Up to 40% of all the silver in the world derives from the province guanajuato and from the beginning oft he 16th century the spanish crown gained an immense wealth. Mostly indios were forced to work in the mines and as a “rewarding” they were given only a food ration. In the 18th century guanajuato was the richest city in mexico and the world leader in silver mining. Back in this time the most magnificent buildings and churches were build.

Whatever, the time of the “holy” inquisition wasn´t funny, especially for the indigenous population. The cruelty of the conquerors inspired the imagination in creating new torture instruments. Some are on display in a small museum (near the silver mines of valenciana).

My friends do know how critical i´m in behalf of religions and churches, but here is a story that needs to be posted:

“A legend tells,, that the spanish guy, who had opened the san ramon-mine nearby, has promised to holy san cayetano to build a church to his honor when the mine makes him wealthy”

But here comes my favorite: “Another telling wants to know that conde de rul, the silver baron from valenciana, wanted to build the most magnificent of all churches in the style of churrigierimus in expiation for torturing all his mine-workers.“

Probably the daily laborers of conde de rul had to build the church for a “god bless you” – anyhow it was for a needy cause.

some impressions from méxico’s second largest city.

If you don´t want to attract attention here, you should do everything with a surfboard under your arm, even going shopping. Long before sunset, the waiter picked up the chairs and the sun umbrellas and told us, we were welcome to sit a bit longer and if we want to have some cold dinks he recommended the neighboring oxxo (a small supermarket chain). Beach vendors offer everything from suggar candies to cigars, from hammocks to sun umbrellas. Those guys are not necessarily on the bright side.

… some more impressions from the market hall in mazatlán.