You've made me sorry we missed this on our last trip to the area!

Thanks Stewbear. Would you also give us "MX colonial town junkies" a little updateon Guanajuato and your time there this month? What is up in Guanajuato? Where is you apartment, tell us about it, how is the weather, what are you eating. We are all ears and Fra and I need a dose.

My "apartment" is actually a 4 bedroom, 3 bath house with a lovely roof top patio. Locate in the Presa about a block from the Governor's Mansion. Just sort of fell into it. I got it at a bargain since I am only using one bedroom.
It's about a 20 minute stroll to The Jardin & all the activities. Buses run 5 pesos anywhere in town.
Attended the second opera in my life last night at a cost of 100 pesos. Try that in San Francisco!
The set menus at anywhere from 40 to 120 pesos are perfect for the budget traveler such as myself. Delicious stuff!
The sate fair just started in Leon, I am anxious to compare the Mexican version to the US ones.
My dear wife arrives next week. Her first time so it will be a great time showing her the sights.
She holds down the fort at home keeping the bills paid while I relax. I am so proud of her having just earned her PHD!
Of course I now must call her Dr. Linda at all times. LOL

Wow, her 1st time in Mexico Or her 1st time in Guanajauato?

Some colonial towns have those GREAT coidas set plates for lunch. I love that too. I had a place I went to in Morelia like that - get this, 35 pesos for Agua refresca, sopa, a chicken dish *sometimes a great mole) served w/rice, and a dessert. For less than $3. Oh and there is a young man from the nearby music school who plays poano at lunch there so you get free entertainment.

I also went to a great place recently in Merida in the centro called Margarita's. Very inexpensive comida, great solid meat choices, bread or tortilla, along w/agua refresca and dessert, for 45 pesos ($3.50)

Are you going to buy shoes in Leon?? Such great shoes there. You can have a pair custome fit and made just for your feet. I highly recommend it.

I most likely will purchase a leather coat & possibly a pair of boat shoes. As a retired sales guy I have a closet full of high end dress shoes so really no need for more.
Possibly some new hiking boots but they will have to be especially nice to top my Gortex Timberland's.
My wife on the other hand in spite of the fact that she has a shoe "room" will be paying I am sure for a extra bag or 2 traveling home.
Enough Said! LOL

PS Linda's first time to Guanajuato. I've been bring her to Mexico since we started dating in '92.
She has a love affair with Peru so does not always come with me now, but usually shows up for a week or three.

Let us know how LInda likes the town. It is always special to share a treasured place w/a loved one, although for me I always wonder beorehand will they see it as I do and love it as much. We know how much you love Guanajuato.

Thanks for this.....it's been too long since I've been to Mexico.

And remember that Dolores is the birthplace of one of the greatest songwriters of all time: Jose Alfredo Jimenez!

Do you rent a different place in Mexico each winter?

Yes his home is now a museo.
I spend 2 to 3 months in Zihuatanejo since I retired in '04. I usually go to one new place each visit, Hopefully Oaxaca in '14 as it is next on my bucket list.

Hey Stew:
I don't know how we can get in touch off the forum since I don't keep up too much on the rules. But if we could, I could hook you up with a great apartment rental in Oaxaca. I hesitate to post it here cuz I want to make sure its available when I want to go.