For our last day in GTO we wanted to have brunch at Casa Valadez, one of the nicer restaurants in town on the Jardin de la Union and right in front of the famous Teatro Juarez. And therein lies a story:

I had researched the history of the restaurant and noted that the chef was a young woman by the name of Karen Burstein  (nee Karen Valadez.)  As we were waiting for our food, a woman was seated across from us at a table that normally seats six people.  We thought that a bit strange since no one was with her.  She also appeared to be a university student since she was carrying a backpack when she came in and casually dressed. And even stranger was the fact that a head waiter drank from a coffee cup on her table  and spoke with her like they were old friends. At some point I had asked our waiter who the chef was, and he said that it was Karen Burstein.  After we were served, had  finished eating and about ready to ask for the check, the young woman across from us stood up, came over to our table and introduced herself as Karen Burstein, the chef and granddaughter of the founder of the restaurant!  

Our new friend, Karen Burstein-Valadez.

                                                                                                         

Miscellaneous photos that didn't make first cut


Scout troop in GTO
Los muertos cutie


                                                         Tapete; it's a family affair

Starbucks in SMA; only place in town that opens early! All other coffee shops open at 8:30. What!!! 😞


Death be not proud

Los Muertos parade; lots of VWs in GTO

                        It's Guanajuato, but I imagine it could be New Orleans

The St. Francis prayer by his statue in Hacienda Barrera
Translation:

"Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. 

Where there is hatred, let me sow love; 

Where there is injury, pardon; 

Where there is discord, harmony; 

Where there is error, truth; 

Where there is doubt, faith; 

Where there is despair, hope; 

Where there is darkness, light; 

Where there is sadness, joy. 

O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; 

To be understood as to understand; 

To be loved as to love; 

For it is in giving that we receive; 

It is in pardoning that we are pardoned; 

And it is in dying that we are born to eternal life."

St. Francis





Comments

  1. ChrisNovember 9, 2025 at 5:26 PM

    It has been so wonderful reading your blog these past two weeks. Thank you for sharing all the amazing photos and your experiences. 😊❤️

    ReplyDelete

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