Guadalajara

Guadalajara, the capital of Jalisco was one of the places that Jona and I were looking forward to the most. We had heard so many stories about the people, the food, and the lifestyle, that we were really excited to see what la Perla Tapatia had to offer. Our Airbnb  was centrally located near La Minerva fountain, one of the most iconic fountains in the city and during our week stay in this metropolis we got to experience life as Jalisciense. For the next few days we spent our time strolling through the historic center. Visited the  Templo Expiatorio, Plaza de Armas, Hospicio Cabanas, Paseo Degollado, Plaza de los Mariachis, souvenir shopping at some of the many stores in downtown, or we would just sit in front of the Catedral eating a cone of ice cream while throwing pieces of our waffle cone to the pigeons.

Guadalajara is also know for its night life, with a plethora of cantinas, dive bars, and clubs to choose from. However, there is one particular bar that you cannot miss if you are ever in Guadalajara, Cantina La Fuente. This Cantina is one of the oldest bars in the city, and definitely an icon. Once you go in you can feel the joyfulness of the place, everyone is singing in unison along with the mariachis, tequila shots are being poured, and people are non stop talking and laughing. it feels like one big party.  Yet, the cantina is famous not only for its antiquity and ambiance, but for the bicycle that hangs behind the bar. In the late 1950's an anonymous client parked his bike outside, however, when he left he was too drunk and forgot the bike. The bar patrons at the time tried to look for the owner but he was nowhere to be found, they then decided to hang the bike.

Aside from the historic center, parks, museums, and nightlife. Guadalajara offers a wide range of traditional gastronomy. Their famous Tortas Ahogadas, a sandwich in birote bread, filled with shredded pork meat, and submerged in chili and tomatoe sauce is a dish that all tourists should try. For those with a sweet tooth there is the typical Jericalla, a custard dessert that many people describe as a cross between a flan and crème brulee. Lastly, to quench your thirst get a Tejuino, a drink that it is believed dates back to the Pre-Colombian days. It is a drink made with fermented corn, piloncillo, and lime sorbet.

About one hour south of Guadalajara lies one of the largest sweetwater lakes in Mexico, Lake Chapala. In here you will find Ajijic, a town mostly know for its high population of expats. We spoke to a few foreign residents from the USA, Canada and France about why they choose to retire in Ajijic, they said it was because the weather feels like spring all year long, the town is walkable and safe, people are friendly, and its affordable. It is not uncommon seeing signs in English, and even see stores owned by expats. The town is mostly calm during the week, but on weekend it fills with people who are trying to get away from the chaos of the capital.

A visit to Guadalajara is not complete without a day trip to Tequila, the place that gave birth to the world renowned spirit. The most famous tour to take is the Jose Cuervo Express, people that we know that have done this tour tell us that it is an unforgettable experience.

However, if you are in a budget like we were, and don't mind riding in a van instead of a luxury train then do one of the tours offered by the tour bus that is located outside of the Catedral. We paid $350MX each and it included free time in Tequila town,  a tour of the Tres Mujeres tequila distillery where we learned about the Agave plant and the old and new ways of making tequila. We also had a tequila tasting, and recited the tequila prayer!