, colorful facades. The city surprisingly sits on top of a series of tunnels that redirect traffic below instead of above. This makes walking the streets easy. Our 30 minute walk to class everyday is lovely and relaxing because of this.

Now that we have been here for a while, between Spanish lessons we have been able to explore some of the area a bit. Most recently we went with some classmates to the statue of the local hero, Pípila, and the nearby mountain called La Bufa. Through steep streets and a dirt path we made our way up...up...up, at one point even needing to use hands and feet. We figured it was about seven miles round trip and the top of the mountain is probably at 8,500 feet of elevation. However, once we got to the top, the view was breathtaking and most definitely worth it.

This city has so much to offer with delicious restaurants everywhere and great shops along the streets. I even convinced Ian to buy me a cute dress. Also, if you are tired of walking the numerous streets and plazas, there is also an enormous indoor market called Mercado Hidalgo that seems to go on forever and has everything from tortillas to clothing to trinkets. We were amazed by the size of it.

Some other things this city has are many, and I mean MANY museums. Including the historical museum, contemporary museum, one for images and art of Don Quixote, Diego Rivera's house, and even mummies. We haven't visited many yet since we have more time here, but we did visit the historic Teatro Juarez. This theater is a marvel with carved wood balconies, chandelier lighting, red velvet curtains, and stone pillars. The foyer itself is beautiful and there is even a large ballroom with a glass floor illuminating said foyer below. It's kind of unnerving to stand on it.

Mexico usually has some beautiful churches worth visiting, and Guanajuato was no exception. We walk by a half dozen or so every day with ornate sculpted entryways and enormous wooden doors. We decided to take a mini tour this morning and sneak a few pictures, although some had service going on and possibly a wedding or christening in one of them.

Two more weeks of intensive Spanish lessons and time in this city. There are always events going on here, some of the concerts and dances are even free, so we intend to take advantage of the opportunity. Tonight flamenco and next week tango! More about them later. Overall, this is a city I will always recommend a visit to.

Hotels:
Airbnb, $850/month

Restaurants:
Bistro de la Presa Resto
La Carreta: 60 pesos for 1 whole chicken
Santo Café
Truco 7
Casa Valadez
Mestizo
Los Campos Restaurant
Street Gorditas next to Los Campos: 50 pesos/2 people

Transportation:
Bus to Guanajuato 418 pesos/ea
On foot

Activities:
Spanish classes, 1 month at Plateros: $425/ea
Hike La Buffa: free
Alondiga de Granaditas (Museum): 20 pesos/ea
Monumento al Pipila: free, 20 pesos to climb tower
University of Guanajuato: free
Jardin de la Union: free
Teatro Juarez: 50 pesos/ea
Basilica of Our Lady of Guanajuato: free
Diego Rivera Museum: 35 pesos/ea
Alley of the Kiss: free
Mercado Hidalgo: free
Casa Museo Gene Byron: 20 pesos/ea
Casa de la Tia Aura: 35 pesos/ea