Traveling to Guadalajara, Mexico

Well we are on the move again. We just got back from a week in Guadalajara, Mexico. It was our first trip to a big city on the mainland. Guadalajara is the second largest city in Mexico. We went with our neighbors, Pete and Trudy, who live across the street from us here in Cabo. The trip was to celebrate Trudy's 60th birthday. We've grown quite close to them over the past year. They have helped us with adjusting to life here in Cabo. They have lived here seven years but are originally from Longview, Washington. So, technically we were neighbors when we both lived in the Northwest.

Here are some of the highlights to our trip:

 

Here we stand in front of Los Arcos de Guadalajara. The arch above reads:
Guadalajara capital of the Kingdom of New Galicia founded in this place on 14 February 1542.

 

This statue of Minerva (a Roman goddess) is surrounded

 by the Agave Cactus used in making Tequila.

 

 

Outside this cathedral the local venders set up their tables to sell jewelry,

scarfs, shoes, food and many more things. (This is not like the money

changers in Jesus' day. Just local families trying to capitalize on the tourists)

 

We took a side trip to a town called Tonala. This is where you can buy Mexican

 clothing, pottery, furniture, mirrors, wrought iron, just about anything for your house. 

 

 

We also visited the town of Tlaquepaque (pronounced Ta-lak-a-pakie) which has more upscale shops and restaurants. Many of these buildings were actually the homes of wealthy families which were turned into stores and restaurants. It's a very charming place. They have a pedestrian only street that felt European. Just as we were getting  ready to leave a big thunderstorm started and drenched anyone who was caught off guard by it's quick arrival. (There is a theme here and it's called rain, every afternoon, and lots of it!) 

 

 

We ate dinner at a restaurant in Guadalajara called Santos Coyote that

was a big hit by all but especially with Trudy. It had paintings, sculptures,

art, and many fascinating things to look at. It was like a museum dedicated

to all kinds of spiritual things from the American Indian to Buddha.

 

The food was an experience as well.

 

We ended the meal with cake and a happy birthday song.

 

When we returned to our hotel, we went up on the roof  for some fresh air only

 to be surprised and entertained by a spectacular lightning show that was amazing!

 

The next stop on our journey was to a place called Lake Chapala. It has a very large Canadian and U.S. expat community. What a beautiful place! The weather is moderate and the people are friendly. It's no mystery why so many North Americans call this place home.

 

This is the view from our friends balcony. It rains this time of year so that is why everything is so green. The thunder storms were a sight to see. They rolled over the mountains, onto the lake, back up the mountain lighting up the sky with bolts of lightning and tremendous claps of thunder. We sat and watched the show under the protection of the porch.

 

This was a precious scene. The farmer came to milk

his goats and share the fresh milk with his children.

 

The street market that takes place every Wednesday and Saturday.

Again you can find local food, jewelry, rugs, clothes, art, just about anything.

 

Our last stop was a hacienda style hotel right in the middle of the lake town

 of Ajijic. This is the kind of house you picture living in in Mexico. It was stunning!

 

The walls surrounding the house and courtyard we beautifully landscaped. 

 

The courtyard had many amazing features like the table on the right

 of this picture. It is made from a large tree trunk carved into exotic animals.

 

 

Trudy and I relaxed by the pool and remembered our fun trip. It was very special for all.

 

The close of another adventure...