Guadalajara's Got Grit (and a Seriously Weird Rain)
okay, so, i’m pretty sure i’m running on fumes and lukewarm coffee. the humidity here is… intense. i just checked and it's...there right now, hope you like that kind of thing. 74% feels like a sauna designed by a sadist. the pressure’s at 1011, which is…fine, i guess? it’s not actively trying to crush me.
I landed in Guadalajara yesterday, and honestly, it’s a sensory overload in the best way. it’s not like those perfectly curated Instagram feeds, you know? it’s real. Like, the street vendors are yelling, the music’s blasting, and there’s this constant, low-level hum of activity that just vibrates through your bones. i’m staying in this little place near the *zócalo, which is basically the town square, but it’s got this incredible, crumbling facade and a bunch of stray dogs hanging around. it’s charming in a slightly terrifying way.
I spent the morning wandering around the centro histórico, just getting lost. seriously, just lost. i ended up in this tiny plaza with a fountain and a bunch of old men playing dominoes. someone told me that the best tacos al pastor are at Tacos El Güero, but i’m still on the hunt. i need to find a decent Yelp review, honestly. my stomach is staging a minor rebellion.
Speaking of food, the street food here is insane. i had this thing called tlayudas - basically a giant, crispy tortilla topped with beans, cheese, meat, and salsa. it was glorious. and cheap. like, ridiculously cheap. i’m pretty sure i could live on tlayudas and lukewarm beer for the rest of my life.
I stumbled across this amazing little art gallery tucked away down a side street. it was full of vibrant murals and sculptures by local artists. it felt like stepping into another world. i even managed to snag a quick sketch from one of the artists - a portrait of me looking vaguely bewildered. it’s probably terrible, but i’m keeping it anyway.
Then, i overheard some serious gossip at a cantina. apparently, the mayor’s daughter is dating a mariachi singer, and it’s causing a massive scandal. someone also said that the Teatro Degollado is haunted by the ghost of a former opera singer. i’m not saying i believe it, but i’m definitely going to check it out. i’m always up for a good ghost story.
I’m trying to document everything, but my camera battery died about an hour ago. i’m relying on my phone, which is already threatening to overheat. it’s a struggle. i need to invest in a better power bank, seriously.
Here’s a quick gear list, because apparently that’s what bloggers do:
*Camera: (currently dead)
*Phone: (low battery, existential dread)
*Notebook: (mostly filled with doodles and half-finished thoughts)
*Sunglasses: (essential for dealing with the humidity)
*Tacos: (obviously)
If you get bored, Puebla is just a short drive away. It’s got a beautiful cathedral and some amazing mole. I heard that the mole at El Mural is legendary.
I’m heading to the Mercado San Juan tomorrow to explore the food stalls. Wish me luck. And maybe send coffee.
Seriously, the rain is starting again. it’s like a constant drizzle, but it’s also…warm. it’s unsettling.
I found this really cool map of the city on TripAdvisor - it’s super helpful for navigating the maze of streets.
And, you know, just a general reminder to be kind to yourselves. travel can be exhausting. especially when you’re fueled by caffeine and a desperate need for wifi.
Oh, and if you’re looking for vintage clothes, check out La Casa de las Vestidillas*. They have a seriously amazing selection.
Okay, I’m going to go find another taco.