03 – 2008 – Guadalajara & Guanajuato – LAND TOUR

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: We were up a 4 am to catch the 5 am bus to Guadalajara. The trip was expected to take 5-6 hours. It took 7 1/2! Barra de Navidad, Mexico

: About 1/3 rd of the way to Guadalajara. This is the view we had from the bus terminal…..It does give one pause! Colima, Mexico

: Dangerous Beauties Colima, Mexico

: We were greated by Estella and Arturo who used to live in Los Angeles. Their English was perfect and their hotel and staff were delightful. Tlaquepaque – Guadalajara, Mexico

: Only two blocks away from our hotel, was the suburb of Tlaqapaque (ta-lock-a-pock-ee). This is the artists center of Guadalarja. Arturo and Estella give tours of the artists studios where several “18 wheelers” have been known to arrive from the US to take back a truck load of furniture and crafts. Tlaquepaque – Guadalajara, Mexico

: We took a 20 minute cab ride which seemed to be taking us to places that we didn’t think we wanted to be. Then our hotel inconspicuously appeared. We were very pleasantly suprised once inside. Tlaquepaque – Guadalajara, Mexico

: The word for horse in Spanish is Caballo. This was just another example of the creative works found everywhere in Tlaquepaque Tlaquepaque – Guadalajara, Mexico

: Interior gardens at the Hotel Quinta Don Jose Tlaquepaque – Guadalajara, Mexico

: Our room was large and had wifi which was quite good. The pool wasn’t heated, too chilly for us. Tlaquepaque – Guadalajara, Mexico

: Tlaquepaque is a fun community with some exquiste art. Some it’s just fun Tlaquepaque – Guadalajara, Mexico

: We had a lovely lunch here. The area reminded us of “Melrose Avenue gone Mexico”… Tlaquepaque – Guadalajara, Mexico

: Coconuts! Everything is for sale in Mexico. Hold on to your hat! This reminded me of when Skye and I got HER coconut in Puerto Vallarta. This would have been so much easier Tlaquepaque – Guadalajara, Mexico

: This was not untypical of some of the fine furniture on display and for sale in the artists shops Tlaquepaque – Guadalajara, Mexico

: For the most part we looked. We did buy a few small “chachkis” for the boat.. Tlaquepaque – Guadalajara, Mexico

: Tlaquepaque – Guadalajara, Mexico

: Tlaquepaque – Guadalajara, Mexico

: We had a great time exploring the shops in this very quaint and lovely area. We saw no reason to go further afield as the rest of Guadalajara was just a big city with smog and traffic. Guadalarja is Mexico’s second largest city. Tlaquepaque – Guadalajara, Mexico

: Tlaquepaque – Guadalajara, Mexico

: Tlaquepaque – Guadalajara, Mexico

: There were probably 50-75 stores taking up two long blocks of these types of stores Tlaquepaque – Guadalajara, Mexico

: Many of these stores were converted homes from the Colonial period of Mexico’s past. Tlaquepaque – Guadalajara, Mexico

: Tlaquepaque – Guadalajara, Mexico

: Tlaquepaque – Guadalajara, Mexico

: Tlaquepaque – Guadalajara, Mexico

: We bought these for $5.00 US. We’ve had them restitched for $5.00 US too. They are still on the boat as our “splash of color” Tlaquepaque – Guadalajara, Mexico

: Marroquin’s are fine leather shops. This one is also a Plateria (Silver Goods). Tlaquepaque – Guadalajara, Mexico

: Here the kids got to learn how to “throw a pot”. The artisan then fired the pots for the kids to take home Tlaquepaque – Guadalajara, Mexico

: This type of loom is still often used today throughout Mexico. Tlaquepaque – Guadalajara, Mexico

: Sergio Bustemante is a world famous designer with offices throughout the USA and the world. Tlaquepaque – Guadalajara, Mexico

: Very creative sculpture is one of the Bustemante signature style pieces Tlaquepaque – Guadalajara, Mexico

