Aloha Everyone,
“Thank you” to those who emailed asking about our safety in the aftermath of the 7.2 magnitude earthquake in México. Though the residents of México City were shaken by the tremors and aftershocks, we were not affected in Guanajuato. Noticing that centuries old churches and temples proudly standing, we interpreted to mean that Guanajuato is off the earthquake zone.
This morning J.J. and I took an Uber to Valenciana about a 30 minutes drive from the city center. The driver skillfully navigated in and out of underground tunnels. We passed through 4 tunnels on the way and 6 on the return trip.
Valenciana is said to be one of the main silver mines in México. Many of the churches and fine mansions In Guanajuato were built from the money earned from the silver mines.
Our driver stopped near the entrance of “Boca Mina San Ramon”. There were 5 minibuses ahead of us each packed with 20 plus passengers. J.J. is not a fan of subterranean attractions. I would have to wait for at least 30 minutes. I satisfied myself with photos of the entrance and views of the mountain range before heading back to town.
At noon, preparations were ongoing at the Union Garden and in the front of Teatro Juarez. A foot race was to take place at 7:00 pm. 1,000 runners were expected to participate, each paying MXN 350 for 7K and MXN 400 for 11K.
By the time we returned to the area for dinner at 6:15 pm, the plaza was packed. Music, gentle evening breeze, happy chatter of people all added to the festive atmosphere.
The life J.J. and I are experiencing in Guanajuato is simple. It is an old world charm. It is gentle and nonaggressive. Greeting passerby’s with smiles and “¡Buenas noches!” come from the heart. The two of us feel very comfortable at our temporary home.
Aloha -- Cathi
