Sabado-Saturday

While we haven´t done anything that qualifies as exciting the past few days, every day brings new sights, sounds, and tastes. The weather remains gorgeous--in the 70´s, with clear blue skies. The picture to the right is the entryway to our Casa.

Yesterday we started with a long but easy walk to the

Fabrica Aurora. Since the 30's it was a fabric factory. (Every time I see a sign saying fabrica, I get excited, thinking it means fabric. But it is actually the word for factory) This fabric made cotton and manta fabric used throughout Mexico until the 1990's. It is now a facility for artists to display their works, and it is quite extensive. Some of the works, such as large metal sculptures, paintings, etc., are priced at well over $100,000. That is in American dollars!

One of the things that always makes us a bit nervous while traveling is the question of whether the ATM's will actually dispense money to us. We had troubles in Italy and Costa Rica until we called the banks at home, but our first attempt the other day was successful. That is worth a Woo hoo!

Most things here are such a bargain, and the American dollar is very strong. Currently 13 pesos

to the dollar. Dining out, buying in the little tiendas and markets are a great value. The other day we taxied to a large shopping center, and had our eyes opened. Electronic equipment, American-type home furnishings and clothing are off the charts. I feel for the locals in their efforts to maintain. However, buying local brands can save approximately 2/3.

This morning we walked to the nearby park, Jardin de Benito Juarez, and read in the sunshine. Then we walked some more, had iced tea at the Arte Instituto de Allende, and then I had my

first street taco. It was delicious and filled with pork, mushrooms, and spicy sauce. And all for about 50 cents. Then we picked up a few things for dining at home, including more sweet oranges for juice. After dropping them off at the apartment, we hiked up the hill to el Centro. I have wanted to try some of the limon ice sold at

the Jardin, and you can see I enjoyed it.

We are planning our trip to Guanajuato on Tuesday, as Monday is a national holiday, and we think it will be more peaceful and less crowded in the state capital then.

Here is a picture of our neighborhood security force.

Hasta luego, amigos!

Gayle y Pancho