Passeggiata

Our Casa de Los Tios  - the paler facade

Ways to spend pesos

Someone's favorite?

Happy air plants

You've got the right man!

There's that word..."boutique"  - and in case you don't think San Miguel is very trendy - we see Spa, Organic, Gluten-free  Authentico,  

The Camino Real  that goes from Mexico City to Santa Fe, passing very close to our Albuquerque house

Guanajuato

WOW!   A beautiful city - in a valley, built over the site of big silver and gold mines around 1800 - at that time the richest city in Mexico.  The old mine tunnels beneath the town carry much of the traffic - leaving the city a pedestrian-friendly zone.  It is a town of 150,00, while San Miguel is 80,000.

Another Baroque facade

Freddy took us to the fanciest restaurant in town - known for their beef - and on a busy plaza - we almost bought  rug from a passing vendor.

Freddy's recommendation for lunch - skirt steak with side of enchiladas

Polpo in a spicy complex sauce - green avocado rolls

                         

Living Statues - there were a row of them

       

Alley view

Water -  the city doesn't have good ( or any?) water treatment system so many houses install their own filters, but that is costly - so buying water is an alternative

Headcheese

The dried chile and bean stand - yet their chile sauces are not that hot - rather, complex

Guanajuato market

We keep trying to buy one of these chickens - but our timing always off.  They aren't done until 1:30 - which is right before the usual lunchtime of 2:00

A snack option

Jugo Stand - I had papaya - our guide had the green one - nopales (cactus paddles)  cucumber, and celery

Gracing the door of a church....

Bus Iconography

FUR...for protection?  from native traditions?  Have seen it on several buses.  This particular bus had no Guadalupe Virgin - rather a Jesus.   No St. Christophers to be found.  And we're noticing that buses are sometimes named/personalized - by the driver.  This must be a macho bus. 

On Vacation?

Strolling SMA , wood, art etc. (mllg0

NSA HDQTS

Another day another peso !

wood door 1

wood door 2

The wood is "alamo" a cypress found at hi altitude in mexico

I told him Reed designed tables

wood, needs restoration

same shop

wood doors 3

wood door 4

from a church ?

companion piece

shop

Italy in Mexico

A walk in the park before lunch

A feel-good message 

There are a lot of Italian restaurants in town which people seem to like - while nonetheless aware this is not the food of Italy or even American Italian food.  So we were wary.  But went to a hotel courtyard nearby that has decided to be an Italian restaurant.  We took a chance - spaghetti with fresh tomato and amatriciano - this last a Big chance.  It was made with fresh chopped tomato and lots of bits of ham - certainly not amatriciano - but it was al dente and good.

Someone didn't eat it all

But I did....

Riding the Local Bus

For $4 pesos you can take a local bus to any corner of town.  We're tried 3 routes now.   We go to the end of line - thru the barrios, sometimes on dirt roads - which is usually a field and then return.   The driver usually has his  area decorated with the Guadalupe, a crucifix and an Indian dreamcatchers - and occasionally a stuffed animal.  Musicians will get on and play a couple of songs then get off.  Or music will be blaring on the radio.