Oaxacabound

Day 8

I found a horseback riding provider that would accept single riders in this city about 90 mins from San Miguel. I was directed to meet transport at a downtown museum at 3 pm. As you descend out of the mountains, there are clusters of motorcycle policemen waiting to give you free maps. I stopped, told him where I was headed and asked his advice on hotels. He talked to me for 10 mins, giving me pros and cons, alerting me about parking issues, etc then offered to escort me…a cop!

I politely declined, but I wish I took him up on it. This is a former mining town with streets impossible to navigate, a whole network using old tunnels under the city where you lose GPS.

Here’s a quick peek at the city:

There’s almost no street parking unlike most of Mexico, but I found an estacionamiento near my hotel, checked in and walked to the museum. At 2:50 I got a text message, my reservation had been declined. I booked the day before, no problems, but 10 mins before showtime they pulled. The solo traveler curse strikes again.

But who cares? I discovered the greatest experience anyone can have. I know, I said that about Puente de Dios….that was the greatest “think I might die” experience ever. This is all about silliness and fun. There’s a group of musicians that lead walking tours thru the city every night where they encourage/force everyone to dance and sing whether they know Spanish or not. And guess what? The leader actually called on me during the “where are you from” intro…damn straight! I proudly answered “The country of Texas and the city of Oaxaca!”

Here’s a bit of the 2 hours:

My first impression of Guanajuato? Everyone should visit here before they die. More tomorrow…