I had heard absolutely raving reviews about San Miguel de Allende...and so, Oscar, Noe, Gerardo, Marie Jose, and I went on Monday (February 3rd). A quaint little city located about 45 minutes from Queretaro. San Miguel was founded in 1542 by a Franciscan friar and his dogs. From then, the city blossomed into a beautiful Spanish settlement, known for its knives, textiles, and horse tack. It also became home to some of Guanjuato state's most wealthy silver barons. San Miguel's son, Ignacio Allende, was born here in 1779. He became a fervent believer in the need for Mexican Independence and was a leader of a Queretaro-based conspiracy that set December 8, 1810 as the date for an armed uprising. After initial successes, Allende, Hidalgo and other rebel leaders were captured in 1811 in Chihuahua. Allende was ... read more

I had the most amazing weekend this weekend -- so many fabulous people and places. I think I've really fallen in love with Mexico. Although, I sort of wish that I had chosen to go to Queretaro instead of going to Guadalajara because I liked the city and campus better...and I would have had the opportunity to meet many more Mexicans I think. But, too late for that now...I will just have to return and visit... We left on Friday around 6pm (after my 2:30-4 class) and drove to Queretaro for the long weekend...which should have been a 4 or 5 hour drive, but because we got lost, we didn't arrive until almost 2am...but it was amazing to see a familiar face. Oscar went to my university in Canada for a semester last year...so it had ... read more

For those of you who haven't figure it out - if you click on the pictures...you can see the entire gallery from the trip :)! Enjoy!!! ... read more

Lake Chapala is about 50 minutes from Guadalajara (unless you get lost...then it's closer to 2 hours away)...and is Mexico's largest natural lake. Though a lot of people from the US and Canada come to vacation here, the lake itself was very polluted and seemed to be quite overgrown with hyacinth plants. I went with two friend from one of my classes they showed me around - we had lunch and went on a boat ride around the lake (which cost 18 dollars...and should not have!). But, it was an interesting afternoon. Then we drove around to neighbouring villages called San Antonia, Ajijic, and one more that I can't remember the name of. It was interesting to see the houses of the American and Canadian snowbirds that come here to escape the winter months - and ... read more

Hard to believe I've already been in Mexico for three weeks. Guadalajara is a beautiful city. Here's a little bit of the historical background to the city: In 1533, Guadalajara's first settlers arrived in the pre-Hispanic village of Tonala (which today is a subdivision of the city). After much discontent living there, Guzman and the other Spanish colonists packed up and moved on February 14th, 1542 to live near where Teatro Degollado stands today. During this time, Guadalajara served as one of Mexico's most important population centers and was at the heart of the agricultural region. Currently, the city is Mexico's second largest and is home to nearly 6 million people. Guadalajara now serves as a huge commericial, industrial, and cultural center and the communications hub for the large state of Jalisco. The city itself -- ... read more