So…I am in Mexico…in the Midst of a Pandemic
Being a permanent nomad can be a bit confusing. I often am asked, “Where are you from?” and I find myself in a pickle. How do I answer? Especially now…when I am supposed to be “home”—wherever that is—self-quarantining/laying low/whatever the correct living situation de jour is in the United States.
I don’t have a permanent home/address. This is something that kind of evolved after my last trip abroad, when I planned to be gone for six months and just kinda’ forgot to go home for two years. I was in my home town (the one where I was raised) of Corpus Christi, Texas when COVID hit. I have no problem staying put. I have lots of creative projects to work on that don’t require me to go out much. And I stayed put for 5 months, but a situation arose that required me to move.
I could have just gotten a different place to live in Corpus, but instead, my itchy feet kicked in. So my daughter and I embarked on a three-month road trip around the western USA. It was great…until it got too cold to sleep in a tent. So we bunkered down in Arizona for a while.
By February, I needed to find a more affordable place to live. Besides, I was ready to re-immerse in another culture. So I took the plunge to move to Mexico until…well…whenever.
I do a lot of research before moving on to another place and by the time I arrive, I am pretty comfortable in my surroundings. I chose Guanajuato because it is a bit off the tourist track and it has a reputation for being clean and safe. I also loved the photos I saw of this colorful city. AND, I found an AirBnb room that was affordable and beautiful.
Guanajuato
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Once I was here, I found that the population is taking COVID at least as seriously as they do in Arizona and Texas. Cubrebocas (masks, or literally “cover mouth”) are required everywhere and almost everyone wears them on the street. (Oh…hmmm…I guess that is not true in Texas anymore.) Sanitizer is ubiquitous.
I go out to get groceries, and a couple times a week I go to the almost-empty café down the street to enjoy chiliquiles or a sandwich. Otherwise, I continue to enjoy my creative projects in my beautiful room overlooking the city.
So…here are a few photos of my time in this small city that I guess is “home” for now.
First, the Food…
Walking Around Town…
Guanajuato is full of lovely, restful, shady plazas and parks. Often the trees have been pruned in a squarish pattern that is characteristic of the city’s style.
Coming “Home”…
By the time I reach my place, I am happy to see this door…that opens out to the foyer, courtyard, and view beyond.
Other Travel Stories You May Enjoy
I Got Naked for My Birthday in Istanbul
Eliff led me to the bath chamber where hot water was run into large basins. We could temper the water with a cold tap if we wanted to. But you want to use it as hot as you can stand.
A Ship in the Harbor is Safe…
On Saturday, the day after I arrived in Arequipa, I decided that I would go and explore the city on my own….it was quite an experience as I learned how to dodge taxis and try not to let the sights and sounds overwhelm me.
Fiesta del la Candelaria in Arequipa
There was a group of women right next to me and one of them handed me her beautiful shawl and hat to put on. We laughed as I modeled for the camera.
2 thoughts on “So…I am in Mexico…in the Midst of a Pandemic”
It’s beautiful! Everywhere you go makes me want to join you. Love the pictures.
Glorioso! Your research pays off once again. You have such a knack for finding primo civilizations!
Thanks for sharing Cathy!