Hotel Joy Suites Irapuato

... already after 2.

There are several different bus lines, offering differing levels of comfort and speed, and also different times. One called ETN had been recommended to me by several people, so my heart sank when I saw that their next bus wasn't until 4:30. I almost bought a ticket anyway, since that was the only familiar name, but decided to have a quick tour of all the other ticket desks first. Five minutes later had a first class ticket for a window seat ...

... including babies, that are only partially decomposed but completely disgusting. Spent lots of time hanging with locals, too. Big ups to Payo and Paula for taking us all over the place, from salsa clubs to grungy house parties to hidden, late-night taco stands!

The city was so alive with people partying and dancing in the streets that the hours seemed to meld together, and the time of day ...

... gorgeous little boy, Daniel. Conversation was limited since I speak so little Spanish and they speak so little English, but the music was loud anyway, and the energy was warm and friendly.
The next morning, Daniel drove me through a maze of tunnels (a former mine) to Guantajuato. It's world heritage site, so much of the old hispanic architecture is beautifully preserved or restored. It's easy to see why it's such a popular tourist destination.

... 1.5 hours each. I love them. The first one is basic things (greetings, numbers, etc.) It was like a review for me. I understood about 98% of what she said. The second one is pronunciation. I was doing great until the "r". I could roll my r's great (the teacher was shocked) but, I was having a problem with my reg. r's and "g" (this weird hacking sound you make in your throat). I thought i ...

... everyone, as to not seem like a snotty American. I try to be as friendly as possible. (I do this more with the women of course)

The City:
-Guanajuato is very much a college town. Here in Mexico, kids in College travel to school by bus, and stay there Mon. - Thurs. (so these days we have the kids who go to la Universidad) BUT on Fri.-Sun. we have the kids who live here and go to school elsewhere. Totally different crowd.

- Also ...

... most densely populated with 4’893,812 inhabitants. 60% are under 30 years of age. 96% of the people say they practice the Catholic religion, ranking the state as the most catholic in the country. Today, Guanajuato’s mines are still among the richest-producing silver mines in the world (historically one of the largest).

I love this place.

... in their dad's clothing. It was incredibly cute, and I taped it...hope you enjoy it!

Also, for father's day, Samuel sang a song for his dad (Dany.) This, too was very cute. Although, he doesn't quite have the singing thing down yet...it's more of chanting, but cute none the less.

I'm posting both videos so you can experience what I have been...

... The teens were telling me I was a singer, from America, and I had kids...and I shaved my head. haha. I laughed and knew exactly who I was: Britney Spears. It occurred to me that, in this game the only American represented were Brad Pitt, Britney Spears, and Obama...made me wonder what they really think Americans are like, especially if Britney Spears is what they think of the U.S. for. haha.

Youth Group continued ...

... amazing, starting with the symphony, incorporating a bit of singing, and then moving into mariachi bands, synchronized dancing... etc. The down side was the filming,... after we watched the first song, the director came on stage and said they didn´t get the sound setup right, and so we watched it all over again. This quickly bécame the theme of the night and things dragged on, making the event last ...

... the city and took a funicular up to El Pipola, another revolutionary hero. It was very good to do this as we got a great view of the city and it was obvious that poverty exists also in Guanajuajo as you saw all the houses crushed together in the surrounding hillside. Collins then took a kitkat break in the hostel and I checked out the interior of the magnificent building Teatro Juarez, the best part of the day I believe and well worth the 1.50 USdollars I paid. I cut ...