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Published: December 14th 2006
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I arrived in Guadalajara at 6am after spending 24 hours onboard the plane. Checked into Hostel Guadalajara located at Centro Historica Guadalajara right in the heart of the city.The weather was clear and the climate was cool making it simply perfect.
I wasted no time and soaked in everything from the first day I got there. Over the next few days, I visited old churches, museums, ate at the local markets, saw beautiful art and jewellery and even learnt how tequila was made.
It was tough at first as the language barrier made it difficult to converse and get to know the people and the city better. Undeterred, I used the little Spanish I knew and initiated myself into the city slowly but surely.
My choice of Guadalajara as my first stop was a great one and it did not fail to live up to my expectations.Contrary to what many advised, it is a pretty safe place and I felt comfortable almost immediately.
People are so full of passion here. The music, art and food seems so colourful and so alive. Guadalajara is a city with character. A city with many historical buildings and artifacts (some easily
two to four hundred years old) with modern amenities amalgamating itself within the frame of its rich and historic past. Made me feel like I was going back in time a little. Perhaps Kuala Lumpur in the 1970´s.
Partying with great abandon was for sure.
I had drinks in La Fuente (the fountain) a local canteena dating back to more than 100 years old when women were once not allowed to patronise. Hopped onto an open top double decker bus for a bus party with free flow of cerveza (beer), heard the best cuban band perform at La Mutublista Canteena, and Salsa-ed the night away at Casino Veracruz. I even visited a gay club with some hostel mates which was really rocking. My gay friends would certainly have a good time here!
Took a tour of the Cuervo Tequila Factory in the town named Tequila with Thomas and Olivier from Austria and Switzerland, I met at the hostel. We learnt how tequila is made and got to try a few varieties of Tequila which were so unbelievably smooth. One even tasted like brandy after being stored in french oak barrels for a couple of months. We were told
that all the best quality tequilas are made from the blue agave cactus and are kept mainly for the local market in Mexico. What we usually get back home are the cheaper ones, used to make cocktails, hence the major hangovers after a night of tequila binging...ha ha... I am now a Tequila fan..
Went for a day trip to Tlaquepaque. A quaint little town that is filled with huge selections of furniture, paintings, sculptures, jewellery and other home decorative items made in Mexico.
All that your heart desires. I was in awe with the designs and quality of all the items I saw. All so beautiful and so unique.
One of the highlights at my first stop in Mexico must surely be the Salsa dancing.The Mexicans have it in their blood and dance so passionately. Moves that are so fluid and as natural as breathing. The heat, passion and, every twist and turn, every move just took my breath away.
I originally planned to stay in Guadalajara for a month but on the fifth day i packed up and decided to head out and explore Mexico further and headed out to Morelia.
Something unfortunate happened
Tequila Town
The blue Agave Cactus which Tequila is made of.... at the bus terminal in Guadalajara on my way to Morelia. I had one of my backpacks stolen. A couple pretended to fight in order to distract me and an accomplice took my bag from behind. I lost my camera, ipod, external hard disk and some personal effect. It was such a blow at first but I got over it and continued with my trip with my spirits intact! This entry will not have much pictures as all the pictures are long gone with my camera. Some of the pictures you see have been contributed by other travellers that I met along the way. Thanks Dan and Thomas!
MORELIA
I met Dan from Canada at the hostal in Guadalajara and we decided to travel together to Morelia since we were heading the same direction.
The bus trip took around 5-6 hours. I must say that i was very impressed with the first class bus that we took. Lots of leg room, nice toilet, even a pantry to make coffee and movies to watch. But it was funny watching Bratt Pitt (in the movie 7 years in Tibet) speaking in Spanish!
Spent two days in Morelia. It is a
really romantic city.
I walked to the Zocalo (central part of the town) in the evening I arrived and was greeted by a colourful display of fireworks.This happens every Saturday believe it or not. I was also amazed to see the beautiful Cathedral, considered one of the 3rd biggest in the world amidst all the celebration. The Cathedral supposedly took close to a hundred years to complete and is the most beautiful church I have ever seen to date.
Morelia has a lot of Spanish influences and is pretty european with colonial buildings dating back over a few hundred years. Lots of cafes and restaurants. Walked alot around the town area and just took things easy.
When I first said it was romantic I really meant it as couples were locking lips everwhere in the Zocalo and doing it so loud as well.....smack! I wished i had my ipod man!
PAZTCUARO
Dan and I headed to Patzcuaro after Morelia.
It was a much smaller town but very busy. Lots of markets selling vegetables and knick knacks everywhere.
All the buildings were one storey shops with red roofs all looking identical.
We went to the lake nearby and visited
a small village nearby that were renowned for their handmade mask.
I was restless and felt that one day was enough for me and left the next day to Guanajuato. There was actually much more in Patzcuaro to explore but my instincts told me to head
to Guanajuato and little did I know how right I was later...Dan decided to rest and stay back in Patzcuaro and I left at the break of dawn.
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OC Yeoh
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Way to go!
Your travels sound really dreamy and heavenly, complete with Tequila and Margaritas and coffee to boot! I'm envious!