It's interesting learning about people and seeing how some live with much less money than we do here in the US.  Some of them look happy and judging by the warmth and family feel the exude, they look very happy. 

They celebrate, they dance, they play music, they enjoy life, even if it is hard and they work hard, very hard.  We saw people hauling incredible weights on their backs up the steep hills of the city.  These folks still have what it takes.  They have the hunger. 

They also have an intrinsic feel for family, love children, unite, bond and are filled with an intelligent form of patriotism, that of being together, not necessarily the one representing the might of their nation.  They are humbled, we are not, or haven't been in a while… or yet.  To think we have everything, from big houses to big cars, super sweetened and enriched food, we try to look tough a la Hollywood images of sex and violence but we can't even drink our coffees without 5 sugars packs.  For all the material wealth we have, we should be happy, and some are.  If you are agile enough to not look at the doom and fear mongers in the news that can fill people with attitudes, you are doing well.   We have plenty of ideas on how the rest of the world should work.  These people in Guanajuato were true people, had real smiles, and though they had no way near the accumulated wasted wealth we have here, they know how to have fun.

It was an amazing experience and a real eye opener. I saw what I have gained from my travels and what I almost lost.  I am happy to be alive and aware.

What else can I say about beautiful Guanajuato?

The architecture is very pleasing in a European way.  It's a mixture of old European big homes and smaller ones dressed with remarkable colors.  Massive wooden doors ornate these sumptuous homes in the city, decorated with fresco balconies.  If it wasn't for the color scheme, I would feel as if I was in France somewhere. 

Sometimes I wonder what would it be coaching here in this environment.  I'm sure coaching could bring a lot to these people, especially the ones who are hard working and motivated.  I wonder what their challenges are, besides the obvious things.  What are their limitations?  As I see some of these people crossing themselves 4 times walking in front of churches, I can't help but think what catholic upbringing can do to people.  I was born and raised in a part of France that is very much old fashion catholic… or maybe was.  Even though I have no religion but clearly aim to get the the source of life in as a direct way as possible, I wonder if these people embrace their original religion and philosophy one day?  They can be proud of it and the world could only benefit from these ancient ways… especially in our troubled times.  Sometimes I see local natives, the ones with the dark skinned faces and their eyes speak volumes.  They look as if they have accepted this invading religious visitor but something in their eyes say that the tradition is still there… hidden, but there.  I want to know them better.  I want to learn from them what we have forgotten.  Surely the middle road is always best, embracing modern times while keeping ancient wisdom.  But I digress…

Fiesta, All Day And All Of The Night.
For everyone.  Fascinating how such hard working people can party and enjoy that togetherness feeling so much.  Mexicans party, dance, sing, play music and grab the moment to celebrate.  Celebrate what?  My romantic notion of their lives say probably a hard one with little money which translates into a lot of celebrating.  The Mariachos were everywhere.  Some good, some not so good but each touching in a kind, dear old man way.  And those sombrero mustaches!  We saw a few religious festivities that frankly felt more an excuse to drink and be merry than have deep spiritual revelations.  Then again, Tequila can work wonders on you.

This picture was taken on a Thursday night.  No idea what celebration that was but it was fun. 

The only ones who do not party, or at least in front of us were poor people and dogs.  For as kind and warmhearted Mexicans can be with us, they show little to no compassion for the less fortunate.  Maybe a sign of, been there, don't want to be reminded?  However, I can help to shake off the sad feeling when they dismiss a poor person or a stray dog, especially coming from such a religion that preaches kindness and help of the less fortunate.  My heart was broken a few times seeing the disdain.  A poor dog, hungry, skinny, trying to survive would see legs kicking him.  Poor thing is just trying to survive… as we all are.  It was too much for me.  I took a big piece of bread and gave it to him.  He started to trust me, slowly.  He let me pet him.  Finally, he put his chin on my bent leg and just rest there as I caressed him with gentle words.  It was especially sad because he was looking for warmth and friendship.  Surely at one point, this dog had tasted the warmth of human companionship.  That was the very sad part of the trip.  What a softy, westerner I am…  Still I wish him well, good trip and to find a good home.  I actually, wish he starts to look up.  Look up at the light, whatever it might be and get out of this mess.  However, it might be.  As I'm writing this on the airplane, I can still feel the feel of this dog, looking for warmth in a safe of left over food and people kicking him.  Urgh, what's wrong with people who have hard lives and make less fortunate suffer even more?  I can't stand suffering.  It's too painful.