Guadalajara's Got Grit (and a Lot of Tacos)

okay, so like, i’m pretty sure i’m running on fumes and questionable street corn. i landed in Guadalajara yesterday, and honestly, it’s… a thing. a beautiful, chaotic, slightly sticky thing. the humidity is clinging to everything - my hair, my camera, my sanity. it’s 88% and feels like 16.72 degrees, which is… there right now, hope you like that kind of thing. the pressure’s at 1030, which is, you know, normal for this place.

seriously, the streets are just… alive. like, a million things happening at once. mariachi bands blasting, vendors yelling, scooters weaving through traffic - it’s a sensory overload in the best way possible. i’m trying to document it all, but my camera’s already screaming for a nap. i’m a freelance photographer, so i’m always chasing the light, but this light is… intense.

I checked out the Mercado San Juan - it’s insane. mountains of chiles, exotic fruits i can’t even pronounce, and tacos, tacos, tacos. i’m talking every kind of taco imaginable. someone told me that the tacos al pastor at El Huequito are legendary, and i’m already planning my return trip just for those. you can find more info on Yelp here: https://www.yelp.com/search?query=tacos%20guadalajara.

Speaking of locals, the people here are… well, they’re something. they’re loud, they’re passionate, and they definitely don’t mess around. if you get bored, Mexico City is just a short drive away, but honestly, i’m happy just getting lost in Guadalajara’s maze of streets. i overheard a group of guys at a cantina talking about a hidden mezcal bar - apparently, it’s only open on Tuesdays and requires a secret password. i’m adding that to my list.

I’m staying in a little Airbnb in the Centro Historico. it’s charming, if a little cramped. the walls are thin, so i’m getting a lot of early morning mariachi. it’s… a vibe.

Someone told me that the best time to visit Guadalajara is during the Día de Muertos celebrations. Apparently, the city transforms into a spectacle of color and remembrance. I heard that the cemetery in Panteón San Francisco de la Catedral is particularly breathtaking.

I’m trying to keep my expenses down, so i’m mostly eating street food and using public transport. it’s surprisingly efficient, though you have to be prepared for a bit of a squeeze. i’m a budget student, so every peso counts. i’m also hitting up the Museo de Arte Contemporáneo - it’s free and has some seriously cool exhibits. check out TripAdvisor for more info: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g168339-d168340-Reviews-Museo_de_Arte_Contemporaneo_de_Guadalajara-Guadalajara_Jalisco_State.html.

I’m also exploring the neighborhoods outside the center. i stumbled upon a really cool street art scene in the Barrio Antiguo - it’s vibrant and full of murals. i’m an illustrator, so i’m always inspired by street art.

I heard that the best way to experience Guadalajara is to just wander and get lost. Don’t be afraid to strike up conversations with locals - they’re usually happy to share their favorite spots and stories.

I’m trying to avoid tourist traps, so i’m sticking to places where the locals eat. i found a little comida corrida place near my Airbnb that’s serving up delicious and affordable meals. it’s a lifesaver.

I’m seriously considering investing in a good pair of walking shoes. my feet are already screaming.

I’m also trying to capture the essence of the city through my photography. i’m focusing on the details - the textures, the colors, the faces. i want to create a series of images that really capture the soul of Guadalajara.

I’m going to check out the Teatro Degollado tonight - it’s a beautiful historic theater. i’ve heard they have amazing opera performances.

And, of course, more tacos. always more tacos.

Someone mentioned that the best way to get around Guadalajara is by troca - a shared taxi service. It’s a cheap and convenient way to see the city, but be prepared for a bit of a squeeze.

I’m heading to a local coffee shop now - i need a caffeine fix. i’m a coffee snob, so i’m looking for a place that serves really good espresso. i’m also checking out the local craft beer scene.

I’m going to try and find a good spot to watch the sunset over the mountains.

Okay, gotta go. more exploring, more tacos, more chaos.

https://www.guadalajaramia.com/ - this website has some great tips for visiting Guadalajara.