We all piled into a van and headed out to Dolores Hidalgo, the town in which the declaration of independence occurred in 1810. On our way we navigated windy mountain roads no wider than would allow for two small sized cars. Our van was passing oncoming trucks twice it's size...oh and it was very foggy!! We happened to also pass through some falling rocky areas where rocks...no, boulders were still strewn across the road. Then after passing safely through the treacherous mountainous pass we had to stop abruptly for the rancher herding his cattle across the road. I love Mexico!!
We arrived in Dolores Hidalgo and found ourselves at the foot of the steps to the cathedral there. At the top of the steps Hidalgo declared Mexico's independence (Grito de Dolores) from Spainish colonial occupation. He and some others then went from the steps to a building in the same square and took some government workers hostage. This is seen as one of the first acts of the war of independence.
We then moved on to Miguel Hidalgo's house in Dolores Hidalgo (the town Dolores was re-named in his honor). Again we were not allowed to take pictures without a fee, so I snuck a few pictures of the interior. It was a quick tour, not worth what we paid...but neat to see nevertheless.
A statue was erected in the square in honor of him and includes the phrase "Sacrificio en Chihuahua", he is definitely revered as a martyr in Mexico. Around the perimeter of the square there are many ice cream vendors that sell some amazing treats. The most unique is the variety of flavors that include avacado, tequila, cervesa, and salsa...I stuck with vanilla...it was fantastic!
From Dolores Hidalgo we arrived at La Gruta, a hot spring outside the city. It was incredibly wonderful to relax and take a load off in the crystal clear spring water pools. We spent nearly three hours there just hanging out and enjoying some palomas (Squirt soda, lime juice, and tequila in a salt-rimmed glass). We had such a blast!
After the La Gruta we made a quick trip to San Miguel de Allende. We only had about 20 minutes in the city which is about the same size as Guanajuato. We were able to see the main square in the city with a very dynamic cathedral, La Parroquia, in it's center. Hopefully we will have a chance to return soon before we leave.
We then made the trip back to Guanajuato, it was nice to return after a long day and get a good night's rest before work in the morning.
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