The question was: ‘Should we make another few trips to Mexico looking for places to move to?’ Originally we had planned to make 2-3 trips, looking for possible final destinations. But that 1st trip to Guadalajara/Lake Chapapa cost over $1000. Could we use the $2000 2 more trips would cost a little more effectively? Say go ahead and move to Lake Chapala, then check out other places in Mexico from there? Then this ‘Swine Flu’ epidemic broke out just as we were leaving Guadalajara (with a plane full of folks wearing masks). Maybe we won’t make any more trips for a while.
Don’t forget to check out our gallery of photographs of Historical Guadalajara by clicking on this picture of the Cathedral Dome. You can also find it by clicking on the link in the blogroll on the left.
Photos of Historical Guadalajara
David is a brave soul though, after driving in Guadalajara I sincerely question his sanity. The word chaotic does not even begin to describe the pandemonium that ensues as you venture into the unknown traffic patterns of the city and surrounding environs. The person in front has the right of way (at least the person who is driving the vehicle has the right of way – pedestrians are another matter all together). One of my co-workers who spent several summers in Guadalajara made a comment, in passing, “the city is beautiful and you will fall in love with it – just don’t try to cross the street”. Not only did we not heed her warning, we crossed the street walking – with only one fall on record which we will not address in this narrative and we ventured out driving. At one point, as David was driving through one of the residential areas and he was actually – believe it or not – beginning to get the hang of driving without boundaries – he dead panned the following comment as we pulled up behind someone who didn’t seem to know where they were going (a familiar happening) “I’m feeling compelled to honk” (honking is something you hear often – not that it does any good). As I looked at him, he has this wonderful smile on his face and I realized, to my astonishment, he was enjoying this adventure! Got to love the man!!
Les
The hotel is lovely, an ancient building only four stories high. Rehabbed by the Guadalajaraian government, it boasts beautiful dark wood stairways, doors, furniture and lovely old world paintings. Several fountains – one just outside our hotel room door, covered with beautiful mosaic tiles. Lush greens, an ancient lamp post and a park bench is welcoming and begs the traveler to site a while and relax. Looking up, from this park bench, you see beautiful blue skies, fluffy white clouds and find yourself breathing a sigh of relief realizing you made it through the chaotic Guadalajarian traffic and seem to remain among the living.
A place of beauty and peace
This is my first trip to Mexico (naturally there would be a pandemic while I’m here – it makes perfect sense). David checked out everything before we left. He is amazingly organized – I guess that’s what an economics degree from Yale will do for you. I, dear reader was born a blonde (which should explain some of my problems) but did manage to get a degree in psychology (my friend Bev will attest to the fact that it doesn’t help since she travelled to Ireland and England with me and can tell stories about my driving that would curl your toes!). Which led me to my first big mistake – apparently you should let your bank know when you leave the country (who knew – probably everybody). My Visa was declined several times before I noticed a pattern. David handled everything – however I was feeling awful. Hours after our arrival and after many calls to a very patient young lady at the front desk of our hotel, I was able to reach a representative of the bank. He’s parting comment after all was resolved; “Never leave the country without telling us in advance,” is duly noted.
At night, the streets in Downtown Guadalajara come alive. We stumbled upon this breakdancing exhibition by accident. Click on the picture to view the movie.
Breakdancing on Saturday night
Sidewalk Cafes in the Plaza de Guadalajara
Open air restaurant on Ave. Ramon Carona
Sidewalk cafes, open air restaurants, Guadalajara has it all.
Traffic in Ajijic, Lake Chapala
There’s only one road around Lake Chapala, and sometimes the traffic can build up. Especially in Ajijic.
Halway and courtyard, The Hotel Morales, Guadalajara
We’d be able to drive to Guadalajara on special occasions and stay at the Hotel Morales.
In case you missed it, be sure to click the link on the left and read about ‘We’re Boomers Moving to Mexico.’
