Farewell Guanajuato!

I'll be the first to admit that these four weeks in Guanajuato have provided some personal challenges for me . . .

Nevertheless, I am grateful for the lessons learned and the insights gained during this journey.

I have a renewed appreciation for the many blessings I tend to take for granted.

Oh yes, of course, there are the creature comforts . . . unlimited hot water, a spacious home,  soft bed pillows, and ready access to any material object we might need . . .

                     Yes, the accommodations are spare . . .

 But, "Up on the Roof" is an oasis in the middle of a bustling, vibrant city where we can sit and sip while we listen to the musical revelry of those younger and more energetic than we.

Strategically placed Guanajuato plazas provide inviting spaces to gather day and night.  We see people reaching out to one another constantly . . . grandmothers walking hand-in-hand with grandchildren; couples strolling around the Jardin de la Union, arms interlocked; passionate embraces in out-of-the-way corners; young couples pushing strollers; children kicking their soccer balls around the benches . . . musicians seranading the diners in the open-air cafes, hoping for a few pesos in return; vendors selling all manner of arts and crafts.

 Mimes entertaining the crowd seated on the Teatro Juarez steps on Sunday afternoon and then passing the hat.

  School children practicing their dance steps in front of the school in Plaza Mexiamora, just up the street from us.
. . . People are SO accessible to one another here . . . and as a result, personal space is defined VERY differently!  Touch  - even between strangers approaching one another on the narrow sidewalks - is the norm.  My initial gringa response was to take personal offense.  I am SLOWLY realizing that frequent bumps are not meant as a personal affront, as they might be in the US culture . . . .
I find myself taking a step back, assessing my reactions, and accepting cultural standards and behaviors as they are . . .  easier to do as departure time draws near!