I'm conscious that time is ticking and that, I don't make an effort to push on, I could end up spending months in Mexico. This wouldn't be such a bad thing but , with so much more to discover in Central and South America, a better use of my time would be to press on. Travelling south, in a three day push, I passed from Zacatecas state through the states of Aguascalientes, Jalisco and now Guanajuato state. 
I contacted a Warm Showers host, Jesus Ivan, in Lagos de Moreno. He's working in Mexico City right now but his parents kindly offered to host me in their home. Great good, great company, I spent a lovely evening with them.
I love the Spanish word for swallow- 'golondrina'. They were roosting in their thousands in the town centre of Lagos de Moreno, quite a spectacle. Climate change is a global phenomenon; as happens In Europe some swallows are now overwintering here instead of migrating south for the winter.
Sunday night in Lagos de Moreno and the plazas were thronging with people. Evening paseos, ice cream and stalls selling sweets and decorations for the forthcoming día de los muertos celebrations. Also I was lucky enough to see some regional dances and...
...local musicians performing traditional Mexican music. Wow, these guys could really play! I was mightily impressed by their musicianship.
Moving on to Guanajuato I passed through the sprawling, industrial city of Leon. Not really a place to stop, lots of traffic and noisy highways. At least a couple of cycle lanes helped keep me safe.
It was a relief to reach Guanajuato after a long ride on the highways. 
Staying in a hostel again once more I was the only guest. A bit weird! Nice to have the run of the place and spend some more time in the kitchen. Cooking is a real novelty for me and I lap up the opportunity to make my own meals.
Getting into Guanajuato on a bike is not fun! Narrow roads, lots of traffic, steep slopes and several tunnels to navigate. Advice, take a moment to remove your sunglasses before riding throughout a tunnel. Common sense failure in my part...
Yes, the Spaniards plundered much mineral wealth from Mexico but what beautiful cities they left behind. The colonial architecture and peaceful plazas are very impressive.
Primary school kids buying sweets in anticipation of el día de los muertos. 
The celebrations run from 31sr October to 2nd November. I'm not sure quite what to expect yet. 
Guanajuato is the birthplace of one of Mexico's most famous artists, Diego Riviera. I hope to visit the home of his even more famous wife, Frida Kahlo, in Mexico City.
City vista.
No one to share the wifi with here so fast internet! Click here if you want to see me and hear my dulcet tones: Guanajuato post
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