Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Guanajuato

Heading to Guanajuato (Gto), we wondered if it would live up to its reputation as a highlight of Central Mexico.

Unlike most towns we visited on this trip, there was nary a glimpse of Guanajuato as we approached the bus terminal which is just a few kilometers outside town. Then, even from the local bus into town, not a sign. We entered and exited several tunnels, then got off at the Mercado Hidalgo stop, still in a tunnel. But when we popped up out of the tunnel our first views of Gto were of the Art Deco Cine Reforma and the beautiful Mercado Hidalgo. Woohoo!

Gto is lively - it's a University town. Every evening the energy of the students and townspeople seems to flow into the area around Jardin de la Union, which one guide book describe as "everyone's living room."

Our friend Dayle joined us for a couple of days and we walked, toured, ate some tasty vegetarian food, and downed a few more micheladas. Guanajuato is definitely a place we'll visit again!

Tasty Indian-Mexican vegetarian fusion served up at Centro Bharati.
Guanajuato, Mexico

Templo de la Compañía de Jesús dome - inside and outside.
Guanajuato, Mexico

Guanajuato, Mexico

Cathedral and Plaza de la Paz a dusk.
Guanajuato, Mexico

Strolling at Night - Guanajuato, Mexico

Mercado Hidalgo - outside and inside.
Guanajuato, Mexico

Guanajuato, Mexico

The dazzling 3D retablo at Templo La Valenciana.
Guanajuato, Mexico

Red white and blue.
Guanajuato, Mexico

Great views of centro Guanajuato from the Mirador El Pipila, not to mention the funicular ride up.
Guanajuato, Mexico

Guanajuato, Mexico

Teatro Juarez at night.
Guanajuato, Mexico

We were surprised to see a very good Art Nouveau building near La Presa.
Guanajuato, Mexico

Universidad de Guanajuato.
Guanajuato, Mexico

Cheese Enchiladas with mole.
Guanajuato, Mexico







3 comments:

Crash Eddy said...

I first thought you'd captured the moon in your photo of the Plaza but, reconsidering, I think it's a street lamp. Still striking perspective. Keep'em coming.

Kathy said...

Those enchiladas look delish. I take it Art Nouveau has been in short supply?

john said...

Thanks Crash!

Kathy - Yes, Art Nouveau has been rare but has shown up in unexpected places; for example, several old colonial churches in Mexico were renovated in the early 20th century with massive amounts of Art Nouveau designs added to their interiors. Like this church floor in Irapuato. http://www.flickr.com/photos/meckleychina/8468852757/

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