Guadalajara
Mexico 2008: Jalisco Journey
CHAPTERS:
1. Arrival
2. Tequila
3. El Lago Chapala
5. Guadalajara II
6. Colima
7. Volcano
8. Volcano II
9. Volcano III
10. Volcano - Lakeside Meditation
11. Volcano - Departure
12. Dinner
13. No Smiling
14. Mayahuaral
15. Probably Her Mother
16. A Perfect Island
17. Ceviche in Vallarta
18. This is a Road I Travel Only Once
 |
Though it
hadn't been my preference, I'm on the bus all the way to Guadalajara. I
spend several days there, strolling the city's lovely plazas and
wondering again why we keep getting rid of our public spaces in the
United States; every trip to Latin America reminds me how much plazas
improve life for all, rich and poor. I fall into conversations here and
there, make friends here and there, and my mind slowly but surely
remembers Spanish. I take good care of myself in the pastry and ice
cream shops. And at all times of day and night I feast on delicious,
inexpensive food -- not just quesadillas, chilaquiles, and enchiladas,
but local specialties like
birria (steamed goat) tacos and pozole (a traditional
stew hailing from indigenous times that blends hominy (alkali-soaked
corn kernels), chile peppers, cabbage, cilantro,
pork, limes, and radishes).