Bus tour of Guadalajara

Since we were going to spend the day touring Guadalajara on tour busses we had a good breakfast. Prices look high but they are in pesos not dollars.

Off were went to see an area of Guadalajara that is known for unique furniture, artwork and just about anything else you need to decorate your home. The stalls on this market went on for 3 kilometres.


One shop had all types of pottery from dishes to wall decorations. Nancy and Danna's reflections look good framed by the ceramic artwork.


The open top bus was great for looking at all the sights. You had to be aware of a few things, first low electrical wires. You could easily touch them in some parts of town. Most of the tree branches came close to the bus but some would hit you if you did not duck in time. Almost forgot about hats that could be blown off the other passengers. A gentleman sitting about 10 rows ahead of us was wearing a hat, a gust of wind blew it off his head and straight back with the brim hitting Danna on the forehead. Luckily it did no damage other than leaving a welt on her head.


Several shops had statues and wall hangings depicting "Day of the Dead". This one would not fit in with our current interior decorating.


With traffic being so heavy in Guadalajara many people are using motorcycles. Nice to see them wearing helmets but the poor child in the middle does not have any breathing space.


Partway through the bus tour Nancy noticed the road sign and got an early start to being navigator for "Euri".

Being such a nice day we decided to sit upstairs on the bus. Great idea as we had a good view but we got cooked by the sun so during one stop we checked out the Margaritas.
They were good and cooled everyone down.

While having our refreshments this gentleman played a few songs for us.


Back onto another bus for our last tour of the day. During our travels around Mexico we have seen numerous dogs on the roofs of homes and business. On this building several stone statues of dogs were placed on the roof or should that be woof?


There are all sorts of specialty stores in Guadalajara but this one I did not expect. A huge store that specialized in Handbags. Luckily the bus was moving too fast for any of the ladies to jump off.


I am sure you have heard about problems in Mexico. Many people say it is a dangerous country, etc. We did not have any problems from the mountain villages, drive into Guadalajara or walking around here at night. The Mexican police are very visible with patrols being done in cars, bicycle, foot patrol and even on these three wheeled vehicles. This officer patrolled a square reminding people to keep off the grass or smiled and took pictures of the tourists with their camera. We look forward to returning to Mexico!


Now here are some ingenious young men. A band that makes music with homemade plastic instruments. Drums - a couple of plastic buckets, trumpet - garden hose and the top half of a pop bottle, tuba - white pipe with the top of a water jug. Hard to believe they sounded so good.

During the last three weeks in Mexico we have been treated to an assortment of new sights, sounds and tastes. These experiences would not have been possible unless we travelled off the regular tourist routes. We were lucky to have our good fiends Doug and Nancy show us what the real Mexico is all about. Having a tequila and Squirt with the cowboys in Valle de Juarez or riding a donkey, all these memories will be with us and appreciated forever. Thanks for letting us join you on your adventure.
In the morning we will be parting ways, us on the plane and you driving back in your trusty VW van "Euri".
Have a safe drive back home.

See you in a few weeks!

"Take only memories, Leave only footprints"

Guadalajara Tour

For our time in Guadalajara we are staying at the Francis Hotel. It is centrally located and reasonably priced. It was built in 1610 and has housed many people over the centuries.
Our room is not huge but there is plenty of room since we are sight seeing all day and only need it when we sleep here.

There is a large central lobby where you can sit and read or sip on a drink while listening to the band.

From our little balcony we can watch the horse and buggies taking tourist on a tour of Guadalajara.

You cannot stay in Guadalajara without visiting the Governor's Palace. After breakfast we were walking there when we saw this beautiful young lady all dressed up in front of the door. From what we understood she was turning 15 and this is a major event in Mexico. Appropriate that she was in front of the door as she will be entering a new phase in her life.

Walking through the Palace we saw murals on the ceiling depicting the people who were key to Mexico's independence.

The ceiling frescos are huge and quite graphic.



Our walk continued and when we looked into the courtyard from the second floor we saw the young lady posing for more pictures. I decided to get creative and took the following shots.

Here she is acknowledging these crazy tourists that keep taking her picture.

Thought this was going to be the last time we saw her but there was one more photo required. Doug decided it would be a good idea to have a picture taken with her. The young ladies Mother said it would be OK so here is "Beauty and the Beast" or in Spanish "La Bella y la Bestia".
Congratulations to Diana on this special day.

