Guadalajara Day One

October 27, 09

Guadalajara, Mexico

We arrived in Guadalajara yesterday and found our campground which is San Jose Del Tajo without too much difficulty. As you can imagine with the city being the second largest in Mexico we are quite a ways out of the center of town. We are on the road to Colima just 3 miles out from the Perifecto or circle road which goes around the center of the city.
The campground is an older one but quite nice in that it is quiet and on a major bus route with Costco, Walmart and Mega just across the main street. We do not here the noise as the RV park is ¼ mile off the street on a cobblestone driveway with lots between us and the traffic. It is somewhat old and only 15 amp electric but there are lots of trees and the grounds and sites are well separated.
Today we took the 285 bus into the center of the city. We are such adventurous travelers. Traveling by bus in a country like this is an adventure. The driver collects fares, drives, and shifts gears all with one hand while talking on his cell phone the whole time with the other. Then ½ way there he stops at a Pemex station to take a short potty break. Well you never know when nature will call.
We did meet an interesting lady who was partially sighted who had lived in LA for 10 years and now resides in her home town here. She helped os with the stop to get off and others were most helpful. We could have taken another bus to Tlaquepaque but opted instead for a cab.
Tlaquepaque is an artisan community and part of the city although it could be a city in and of itself. Sort of like Riverside and San Bernardino. The streets are narrow and some are pedestrian only but lined with multiple small and large shops which have all of the arts and crafts of Mexico in them and some things that you may not see anywhere else.
Along with this were the central parks and cathedrals which you will find in most colonial towns. These are always worth looking at and admiring the architecture and style. The one here dates back the 1600’s and is massive and ornate as you can imagine.
We went looking for furniture and found one shop among many which would hand craft furniture for us. We took some pictures and a card so that if things do not work out in Costa Rica then we will have other options.
We did manage to buy a handful of small things including designer jeans for Bev and have lunch at a neat little patio restaurant.
Lastly it was a cab home (too tired to ride the bus all that way). Afterwards a trip to the Mega store to replenish bread and other goodies. Tomorrow we pick up the laundry and will go to the central area again for sightseeing.
As you already know we have not had internet for a week and that has not changed in the park here. Maybe at the next stop we will be able to get online. If not I am sure the world has not gotten much worse without our knowing it.