Keith with Loreta displaying a piece of artwork we purchased from the artist

 Guanajuato is a wonderful place to wander. 

The city is over 500 years old built between and up a rocky valley. Residents use narrow steep alley walkways to get to their homes which are built one atop another. 


Our 'own' apartment here is about 15 minutes walk away from the historical center. 

The owners are collectors of Mexican art and the living space that we are enjoying is full of color & character. We feel very lucky to be staying here this week!

Twice we have boarded buses for day trips.





 First to nearby Valenciana famous for this beautiful basilica and a silver mine which at one time supplied the world with 40% of it's silver. 

Many little shops & artist workshops line the walk from the church to the mine, which is now a museum. In one shop we spoke with this potter who produces nearly 600 tiny pots an hour as did his father & grandfather before him.

Our other bus ride (just over an hour away) took us to the 'cradle of Mexican independence', Dolores Hildago. 




It was a typical Mexican town with a lovely plaza in the center honoring Father Hildago surrounded by the town's main church & other important civic buildings. 


We had a great Spanish lesson coming home sitting next to a retired teacher from Leon who spoke so quickly our brains hurt after the discussion!

Each day we spend some time in the center of Guanajuato along with a throng of mostly Mexican tourists exploring the tiny alleys around the amazing architecture. 

Tonight for the New Years celebration we will go to Plaza de la Paz for a free event which will include music & fireworks.