Bernardo, the property manager, picked us up at Appleby’s on the night that we arrived in Guanajuato and drove us to the casita (little house) that we rented via the internet. After passing el Centro, the historic downtown, the car began a steep ascent toward the top of the adjacent mountain. Almost at the top is a “ring road” called the Panoramica that essentially encircles Guanajuato in the valley(s) below. Our casita is on this road and has a magnificent view of town and the ring of mountains surrounding it. The lights of the city spread out below us, with the beautifully illuminated basilica in the center.
Despite these drawbacks, we are very pleased with the casita. The grounds feel very secluded and are well landscaped. Most of the conveniences are provided, but in somewhat reduced form. For example, I learned to my surprise that the clothes dryer is 4 lines strung across the laundry room, which is open to the sun. But Barbara is doing quite well cooking with a 4-burner gas cooktop (more like a camping stove) and a toaster oven. The gardens provide fresh herbs in addition to an abundance of flowers and hummingbirds. And we have wireless internet, so everything balances out!
Our casita.
Just kidding!
Our "casita" is actually one of three one-bedroom apartments in a small building on the grounds of a large house owned by a family from North Carolina. A high stone wall and metal gate separate us from the Panoramica. The big house, above, rents for $2,500 per month, and has 4 bedrooms, so it would be a great place for a group vacation.
As we enter the apartment, Barbara kept exclaiming, “Oh, it’s so cute,” and, “It’s so charming.” And it is. It’s about 500 square feet and consists of a bedroom, a living room, a dining area, the kitchen and a tiny bathroom. But the bathroom is NOT charming. In fact, it is so small that you almost have to sit sideways on the toilet. (Sorry; no pictues!)
The drawback for me has been the noise. The noise from the road and the dogs barking into the early morning hours is so bad that after three nights, I switched the bedroom and the dining room so that I can sleep farther from the noise.
Despite these drawbacks, we are very pleased with the casita. The grounds feel very secluded and are well landscaped. Most of the conveniences are provided, but in somewhat reduced form. For example, I learned to my surprise that the clothes dryer is 4 lines strung across the laundry room, which is open to the sun. But Barbara is doing quite well cooking with a 4-burner gas cooktop (more like a camping stove) and a toaster oven. The gardens provide fresh herbs in addition to an abundance of flowers and hummingbirds. And we have wireless internet, so everything balances out!
As Bernardo left us that first night, he told us that el Centro was just a ten-minute walk down the mountain – and only 35 pesos back up. We have taken his sage advice and walked up only once to prove we can. Money may not buy happiness, but it sure saves your legs!
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