Hello once again,
So we left the beach and started our way on the inland route to Zihuatanejo....which is as far south as we plan to go this trip. We had two stops planned on the way, the first being to the Lake Chapala area where our friends Loch and Becky own a home in the town of Ajijic. We were able to park right out in front of their home.
I have known Lock and Becky for years as we met cruising in Mazatlan in 1996. We spent several different times together in the next year....the most horribly memorable one was when they helped with the huge mess that was "Slow Dancin" when she was towed in from the shipwreck to San Carlos. Happily we have other memories that were much more pleasant. Becky is a singer/songwriter and when she got out her guitar and sang we were all enchanted by her beautiful voice and the fun songs she chose to entertain us with. We've kept in touch through the years and years since then and even happened to get together a few times along the way. Mike had never met Loch but he and I had a chance meeting with Becky at an RV store in Ellensburg a few years back and had lunch. Small world!!
We had a simply marvelous time visiting both in the Chapala area and when we made the trip up to Guadalajara for the day. Their home is unique and very beautiful. I loved looking at all the Mexican art they have collected. And Aja was in kitty heaven as she was welcomed inside and there were no other pets to make her cranky for a change.
We were treated to a great tour of the area, courtesy of Loch, who is a fine tour guide. He drove us through the little areas surrounding their village of Ejijic and we were even able to see a friend's home that is being remodeled with Loch's assistance. Becky is helping with the decor and because of their involvement in this project it was necessary to drive up to Guadalajara to pick up a few things. Darn the luck....lol. We've always wanted to see Guad (as the locals call it) but didn't have the nerve. Very busy place. We did that the second day of our three night stay.
The first evening we had drinks then dinner and chatted at their beautiful home. We had our little tour the next afternoon and then joined a bunch of their friends at a little restaurant in Chapala for "open mike" and Becky was one of the entertainers. What a fun group. Music was good, especially Beck, and we had a fun time talking with all the interesting people that are living in this area of Mexico.
Next morning it was fruit and muffins before heading out to the big city. Guadalajara is actually four cities and we visited three of them. Tonala was the first. How did Loch and Becky know that Mexican glass is one of my favorite things? We went to a glass factory. The workers almost show off when you watch them work. It's an amazing operation and the finished products are just wonderful. We, of course, bought a few things to add to my collection. Can never have enough Mexican glasses and Mike bought an interesting bottle that he plans to use for chilled filtered water in the refrigerator....to add to his Scotch I believe!!
We next visited this place that makes everything under the sun out of metals. Huge place that was so full of things that you could probably come every day and see something you missed the day before. Then we walked through a shopping area with a huge variety of Mexican stuff.....all of which I find very interesting. Becky found some mirrors and various other items for the house that is being remodeled. I bought a couple Talavera pieces.
No trip to Guadalajara is complete without going to Tl’aquepaque. Wow. It's more upscale than Tonala and very beautiful. We went briefly into the central market to find sour dough bolios. YUM. We thought we'd hit the big time when we found whole grain bolios in Zihua but sour dough? The best. We then walked through the famous area where the fancy galleries are located. Perfect timing as we arrived to have a late lunch at the Patio which is famous for their female mariachi band who was performing right then. And there were dancers! And the food was great and what fun!!! We toured some of the shops and galleries ending up at the best one there.....and I don’t know the name. Lol. I couldn't walk another step so my dear friends brought the car and Mike and I were able to sit for about fifteen minutes in the lovely peaceful gallery and soak it all in.
Next we drove right into the very center of Guadalajara to pick up some item for the house. Crazy busy and crowded streets. Becky is on GPS giving directions and Loch is driving like a Mexican....while we're just happy not having to deal with any of it and just enjoying the ride. A rare pleasure for us while in Mexico. There was a huge traffic jam and it took forever to get home but we survived. In fact we still had enough energy to have liquor show and tell as we had some great vodka to introduce to Becky and they had some great tequila to share with us. Very fun time with very special people.
So one more stop before Zihua...on to Patzcuaro. Another long drive of about 200 plus miles but good roads. Patzcuaro is a favorite and this is our third time visiting here. That will be my next email. So til then.....bye bye. G and M
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