Cafe Culture

On of my favorite things to do in Guanajuato is to hang out in one of the various cafes sprinkled throughout the city. It's so wonderful to be able to relax with a cup of hot chocolate or coffee and read a book or simply people watch. My friend Jessica and I are regulars at several cafes, but we also like trying out a new one every so often. Our favorites all have a unique atmosphere, wireless internet, a free bathroom and, most importantly, delicious hot chocolate.

Each cafe has a different personality and different types of patrons. Cafe Carcamanes is a favorite with the university students, probably because they offer wireless internet. The place is decorated with large photos and paintings of Guanajuato and there is a bookshelf full of the classics in Spanish. The Pasteleria La Calle del Sol has a unique idea for tables. They use old trunks and have put a clear glass top over the trunk. Under the glass there are photos and tickets and memorabilia from Guanajuato. This cafe is frequented by more business people than students. Their chocolate chip cookies are incredible and enormous. There is Bagel Cafetin, which serves actual bagels with cream cheese. It is a great break from quesadillas for breakfast, plus they have wireless internet and couches. Every time I've been in the cafetin, there have been a large number of tourists. I guess bagels are everyone's comfort food.

The one complaint I have with the cafes in Guanajuato is their failure to make a normal cup of brewed coffee. They make the coffee in an espresso machine and it usually ends up tasting slightly burnt. To top this off, they never give you milk or creamer, so the coffee is bitter like nobody's business. However, never fear. We have a Starbucks in the Jardin, and they know how to make coffee right.


So while my cafe experience began at Starbucks, it has been wonderful to spend time in the non-chain cafes. I've had the opportunity to chat with the employees and some of the other patrons. I've given advice to tourists about what to see and where to eat during their stay in Guanajuato. It's gotten me out of the house and provided me with a great place to do homework or just chat with a friend. I'm going to miss the convenience and the whole environment a lot when I get back to the States.