Then it was time to head off to the market. This is by far the biggest market I have seen. There were the usual shoe stores, meat and vegetable stalls along with everything else you may need or thought you needed. Doug and Nancy went one way and us the other way, plan was to meet at the stairs in one hour. After half an hour we were finished our shopping and decided to go back to our meeting place. Easier said than done, we wandered around in circles and finally had to asked directions to one of the nearby squares. From there we were able to get to our meeting place.
From the market we walked around and here are a few pictures of what we saw.



Here you see Nancy taking a picture of her's and Danna's feet. Nancy collects "feet" pictures in her travels.

Later that evening we went out for dinner. Doug and I had a great meal but unfortunately the ladies meal was not that good.
After dinner we walked down to the spot were the horse rides began. While waiting for the right horse we took some pictures of Doug, Nancy and Danna sitting on the bench. Nancy thought it would be nice to include a couple of the locals who were relaxing.

Doug and Nancy on the clip clop ride through Guadalajara.

The evening ended a photo to remember the relaxing ride.


"Take only memories, Leave only footprints"

Leaving Valle de Juárez

This morning we left Hacienda Contraras for Guadalajara, Mexico. First we had to say our goodbyes to all the animals that entertained us. These characters started off being the cats, now they are Oliver, Chip and Bandit.

Tough life for these cats, this morning I had to make scrambled eggs for them.

Nico the watch dog kept an eye on the place when Sal and Barb were out. She was a bit cautious around us but would let us rub her ears when Barb came home.

This morning the two donkeys (Don Quixote and Fiona) were treated to a slice of bread and a banana. Don Quixote got a bit more since he gave Danna a ride.

After only a few weeks at "Hacienda Contraras", Danna and I will miss our new friends Sal and Barb. Thanks to them we were treated to things that tourists would never experience.
We will see you next year!

We were then off to visit Guadalajara, Mexico. The drive was uneventful, exactly how we like it. Many roadside stands were selling flowers as it is Mothers Day in Mexico. Once checked into The Hotel Francis it was off to get some lunch. Yes, we had tacos and a beer again and enjoyed ever bite.

From here we walked around one of the pedestrian malls enjoying the sun and people. There are fountains scattered throughout this part of the city. Here kids were swimming, slashing each other while some of the parents cooled their feet in the water.


While walking around the square Doug saw several shoe shine stands. He decided to have his new but dusty sneakers cleaned up. The fellow said they would look like new when he was finished and he lived up to his promise. Doug's rusty brown sneakers were back to their original grey colour.
While waiting for Doug I noticed this statue. I did not see who it was but can understand why he looks so upset. How would you feel if pigeons left droppings on you head every day?

Back to the hotel for a drink after being out in the hot sun. We were told that a Mariachi Band was going to play later that evening. They reserved a table for us and we returned at 9:00 for the show. A seven piece band played first and were joined by another singer.

On our walk after listening to the band we saw lots of flashing blue and red light. Nothing to worry about as it was a night bicycle tour of Guadalajara with a police escort.there were all sorts of people on the tour.

The night ended with the sound of horse drawn buggies passing our hotel. We plan on going for a ride this weekend.


"Take only memories, Leave only footprints"

Valle de Juárez,Jalisco, Mexico

Today is our last day in this small mountain town. So many things to see and only a few weeks here. Guess that means we will return again...soon I hope.
Yesterday we were invited to a Fiesta where about 150 cowboys rode into town on their horses. Something you would never see back home.

We were treated to tacos and tequila that could be mixed with Coke or Squirt a lemon flavoured soft drink.

A parade was held afterwards where all the horsemen rode into town. Ponies, stallions and even a brama bull were here for all to see. Several horse drawn cartridges were also included.

The next day we saw one of the horses, "Nelson" outside of El Retiro restaurant in town. Two things going for this horse, first he dances and second his hair colour matches Danna's.


While walking around town I saw this fellow wearing the nice white hat and a huge mustache. He said it was OK for me to take his picture.

I also found this sign for Coka Cola painted on the side of a building.

Back to Hacienda Contreras for dinner but first Danna wants a ride on Don Quixote the donkey. First Sal had a test ride to see if he was in a good mood then it was Danna's turn.


Don Quixote needed to be coaxed along with the reward of some ground oats which he ate as if it was candy.

Here we see Sal leading Don Quixote along with Oliver the cat.

Danna is riding off into the sunset only to return in time for dinner.

The ride is over but her butt is a bit sore.

After the ride we sat down for dinner with our friends. A fitting end to this wonderful holiday in Valle de Juárez.

No animals were harmed in the making of this blog. Thanks to Sal and Barb for making this a memorable vacation. Of course special thanks to Don Quixote who had to carry Danna around the fields.

"Take only memories, Leave only footprints"