Aloha Everyone,
The bus ride from San Miguel to Guadalajara was supposed to be a 5 1/2 hours. But toll road accidents plus coming to a complete halt at 4 toll booths added two hours. The bumpy 7 1/2 hours bus trip was physically and mentally exhausting.
J.J. and I are grateful Hotel Portobelo is so far the nicest habitation we’ve stayed in Mexico. The best part is that it’s priced well. We are paying US$60 for our beautiful, upgraded room inclusive of tax and service charges. Complimentary buffet breakfast is served from 7:00 am - 12:00 noon.
Guadalajara is the second largest city in México and the capital of Jalisco. Its Metropolitan population is nearly 4 million. This is also the home of Tequila, Mariachi and Charreria.(Méxican Rodeo)
Locals (people from Guadalajara) are known as Tapatiós. You might be familiar with Tepatió Hot Sauce. It’s the name of a popular hot sauce produced in California by migrants from Guadalajara.
The name Guadalajara has an Arabic origin tracing its root to the Spanish home town of the city founder, Nuño de Guzman. It means river/valley of stones.
We took an easy stroll to the Centro and walked to Temple Nuestra Señor al Carmen, Jardin del Carmen, Plaza de la Constitution, Plaza de Armas. I entered the Cathedral de la Asunción de María Santísima. All of these are accessible by foot and I was able to check many of these attractions and get my walking exercises while J.J. enjoyed his conversation with a Tapatío.
Aloha -- Cathi