The loneliness of the part-time expat...conversation, anyone?

[Izzenhood]

DonJuane

In full disclosure, I don't live in Guanajuato but have considered moving there. On my last visit I was alone for a few days and realized that I knew nobody there on a first name basis, except for a couple of instructors at one of the Spanish schools. I've had a little experience with San Miguel and Chapala and agree with many of your observations. In both places there were plenty of Gringos to meet. However I find Guanajuato to be much more appealing; mainly because of the beauty and the potential to explore the surrounding areas. Then again I was 55 on my first visit in 2006, so the stairs and hikes to La Bufa or Valenciana are a little less appealing.
With that in mind, if I did move to Guanajuato I'd want to learn spanish and make some local/Mexican friends.

I've always thought that the quickest way to become part of the local society would be to take classes at the Spanish schools and participate in the intercambios that they offer. Intercambios are where you get together with locals who want to learn english and converse. Whether or not you make any Mexican friends, at least you would know some locals, plus you would know the Spanish instructors, and eventually you might be included or at least acknowledged by the locals.

Hopefully I'll get to Guanajuato again after all this blows over. Although I might never live there it's first on my list.

Stay safe.