Once upon a time in Mexico
Guanajuato… What can I say that I haven’t already said to myself. This place was awesome! Picture yourself in a semi-remote part of the mountains of central Mexico (if you can’t, get a map and look at it while I splain myself through the keyboard). Okay, picturing yourself in the mountains of central Mexico -you’re wading through the smog, strong sense of stink (deisel or pig you pick) and a visual cacophany of bright colored buildings, hard working people and seemingly endless tunels…poof you’re in Guanajuato. The smog didn’t last long but your senses seemed to intensify the moment you got out of the taxi. The people -everywhere, all types from the working poor to the social elites where co-mingling, dancing, singing and just getting along.
The weekend was supposed to be all about a wedding that we were going to crash but it ended up being a personal trip to reflect on your own mental health, insecurities, and the fact that you really did pay more attention to you spanish teacher than your grade reflected. I would love to re-take that spanish verbal exam that I failed. Boy would I have something to say now. I don’t really think that a formal education in spanish is the way to go unless you feel like abusing your head and wallet by not absorbing it from behind the desk. I feel like I did just fine with a one-sided conversation where I listened and learned. In fact, whenever I wanted something I was able to get it without too much trouble except for that time when I gave the poor old street man 10 pesos to let me take his photo and he walked away -I got revenge on his soul when I stole it later that night on the way to drink more Victoria cerveza at one of our many reoccuring night spots.
Speaking of beer, I have met my new love in the frosted barley industry- Victoria cerveza has done to me what only oxygen could provide. Not to mention the sweet price this street swill afforded me. This kind beer invited me into its world, took me by the hand thoughout all the understandings as well and those mis-understood. We touched lips almost all day long and never had one sour misunderstanding, I knew my place and it knew its place.
As far as the sites and sounds of the city, I spent most of my time looking at the finer details through a camera lens that made everything upside down and reversed left to right. What I can tell you is that I now have more images to decorate my home and the homes of anyone else who wants to buy some prints -wink, wink, nudge, nudge (more info to follow).
First of all the churches were something out of Europe but with a Mexican flare. It was my understanding that there were a total of 21 churches in the city and at least 7 of those I would consider calling a cathedral because of the size and shape of the buildings. The 5 that I went into were all Spanish classical with some hints of late high gothic in the alters. Most all were made out of soft sand and lime stone that stains through the years due to pollution and other elements like fires. What amazed me most of all was the number of these large churches and their supporting communities.
The single most interesting thing inside the churches was the fact that the Mexican people have a fascination with Jesus looking in severe pain- blood all over the body but with exceptionally beautiful hair - a long flowiing wig that Cher could have worn during that video where she straddles that large gun on some US Navy battleship. They even dress Christ according to the time of the year as well as all the religious holidays…so like on easter sunday they put bunny ears on his wig and a lucky rabbits foot on his wrist nail.
I have so much to say so I’m going to break up my thoughts throughout the days and start posting photos ASAP
If I learned one thing on this trip that would have to be wake up at the crack of dawn, get your shots out of the way when all the people are still sleeping and be sure to talk to as many strangers as possible. The people are incredible, the food is great unless you order italian in spanish and most importantly it is your responsibility that the culture remain untainted by your expectations, desires, accustoms.