Dolores Hidalgo! The town where the Mexican War of Independence from Spain was declared in 1810! That is reason enough for a visit! But I have to be truthful and admit that this is also where pottery is made. And I, for one, have always loved Mexican pottery.
So we put aside one day, woke up early and were off. On the road from Guanajuato to Dolores Hidalgo you go on winding roads up into the mountains. You stay on course around these curves for most of the trip. You are back to flatter land as you approach Dolores Hidalgo. (On the way there we took a taxi. But coming back we spotted the buses that make the trip coming and going. Just as easy to do.)
Every Flavor Under the Sun
Possibly the more exciting fact about Dolores Hidalgo is that you can get about fifty different varieties of sherbet there. They have more flavors than anywhere else in the world. Shrimp, for example, how about that? There is also tequila, appropriate when you consider where you are. I was looking forward to avocado. But, wouldn’t you know! The four stands in the four corners of the central park did not have avocado the day we were there.
Ceramics of Dolores Hidalgo
No avocado sherbet was OK since the real goal of our side trip was to check out the ceramics. Dolores Hidalgo is famous for the abundance of ceramics produced in the city. Local potters have been active in the production since Father Miguel Hidalgo shouted out the cry for independence. Father Miguel was obviously not only good in the matters of revolution, but also in business. He put the townspeople to work with clay and to this day the industry known as Talavera still flourishes.
Back at the square, we sat on benches and indulged in leisurely watching the citizens go about their business. Michael got his sherbet…mango and chile After being offered so many samples I was full of sherbet and opted out. But Michael ate his like a kid and told me how really delicious it turned out to be.
Nuestra Senora de los Dolores
Back at the square, we sat on benches and indulged in leisurely watching the citizens go about their business. Michael got his sherbet…mango and chile After being offered so many samples I was full of sherbet and opted out. But Michael ate his like a kid and told me how really delicious it turned out to be.
We found out there is a bus station close to the square and we fortunately arrived right on time for the departure to Guanajuato. The journey to and from Dolores Hidalgo was half the fun. Our route was through mountains and curves and beautiful countryside. And the buses connecting the cities of the state of Guanajuato are pleasant. Relaxing, too, as long as nobody steps too far down on the gas pedal.
I thought again about the sherbet. It isn’t really sherbet as we know it in the U.S.A. It is more like flavors on finely shaved ice. I noticed on the vendor’s sign in the photo today that the first flavor is Coca Cola. Dang! To be back again on a really hot day; Coca Cola sherbet. Sounds refreshing.
