Carrying out the chores of everyday life meant that we walked an average of 3 miles (4.8 km), and sometimes as much as 5 miles (8 km) a day. Since much of the city is spread over several hills, we were constantly walking up and downhill.   Great exercise! Oh, I almost forgot to mention that the city lies at 6,200 ft (1,900 m) elevation.  That took a while to get used to!

Most homes have rooftop terraces with beautiful panoramas of the mountains to the West.

Intricate architectural details adorn many buildings.

As one walks along alleys and cobblestone streets, one can get a glimpse inside galleries, courtyards and windows….

HACIENDAS:  On two separate occasions, while eating in a restaurant, we struck up conversations with local expats.  There is a camaraderie between foreigners living on foreign soil!  Before we knew it, we were being invited to visit their homes!

The above Hacienda, which is several hundred years old, doesn’t look very impressive from the outside, but inside it was beautiful, with gorgeous details and stunning views from the rooftop gardens. When the owners are not staying there, you can rent the house for $350 a night!  That does include a maid and breakfast!

This other Hacienda was even older and was right downtown It could have been in any designer magazine!  We sat around in the outdoor living room (lower right photo), listening to stories of the joys and challenges of living in Mexico.  Our lives have truly been enriched by meeting these warm, interesting and charming people!

Unfortunately beggars do roam the streets, ranging from young women with small children to old ladies.  But one can buy genuine crafts on the street.

Oh look! There is the dog-walker and there is a party-goer rushing to perform at some festivity or other!

One day sitting in the Jardin, we had a ring-side seat to a parade of Cowboys, celebrating a religious festivity.

 

 

And this ‘ole Cowboy brought up the rear of the parade!

The warm lights of the night caressed our senses as we headed home.