As we continued our journey through the streets of Guanajuato Monday morning, we lucked out and found a guided tour for 100 pesos a piece (the equivalent of $33 dollars) for FOUR HOURS. It led us into corners we had not discovered on our own in visits past - like Las Minas de Valenciana and Las Galeras.
Silver veins run deep in the mountains of Guanajuato. We were able to go down into one of the tunnels of San Ramon.
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Chato and Brandan were the brave ones to go into the torture chambers that are buried deep inside the mountain, as well. Las Galeras or galleys were pretty graphic, so I'll leave that to your imagination, not wishing to place fear or bad dreams in anyone's head or heart!
Silver veins run deep in the mountains of Guanajuato. We were able to go down into one of the tunnels of San Ramon.------------------------
Chato and Brandan were the brave ones to go into the torture chambers that are buried deep inside the mountain, as well. Las Galeras or galleys were pretty graphic, so I'll leave that to your imagination, not wishing to place fear or bad dreams in anyone's head or heart!
From there, we headed upwards to El Pipila. Atop this mountain, the glorious colors of a beautiful city lie below. If you look carefully, you can see our hotel here. Just to the top left of the plaza (all those perfectly trimmed trees that create an tremendous umbrella of shade) the building to the right of those little green awnings was our Hotel Posada Santa Fe. More than a hundred years old, I adore the character of this place. We have stayed there before, but this time we were fortunate to get a room right at the top of the grand stairs. Such the place to be!!
I have learned much more about the history of Mexico's Independence this trip. (Maybe it is because this year is a grand year - the bicentennial celebration 1810-2010) Everywhere you turn, we are nestled in the birthplace of where this fight for freedom grew - the battle between Mexico and Spain. So much of it sounds like our own battle for independence from England. Here in Guanajuato the Pipila (Juan José de los Reyes Martínez (1782-1863)) made a great stride for the fight by using a long, flat stone tied to his back to protect him from the muskets of the Spanish troops, Pípila carried tar and a torch to the door of the Alhóndiga and set it on fire. As the story is told today in Guanajuato, Pípila stood alone to break through the door.
We continued on and happened upon some pretty resourceful checker players...
Our last stop was at Las Momias de Guanjuato, which is pretty freakish in its own right. SO, I'll post a WARNING here for you to close your eyes and scroll past the next picture if you are of the faint of heart....
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This picture is actually creepier, because of mine and Aly's reflections on the glass!!--------------
We stopped to grab another bite, before a bit of shopping...
Italian food has grown by leaps and bounds in this area. We really enjoyed the twists of mexican fusion in our pizzas...but the ambiance was awesome, too...
Some sweet treats...wrapped up the meal.
Now, I sought out my NEW friend the day before...
...and I had dreams of him all night. So, I made arrangements...
...to bring him home!!Granted, he won't get a seat on the airplane, but he will surely get a ride, even if he does arrive after we get home. Now, those of you who know how extensive our Don Quixote collection is - know that this is one of our larger acquisitions. No worries...he will fit right in!
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I've got to tell you, this was my favorite trip to Guanajuato thus far! So much has changed in the past six years since we have been here. Mom & Dad are going to HAVE to come back with us someday - hear me, Mom? If this was your favorite city the first visit - YOU will love it MORE now!
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