: Tlaquepaque – Guadalajara, Mexico

: Tlaquepaque – Guadalajara, Mexico

: Tlaquepaque – Guadalajara, Mexico

: Cindy and I loved walking all over this district. There was neat stuff everywhere. Tlaquepaque – Guadalajara, Mexico

: This was perhaps the largest of the furniture stores which was not only converted from an old house. They still lived on part of the estate quite comfortably behind the store. Tlaquepaque – Guadalajara, Mexico

: Guadelajara is the home of the Mariachis… At one of our favorite restaurants, these gals were the highlight. Tlaquepaque – Guadalajara, Mexico

: These clever statue seats were interspersed about the district. Tlaquepaque – Guadalajara, Mexico

: This was the view right outside our hotel room Tlaquepaque – Guadalajara, Mexico

: Chilly, bracing…”Fresca” as they say here in Mexico Tlaquepaque – Guadalajara, Mexico

: These lovely ladies were standing in for the bar tender at Quinta Don Jose Tlaquepaque – Guadalajara, Mexico

: We rented a car and drove 3 1/2 hours from Guadelajara to Guanajuato. The toll road cost approximately $100.00 US dollars each way! Guanajuato, Mexico

: This is the birthplace of the original Mexican Revolution. In the local language it means, “Mountain of Frogs”. There are frog statues in much of this very eclectic city. Guanajuato, Mexico

: Located half way between Guadelajara and Mexico City, Guanajuato quickly became our favorite stop in Mexico. There is a University, opera house and an incredible amount of things to see and do. Guanajuato, Mexico

: This “B&B” was incredible. When we walked inside, the first question we had was, “Can we extend our stay?” Guanajuato, Mexico

: Here, Cindy was able to swim in the pool Guanajuato, Mexico

: Guanajuato, Mexico

: This was the view from the top of the valley. The entire city was laid out before us. Guanajuato, Mexico

: Casa de Estrella is owned by Sharon Schapps Mendez, an American ex-pat from Wisconsin. Guanajuato, Mexico

: Entry way and gift shop. We were one of only two couples to stay here the whole week. It was truly magical. Guanajuato, Mexico

: With a view, this wonderful boutique hotel has been perhaps our favorite stop in all of Mexico Guanajuato, Mexico

: This beautiful fresco was in the dining room and created by a local artisan Guanajuato, Mexico

: We were alone much of the time here except for the excellent staff. We felt like we had this beautifully restored home all to ourselves Guanajuato, Mexico

: Internet is such an important part of all our travels and in the living room we were able to get “connected” on Cindy’s little laptop that we often take with us. Sharon even had an internet phone that called the US for free. Guanajuato, Mexico

: While we were here, we took advantage of reading and watching videos about Mexico’s history. Guanajuato, Mexico

: This very active church is one of several in the area. We walked only a few minutes from our mountain retreat to get here. Guanajuato, Mexico

: Cindy and I dined at this lovely restaurant. We were the only people here and it was lovely. Again, only a five minute walk from Casa de Estrella. Guanajuato, Mexico

: Mistakenly by non Mexicans, this is not the anniversary of Mexican Independance. That day is in September. Cinco de Mayo is celebrated to remember the overthrough of Maximillian, the pupet dictator installed by the French in the 1860’s. Guanajuato, Mexico

: This is another famous attraction of the city. It is completely interconnected by tunnels. These were built by the original silver miners here in the 1800’s. This area was once one of the richest silver mining towns in the world. Guanajuato, Mexico

: Named after the father of the second Mexican Revolution, Teatro Benito Juarez. Juarez was Indian and as such quite unique amongst world leaders of his day. Guanajuato, Mexico

: This restored colonial theatre was built approximately 100 years ago and is still actively used today. Guanajuato, Mexico

: We don’t know if the plating was real, but it sure looked it. Guanajuato, Mexico

: I can’t remember why the floral floats were on parade, but the town was quite the sight this day Guanajuato, Mexico

: A very liberal arts atmosphere was found all around this city. The University just added to it. Tourists were here from all over the world. Guanajuato, Mexico

: The famous Mexican artist, Diego Rivera was born in Guanajuato and lived here in his early childhood before moving to Mexico City. His life story was told in the feature film,, “Freida” starring Selma Hayek (I believe). Guanajuato, Mexico

