Guanajuato (pop 74,000, elev. 6,000 ft.), is a beautiful city crammed into the steep slopes of of a ravine with narrow streets that twist and turn around the hill sides and then dive underground into a series of tunnels. The subteranian roads have all the characteristics of normal roads...intersections, street names, parking,...etc., and to get anywhere you are half of the time above ground and half of the time below ground. Neither road system has a straightaway that exceeds 100 meters. After one hour of trying to find my hotel, I gave up and hired a taxi to lead me...I NEVER could have done it myself.

This impossible topography was settled into in the 1500's because of the discovery of some of the best silver and gold deposits in the world, and much of the fine old architecture created from this wealth remain intact today, making this city a living monument to a prosperous past. It is listed by UNESCO as a “World Heritage Site”.

The main reason for this underground network of roads was that as the city grew there was obviously no way to widen the streets without destroying the buildings, so streets were added underground !

Because the cobblestoned streets are so narrow, they are all one way, making getting around even more complicated.

The city is also home to a 21,000 student arts university, adding to the life and culture of the area. All the buildings are painted in different pastel colors. Restos and shopping are everywhere...(a bit like Kinsale, IR., Joanne, Laurie, and Glen, but with much more “life” and culture). The main zocalo (downtown square) is crammed with people, food vendors, and strolling minstrals every night...it’s a real show!

Tomorrow, before driving SE to Mexico DF (District Federale – in order to distinguish it – the city – from Mexico, the country), I will visit a museo built to honor a famous Guanajuato resident artist, Diego Rivera. In case you forget, he was Frida Kahlo’s husband (remember the movie??).

In Mexico I will be hosted by Miguel Iberra and his motorcycle club...Revolucion
Motorcycle Club....’looking forward to it!

After 3 days there, it’s off to Taxco (remember Donna?) and then back to the hot Pacific south of Acapulco, masso mennos (more or less).

Buenos noches.