Guadalajara Day 2

October 28, 09
Guadalajara
Today we visited and explored the central city of Guadalajara. Another interesting bus ride to the center of town and then out to see the sights. Fortunately, they are all in close proximity as walking was about the only means of transportation for us.

First was the main cathedral. Just absolutely immense taking up a whole block with twin spires and two domes. Started in 1630 and obviously redone several times the original stained glass in the domes came from Germany. The stone work of the Spaniards everywhere was impressive but you felt a kind of sorrow for the Indians who were forced to do this labor. Inside the gold leaf and vaulted ceilings with the main nave and the wing naves are immense.
There were two cathedrals on the central plaza and the second although not as immense was just as spectacular on the inside.

Next some of the many plazas that exist in the central zone and surround the cathedral. Always with their gazebos and fountains and gardens. These were where the people went to be seen and enjoy the activities of the town.

We visited many of the government buildings including the city hall where there were two events going on. One a job fair in the main patio area of the building and then a students government day on the second floor. These buildings again all have immense murals usually depicting the revolution, or the Spanish conquering of Mexico.

After that a visit to the local museum where they were having an exhibit of the Fabraje collection from the Czars time in Russia. Most impressive with all of the diamond and ruby encrusted pieces which showed the immense wealth of the Russian aristocracy of the time.

After that was a tour of the Central Market which was the largest I have ever seen. There were three or four levels with whole streets of just shoes and then another of vegetables and another of meats. I had a torta (a large, very large sandwich) made on a large roll with pork and lettuce and tomatoes, etc which is then grilled on the top and bottom. I wanted only ½ of one but they mistook what I said and cut it in half and then gave me both halves on two plates. Ah well, I ate most all of it and Bev had about one bite of the meat.

It was now time to go home but first a stop for a picture of the Hall of Justice on Majistrate Calle. Again one of those buildings whose architecture is just stunning with the interior courtyard and the spiral stairways.

We tried catching the bus where we were told that it would stop and finally someone posted a sign that the route had been changed that day and it went on a different street. So off we went following our now guide ( a woman going on the same bus as we were.
We got where we were supposed to be and then waited the longest that we have ever had to wait for a bus (probably 20 minutes at least). Well our bus finally came and then he went a different route than what we had come on. Still the 258 bus but a different route back. So when we were close I got us off and then we got a cab the rest of the way. Bev is now tuckered out and sleeping the rest of the weary sightseer.

Tomorrow we will go to Lake Chapala and then on to Morelia and Puebla. We will skip Tonopal (that is the town in Guadalajara where all of the pottery is made.

Well that is all of the adventure that I will share for today. Here is hoping that soon we will have internet to post all of this.