: This city was alive with everything….including color. Guanajuato, Mexico

: Guanajuato, Mexico

: This is the famous Granary of Guanajuato where Father Hidalgo began the first Mexican Revolution. His head and those of his co-conspirators were put in cages at the four corners of the building for two years until the revolution finally succeeded and Spainish rule ended. This is just short of a Mexican shrine and there were lines to get in around the block. Guanajuato, Mexico

: This is how the heads of the conspirators was displayed Guanajuato, Mexico

: As a national musem, the “Alhondiga” houses many portraits and pieces of the period of the two major Mexican Revolutions. 1860 and 1910. Guanajuato, Mexico

: Maximillian actually was duped into believing that the Mexican people wanted him to be their Emperor. He is reported in a meeting with Benito Juarez to have actually said that the two men had the identical goals for the nation, except for one word……Democracy! Guanajuato, Mexico

: Site of the overthrow of the Spanish Garrison, the local Indians massacred the Spanish (which Hidalgo tried to stop). However, this act sealed the fate of the conspirators when they failed to capitalize on their advantage. When the Spanish regrouped, they captured the conspirators and executed them. Guanajuato, Mexico

: There are at least seven major tunnel complexes in Guanajuato Guanajuato, Mexico

: We took a day trip to Delores Hidalgo (named after Father Hidalgo) and San Miguel Allende (named after Allende). They were the two prime movers of the original revolution. Guanajuato, Mexico

: Built by the miners with their pockets lined with silver….. Guanajuato, Mexico

: Mexico is an extreme contrast. We often are taken aback by the opulence immediately next to the simple life in Mexico. Guanajuato, Mexico

: Here in Dolores, I couldn’t resist taking this photo of a small central Mexican town trying to cope with the modern world. Delores Hidalgo, Mexico

: Hidalgo was said to have gone to Delores to rally the local people to throw the Spanish out. En route to Guanajuato, he made stops at Atontilco and San Miguel to gather more support Delores Hidalgo, Mexico

: The Zocolo is the town square and here in Delores, all things are…..Hidalgo. Guanajuato, Mexico

: A sign markng the home and now museum of Father Hidalgo. Guanajuato, Mexico

: We often wonder how “Catholic” the indigenous people really are. They would of course tell you that they are without question. However at this funeral in Delores, the traditional ceremony seemed to be by far more important than the Church ceremony. Delores Hidalgo, Mexico

: On the way to Atontilco, we passed this relatively new monument to the four original revolutionarys. Delores Hidalgo, Mexico

: This scence was nothing short of macabre. The interior of this church was like nothing we’d ever seen in Mexico. You’d have to have been there to know what we mean. This is the place made famous by Father Hidalgo where he said “His Cry of Delores”… Delores Hidalgo, Mexico

: This is the main church at the Zocolo. Quite unique as to it’s exterior coloration. There are thousands of American ex-pats living in this city which houses large artists communities. San Miguel Allende, Mexico

: I couldn’t resist this smiling face. Tortillerias are a staple all around Mexico San Miguel Allende, Mexico

: Very expensive and modern homes are being built all around this still rapidly growing and congested city. Think of Santa Barbara,- Montecito, California with no beach. San Miguel Allende, Mexico

: Cindy and I took our limited time in town to see the local botanical gardens. Very southwest, with hundreds of species of cactus. San Miguel Allende, Mexico

: San Miguel Allende, Mexico

: On the way back to Guadalajara (on a Sunday no less), we had a flat tire. Just a few kilometers from where we were, right on the freeway was this enterprising guy who fixed us right up for $4.00 US. Guanajuato, Mexico

: Reminescent of the US desert southwest. I kept hearing the tones from the movie “Close Encounters of the Third Kind”. En route to Guadelajara, Mexico

: Back in Tlaquepacque at teh Quinta Don Jose. I began to load and organize the photos from this “voyage”, perhaps our favorite since lieaving the USA. Tlaquepaque – Guadalajara, Mexico

SV Beach House

03 – 2008 – Guadalajara & Guanajuato – LAND TOUR