Guanajuato: Where Colors Captured My Heart

So there I was, minding my own business, scrolling through my travel feed, when Guanajuato strutted in like it owned the place - brighter than a parrot at a salsa party! With colors so vibrant, it felt like the city had taken a paintbrush and gone wild after one too many coffees. So, away we did go! And you know what? I loved every second of it! So much so, that I’ve been back again, and again, and…you get the picture!

Getting Lost… on Purpose!

Navigating the streets of Guanajuato is like playing a quirky game of ‘Find Waldo’—except Waldo is my sense of direction, which promptly decided to take a permanent vacation. You turn a corner, and suddenly, you’re standing in front of a pink facade with a staircase that looks like it’s auditioning for a movie. Spoiler alert: getting lost is not just a possibility; it’s practically a rite of passage. And let me tell you, it always leads to a delightful surprise, like an unexpected street musician jamming out in a way that makes your Spotify playlists feel inadequate.

A Guided Walk (or “Follow the Leader”!)

To kick off explorations, we went on a guided walking tour of the town. Picture this: a charming local guide dressed in the finest Man from La Mancha garb ever seen, and with more energy than a double espresso, leading a group of tourists on a march through the cobblestone streets, stopping at every other corner - that's right, in Guanajuato, even corners have stories! I learned about the legendary “Callejón del Beso,” where couples supposedly visit to smash their faces together for good luck. I mean, who knew romance could be so... coincidental?

Museums Galore!

Don’t even get me started on the many historical museums, garden museums, art museums, and the famed Don Quixote Museum that pepper the landscape of Guanajuato! Each museum feels like a treasure chest waiting to be unlocked, filled with stories that whisk you away to different eras and artistic expressions. The historical museums offer fascinating glimpses into the city’s rich past, while the garden museums bloom with vibrant flora that could give any Instagram account a run for its money. And let’s not forget the art museums, where I marveled at stunning works that made me reconsider my own stick-figure drawing skills. But the crown jewel has to be the Don Quixote Museum—where the spirit of La Mancha comes alive and you can’t help but feel a little like a knight errant yourself, ready to tilt at windmills or at least enjoy a good laugh over a goofy statue or two! There’s the Museo de las Momias -  the perfect place to ponder the important questions of life - like, why wasn’t I wearing my best outfit when I turned into a mummy?  Oh, and the Museo Diego Rivera, dedicated to the famed painter. His childhood home was more colorful than a Pinterest board after a design binge. I stood in awe, contemplating whether I should take up painting or just stick with my current talent of effectively coloring outside the lines.

Each and every visit to each and every museum is like a delightful scavenger hunt, where knowledge and whimsy collide, leaving you wondering how one city manages to pack in so much culture without bursting at the seams

Tunnels of Fun!

Guanajuato is known for its subterranean roads, and walking through them is like stepping into a real-life video game. The tunnels twist and turn like a maze, and you half expect a giant creature to pop out and challenge you to a battle. Thankfully, the only monsters were parked cars, but you know, still terrifying when you’re trying to navigate and not trip over your own feet.

And let me tell you, locals zip through those tunnels like they’re in a Formula 1 race! Meanwhile, I waddled my way through, trying not to channel my inner cartoon character slipping on a banana peel.

Cultural Shenanigans

What I didn’t expect was to stumble upon a local festival  – on every trip! Picture this: locals dancing like they were born on a dance floor, and me, standing on the sidelines, two left feet glued to the ground. But did that stop me? Of course not! I joined in with the grace of a baby giraffe. Seriously, I think I invented several new dance moves. It’s called “The Semi-Awkward Shuffler.” My hope is that someone is now documenting this groundbreaking dance style for future generations!

A Love Affair with Food

Let’s talk about the food - every meal felt like a mini-vacation for my taste buds. I took a leap of faith and ordered enchiladas mineras, and what a leap it was! Little did I know they were going to be digging their way straight to my heart (and stomach). My taste buds quite openly packed their bags and moved in for the party! Spicy salsa and melted cheese joined forces in a culinary dance that could only be described as magic.

But that was just the beginning. Each dining experience became an adventure, from savoring savory tamales wrapped in fragrant banana leaves to indulging in mouthwatering tacos al pastor, loaded with juicy marinated pork that seemed to make my taste buds do a happy dance. And let me not forget about the street vendors with their tantalizing grilled elotes seriously—how is it possible to love corn on a stick so much? Drenched in lime, cheese, and chili powder, they provided the perfect, messy snack .

Scenic Views and Stairmaster Levels

After a tactical decision to ignore all available transportation, I found myself climbing a hill to one of the scenic viewpoints. It was the kind of cardio workout that would put your treadmill to shame! But once I reached the top and caught my breath, the view was worth every wheeze. The sunset felt like a scene from a romantic movie - complete with dramatic clouds and me trying to look cute while gasping for air. I’m pretty sure love was in the air… along with the sound of my heavy breathing in the least sexy way imaginable.

Guanajuato has absolutely stolen my heart (and possibly my waistline). I might go for the sights, but I stay for the food, the music, and the undeniable vibe that runs through its very veins. If you’re looking for a destination that will sprinkle joy and tacos into your life, don’t think twice - grab your suitcase and your appetite, and let Guanajuato work its magic!