DAY 9-GUANAJUATO and the MUMMY MUSEUM

Well it was still raining this morning so we took an adventure to Guanajuato.  It is about an hour and 15 minutes away.  Our friend recommended we go there because it is beautiful and the boys would like the Mummy Museum.   Just getting anywhere in Mexico is an adventure.  The roads are not great.  (I think Dexter has talked about that.)

So we're realizing that whenever we have any expectations of where we are going, they are totally wrong.  For example, I went to the spa yesterday.  It was at one of the nice hotels in town and recommended by the homeowner.  I arrive expecting it to look like a Hyatt in Scottsdale, complete with luxurious lounge chairs and a nice steam room.  Nope...that's not it at all.  It's in a small garage like building.  There is no heat and its raining and cold.  The masseuse says, "I just can't get my hands warm, I hope they're OK."  Now in America we would have a fit at this, because our expectations are different.  It ended up being a pretty good massage, once I got over my preconceived notions of what a spa looks like.

Another example, La Guta, the hot springs.  The reviews we've read rave about how wonderful it is.  Again I think it will be similar to a Scottsdale.  Nope...that's not it at all.  It is crowded.  The changing rooms are in little cave like buildings.  Our first thought is, "I thought it would be nicer than this."  Actually, the changing rooms are all very clean.  We manage to find a comfy chair for Dexter to read in.  There is a simple, old school swing set that the boys are thrilled with and a great grassy area to order lunch.  So once we get over our expectations it ends up being just fine.  

The Mummy Museum is the same way.  There is a beautiful website that tells about the collection and includes there is a  parking lot for 7 pesos an hour ($0.54). (Mummy Museum website) Well the parking lot is packed, there are a ton of people milling around, selling their wares, its wet and muddy. We're a tad overwhelmed.  There is one space left at the end of the lot.  To quote Dexter, "Thank you, Jesus." There is a long line to get in the museum but we decide to stick it out.  It just isn't what we pictured in our heads.

It is more of a tour through the museum.  We can pick up bits and pieces of what they are telling us and there are a few signs in English.  It's definitely more fun when you can understand what you are looking at.  Dexter didn't think they were really mummies.  More like people that died and they dug them up.  One died in 1941 and was exhumed in 1946.  One was dug up because the family couldn't pay for the burial.  So some interesting stories, but not ancient mummies.  

The worlds smallest mummy.  A 6 month old fetus.

This was the only mummy with pants on.  Why?

Eating in another town is always a challenge, but much to the kids delight we found a mall food court with a McDonalds.  It hit the spot for everyone.  

The really exciting part of the day happened on the way back to SMA.  We approach a T in the road and there are policemen standing outside a police tow truck in the median.  Dexter makes a complete stop and turns and the policemen flags us over to stop.  Our hearts start beating a mile a minute.  These are the local police, not the federal, and we've heard they are more dishonest.  We roll the window down and the policeman hands us a brochure on how to prevent your car from getting stolen and waves us on our way.  We let out a huge sigh of relief, and try to catch our breath.   In Mexico you are guilty until proven innocent so we have a long discussion with the kids about what that means and how that's different from the US.

We are crossing things off our to do list and think we will begin driving home on Tuesday.  We still have a few more adventures to share with you in the next few days.