Guanajauto city is the capital of the state which San Miguel de Allende is located. Barry reserved a tour for a lucky 9 of us to go on, taking us through vastly different terrain, towns and experiences. What a trip! And Guanajauto is now on my top 5 favorite cities, even after a short afternoon visit. I can't wait to go back and explore it with Brian.
The glass and steel covered market was designed by the famous Alfred Eiffel after he visited this very European influenced city. The colors, textures and variety of finds were unrivaled by any other market we ventured through on our trip.
Our incredibly knowledgeable, kind and entertaining guide, Aurtoro, was a virtual encyclopedia on EVERYTHING pertaining to history, plant life, customs, and the best spots anywhere between San Miguel and Guanajauto.
The city has a vast underground road system allowing more foot traffic and safer pedestrian travel where the sites are. All neighborhoods have a unique fountain and main quarter. This was one of our first to visit.
Our little group
Wilder's listening, he's just resting his eyes.
The open area in front of this church makes the perfect stage -and annually it hosts a Shakespeare festival that has been going on for nearly 50 years (if I remember correctly.)
Another gorgeous fountain and square
On our way to the Diego Rivera museum and the home he was born in. These narrow alleys may be good for burro's toting loads to pass through, but cars -you can forget about it. Thank goodness for those great underground road systems!
Students in uniform after sit on the steps of the University after school is out.
With all the charm and history of a European town and all the color of a coastal Mexican village, Guanajauto is the perfect place for the English speaker wanting to drink in nearly everything America is not.
Guanajauto has a very active performing arts community. Playbills were posted everywhere for ballets, concerts, plays, etc.
An entry into the maze of underground roads.
The elegant stained glass ceiling of the Cream Tequila store. Definitely a treat for all the senses!
Aurturo giving us the history of creamed tequila and the intricately designed tasting table full of mirrors which reflect the beautiful ceiling above.
We shall miss the fine Mexican Hilado (ice cream) -though we didn't indulge at this establishment, Crystal and I had many a tasting in San Miguel. My favorite is the mango and cream.
We ended our trip to the city with a breath taking view.
The statue behind us at the viewing point can be seen nearly anywhere in the city. This angle is rather -ahem- singular in focus. I apologize I don't have the history on it's reference, but apparently the man has a lot of confidence...
We also went to the small town of Santa Rosa to view a pottery workshop. No pictures were allowed, so I regret not being able to share the marvelous experience in photos, but if I use 1,000 words, it may be sufficient. One man threw the clay into all shapes and sizes of vases, vats, trays, cups, jars, etc. Another man prepped the pieces for firing, while yet another drew free hand the elaborate designs.
We walked upstairs to a sunlit room where 12 men and women with their own little stations painted pieces in silence (a few had headphones on; maybe they talk while they work, but none said a word while we were up there.) It was fascinating.
Then, the hardest part. Being let loose in the store where tables, walls and nearly every space on the floor were overflowing with stacks of beautiful dishwasher, oven and microwave safe kitchen wonders. I bet you can guess that I bought a few pieces -and have already used them since coming home! I'd rather have momentos that I can use than trinkets that sit on a shelf. I dearly love the two pieces I chose and am sure they will be lifelong treasures I look forward to sharing with my children down the road.
Besides the wonderful wedding, this tour was the highlight of our trip. We thoroughly enjoyed the company, the guide, the sites -everything! What a hit.
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