Travelling in Guanajuato, Mexico

I’ve been struggling to write this post for well over a week, partially because I haven’t found a way to explain what exactly it was about Guanajuato I liked so much, and partially because I was spending most of my time away from the computer simply enjoying it. This post is admittedly rather scattered but I’ve decided to toss what I’ve written online anyway so that I can move on to the next area without having to worry about trying to edit an old post. :)

I arrived in Guanajuato knowing nothing about it other than being told that ‘it was a pretty city’ that I ‘should like’. Wow, was that an understatement! It is perhaps one of the most charming cities I’ve ever visited. The historic centre looks like something from a movie set with it’s perfectly tree lined square, impressive Spanish architecture with the colourful vibrancy that I’ve fallen in love with here in Mexico. The narrow winding streets open into breathtaking views at the top on the mountainsides.

Strolling through the city was almost overwhelming for the senses, the scent of fresh air and various foods, the sound of Spanish voices talking, singing and laughter, as well as the intense colours of the buildings, trees and flowers contrasting against the bluest sky.

Walking around Guanajuato is a pedestrians dream since much of the traffic is in the underground tunnels and many roads are blocked off to vehicles. It’s also surprisingly hard to get lost here, since to get to the city centre from wherever you are you just need to head downhill, and signs are posted all over pointing the direction to the major theatres, museums and other landmarks.

What made it most memorable to me however was the life there. People were almost always hanging out in the public squares enjoying the weather with the company of friends and family, and there was an almost visible sense of contentment in many people’s faces.

While I know this post really doesn’t tell you much of anything about Guanajuato. I really can’t describe why it felt that some day I could return and call it home for a while, other than to say it did. I will always remember the friends I made there, of waking in the morning and feeling content, and the view of the sun setting over the mountains turning the landscape and town amazing shades of orange.

Some day I’d very much like to go back and explore it even more, for now though it’s time to move on.

(I kept forgetting to pull out my camera most of the time I was in Guanajuato, but here’s a few shots I took during my stay.)

Photos From Guanajuato, Mexico

Basílica de Nuestra Señora

One of the impressive churches in Guanajuato, the bright yellow of the church against the bluest sky I’d ever seen made this a visual memory I’ll never forget.

Teatro Juárez

Absolutely amazingly beautiful, this theatre’s construction began in 1872 and finished in 1903

Snake

I wish I knew what this area is, a friend and I stumbled into it and never found out more about it….

Crocodile of Guanajuato?

In the same area was this massive sculpture of a crocodile (or alligator, I’m not sure which).

Crocodile Sculpture

Here’s a shot from the top looking down into this mysterious (to me) place.

Dulceria Catrina

Mmmm, candy! My sweet-tooth and La Catrina quickly became close friends, since they sold one of my favourite snacks… cinnamon and sugar coated pecans.

Me and a Friend :p

This guy had waited a very long time to enter this museum!

Tortas el Vagabundo

=D Vagabond sandwiches.