I am hoping to learn more about Guanajauto. I have not been there and am wondering what it is like, how busy, how touristy, is it a walkable small city? What festivals do they celebrate? How are the restaurants? Any little shops? I would love to hear what others think of the town. Any suggestions of good websites about Guanajauto?

I am considering two Spanish language schools there, Academia Falcon and Escuela Mexicana. I am trying to find a school with a good/fun children's program so that my nine year old daughter can study Spanish, too. Falcon sounds very nice, from their website, but I am wondering if it is in a convienent location. Any information about either school would be super helpful.

Also wondering about homestays in Guanajuato.

Thank You!

oops,Guanajuato

Did you study in Guanajuato? My wife and I want to study there in October of 2006. There are four schools which come up in internet consortia --- Academia Falcon, Escuela Mexicana, Don Quijote and Miguel de Cervantes. Can you give me any info about how to compare them? Thanks. How are you doing with your Spanish?

Dave Wells

I spent a summer studying in Guanajuato about 10 years ago - it was through the university there, and Ohio State - but it was a great experience. We also visited Guanajuato again 2 Christmases ago - the city remains a great one.

The main city is small and walkable. We walked everywhere we went, although there is a small bus system. There are many things for tourists to do, but it isn't overrun by knee socks and sandal-wearing tourists. You will find people from all over the world studying at the university. Restaurants are good and there are plenty of little shops, although I'm not exactly sure what kind of shops you're specifically looking for.

It's a great city with lots of culture. Definitely visit the Museo Casa Diego Rivera - the artist's childhood home which is now a museum. Also the city's museum. El Pipila is a great monument that overlooks the city and gives fantastic views! You can also head to the mummy museum if you're interested in real mummies. I never did it, but it's apparently quite a sight!

It's truly a great place to visit! I have plenty of pictures if you're interested. I'd be happy to email you some. Just let me know.

We were in Guanajuato last February for a few days and foud it to be small and charming, with a very European flavor. The center area is very walkable and reminded our friends of Sienna. The presence of the thousands of university students gives the town a youthful, upscale feeling. Yet it is not "touristy," and you may have trouble getting around without at least basic Spanish. The jardin, a pie-shaped marble-paved area fronted by hotels and restaurants along one side, anchors the center of town. A nearby funicular goes up to a vantage point overlooking much of the area. Guana juato celebrates the Cervantes Festival, but I'm not sure what the dates are. The town has an elaborate network of underground roads, which I think are left over from its silver mining days. The silver mines also made it an extremely prosperous city in the colonial era, accounting for the elaborate, well-preserved colonial architecture.

While not as active as ours, the Trip Advisor Forum for Gto. has lots of good info.
M (SMdA, Gto.)

I, too, am interested in any websites or online periodicals about Guanajuato as my husband and i are intereseted in moving either to there or to San Miguel. It is a huge decision. One of our concerns, of course, is the price of real estate, but one of mine is that I am seeking at least one English speaking AA meeting in Guanajuato. Does any one of of any?

I don't have personal experience but some coworkers of mine spent a few weeks at the Cervantes school in August and had a wonderful experience. I emailed back and forth with the director of the Academia Falcon and was very impressed. Sounds like Guanajuato would be a great place to study. Please let us know what you decide and how you like it - I may follow in your footsteps. Happy trails!

I am interested in Guanajuato schools also. I think there is one that sits up on one of the hills overlooking the town. Having been in Guanajuato as a tourist I would think it would be better to be in the center of the city to get the flavor. It is one of my favorite places in Mexico, but I have not studied there.

m,
There is at least one and probably other English language Al-Anon (Fri 10:00) and AA (Mon 16:00) group in Gto.
Meetings at Plazuela Mexiamora behind Teatro Principal bet. fountain and #12.
If you are not able to get the contact info from google, send me an e-mail as I have a tel # and e-mail addy in both Gto. and SMdA.
M (SMdA, Gto.)

Hey, Mike! Yes, if you don't mind, i would love to have your email and some phone numbers. As I said, as yet we are undecided about which place we will wind up in, but it will probably be Guanajuato.

Thanks, Manuela

Hola Manuela,
The info on the www.tripadvisor.com forum for Gto is great.
Tel (011 52) 473 732 1605
[email protected]
for GTO.
In SMdA, many but (415) 152 5110 for a start.