Goodbye Guadalajara - It was fun

So that’s how we’ve spent part of our time here. There of course are more old buildings but I’ll spare you. Did discover something interesting. In the Plaza de Armas across from the Cathedral is a gazebo brought from Paris in the 19th century. The roof of it is supported by columns of naked women – I wonder if the gazebo we saw in Santiago Ixcuintla is a copy of it.
Around the main downtown area a lot of the streets appear to be walking streets only. I say appear because delivery vehicles can use them. And all the streets downtown are one way. Everything from very modern department stores to little 10 x 12 stores selling trinkets. One thing every store except the big department stores have in common – they are very dark inside. Electricity is very expensive so lights are nonexistent or on very low. Sometimes the proprietor will turn the lights up if you are interested in buying. There are a lot of stores selling Baptismal and Communion dresses. These stores also sell lots of rhinestone tiaras. In my entire life put together I’ve never seen so many tiaras. Lots of yardage stores and stores selling trims for clothing. One of the biggest Michaels we’ve been in is here. Two floors filled with anything you could want for crafts. It isn’t called Michaels but is Miguel’s –
And here there are a lot of Chinese restaurants – seems like there is at least one on every block. But a little different than Panda Express. Some how I just can’t eat anything that is looking back at me – like the shrimp and fish they serve. Ick.
We found one place almost a quarter city block and two floors in size that was full of small stalls selling electronics – lots of cell phones, cameras (even found my battery – about twice the price of in the US – didn’t get it), computer parts, stereos – you name it it could be found there somewhere. And the place was packed.
In the streets were kiosks selling everything from ice cream to jewelry. Ice cream is a big seller here – seems like almost everyone is slurping on a cone – usually chocolate covered.
Lots of street musicians. Saw one group singing for a small café in the parking garage. The next day there was a xylophone player there. Have seen a couple of mimes – one was all blue dressed like the Mexican comedian Cantinflas. Bill was surprised I’d recognized him.
We also found a couple of places that sold the beads like the Huichol use for their crafts. Visited them a couple of times. One of us is going to have to do an awful lot of beading in the next couple of years.
Yesterday we went to a Huichol Museum in the Zapopon area of Guadalajara. There is a basilica there too. And lots of beggars – more than I’ve seen anywhere else. Couldn’t take any pictures of the inside of the church as there were continuous Masses going on. Just remembered this is Lent.
Today, our last day here, we got the propane tank filled and went to the really nice Mega supermarket across the street. They are beautiful places and have lots of good stuff in them.
We’re going to Guanajuato tomorrow so will be without much of any thing while we are there. Don’t think the cell phone even works there – unless maybe right in town. Then the next campground will be in Quéretaro. There is Wi-fi there in the restaurant.
So until then …….