Guadalajara's Got Grit (and a Seriously Sticky Mango)
okay, so, 3523183… that’s the number of times i’ve spilled something on myself this week. and 1484735713… honestly, i don’t even know what that is. probably just a really long grocery list. i’m pretty sure it’s related to the humidity, though. it’s like, 78% up here in Guadalajara. feels like 23.91, temp-wise, and the air’s thick enough to chew on. 1020 pressure, sea level’s holding steady at 1020, but the ground’s dropped to 1018 - weird, right? like the city’s subtly shrinking.
seriously, i’m running on fumes and lukewarm coffee. i landed yesterday, and honestly, it’s been a blur of wandering around, trying to find decent tacos and not getting completely lost. the Zona Rosa is… intense. a sensory overload of street food, mariachi bands, and people trying to sell you everything from hand-woven blankets to questionable herbal remedies. i almost bought a tiny sombrero for my cat, mittens. don’t judge.
I stumbled into this little plaza - Plaza de la Liberación - and it was just… buzzing. kids playing, old men arguing over dominoes, a guy selling churros that smelled like pure heaven. someone told me that the best tacos al pastor are at Tacos El Güero, but i also heard that the street vendors near the Mercado San Juan are slightly less likely to try and convince you that you need a new pair of shoes. i’m leaning towards the vendors. my feet are already screaming.
Speaking of markets, the Mercado San Juan is a trip. it’s like stepping into a time warp. mountains of spices, exotic fruits i’ve never even heard of, and the most intense smells imaginable. i got completely lost for about an hour, just wandering through the aisles, trying to figure out what was what. i ended up buying a giant bag of mangoes - they’re ridiculously cheap - and now i’m pretty sure i’m going to be dreaming in shades of orange.
I checked the weather just now, and it's...there right now, hope you like that kind of thing. it’s supposed to be partly cloudy with a high of 24. i’m not complaining. it’s actually pretty pleasant.
I’m staying in this Airbnb - it’s a little bit rough around the edges, but it’s got character. the host, Elena, is a total sweetheart, but she also keeps leaving cryptic notes about needing to “protect the sacred space.” i’m not entirely sure what that means, but i’m respecting the boundaries. if you get bored, Mexico City is just a short drive away.
I spent this afternoon exploring the Instituto Cultural Cabañas, a UNESCO World Heritage site. it’s an incredible example of Art Nouveau architecture, and it’s just stunning. it’s a bit of a hidden gem, tucked away in a quiet corner of the city. i overheard gossip that the building used to be a textile factory, and that the original workers were treated terribly. pretty grim, honestly.
Here’s a quick gear list, because apparently that’s what people want:
Hiking boots (seriously, i’m doing a lot of walking)
Sunscreen (duh)
A ridiculously large hat (for sun protection and general coolness)
A portable charger (my phone battery dies faster than a houseplant)
A phrasebook (my Spanish is… rudimentary)
And a whole lot of snacks.
I found this amazing little bar called La Europea - it’s got live music and a killer cocktail menu. I heard that the bartender, Ricardo, makes the best margaritas in the city, but he’s also notoriously grumpy. i tried to order one, and he just glared at me. i quickly changed my order to a beer. lesson learned.
Seriously, if you’re planning a trip to Guadalajara, check out TripAdvisor for some recommendations. And Yelp is good for finding those hidden gems. Also, the local Facebook groups are surprisingly helpful.
Okay, i need to go find another taco. my stomach is staging a revolt.
TripAdvisor Guadalajara
Yelp Guadalajara Restaurants
Local Guadalajara Forum
And, you know, just… be open to the chaos. Guadalajara is a city that demands it.
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