Today both Paula and I are now sharing my cold bug, so our physical activity was less ambitious than previous days.  We walked up to the Presa de la Olla,  the main dam that provides the city's non-potable tap water.  It's surrounded by restaurants, many simply outdoor stalls, some government offices that are housed in mansions quite ornate leftover from the silver-mining barons, and homes that rise up steeply on three sides.  On the way to the dam is one of the city's most attractive parks, Florencio Antillon Park, where we sat and enjoyed the solitude.

    Returning, we stopped at La Victoriana, a restored Victorian manor now a restaurant-cafe, for a latte and Burnt Basque cheesecake, putting back all the calories we had "burnt" on our walk.  After a nap and rest in our apt, we explored the nearby park Embajadoras, which has a large market and several food vendors, a fountain without water, tree-lined walkways and populated with people who appear to be  locals. 

    While searching for a Japanese bakery called "Mucho Pan," we bumped into a lady from Houstan, Texas (Sunday Sommers) who happily showed us the way to the bakery which was closed.  She has lived in GTO with her husband for 12 years and has an amazing story but, not to try your patience, it will have to be told at a later time.  Suffice to say she (74, a former RN) and husband David (83, a former microbiologist) are active in an organization called Brillantes Caminantes (brilliant walkers or journeyers) which sponsors poor students who cannot afford higher education but who test very high academically. She invited us back to her nearby home to meet her several cats and husband and watch a video about one of the students who, not only graduated from the University to become a veterinarian, but lived with them while at the U.  Check out the website for the organization which is very impressive (BCgto.org).

La Presa (dam) with La Bufa in background

Statue in front of U of GTO teacher's college on way to dam


VW bus decked out for Dia de los Muertos


Girl celebrating her "Quinceanara" or 15th birthday when she is now ready to formally date.  It's a really big deal!






Comments

  1. Elizabeth JeanNovember 6, 2025 at 11:39 PM

    How fun to meet someone who lives there. I'm sorry to hear that you are both feeling the effects of the cold but "good on you" to get out regardless! xoxo

    ReplyDelete

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