Guadalajara's Got Grit (and Seriously Good Tacos)
okay, so i’m pretty sure i’m running on fumes and lukewarm coffee right now. 3531200… that’s the number of times i’ve said ‘wow’ in the last 24 hours. 1484834149… honestly, i don’t even know what that is. it just is. i landed in Guadalajara yesterday, and it’s… intense. like, a beautiful, chaotic, slightly sticky intense. the air’s thick with something - maybe exhaust, maybe spices, maybe just pure, unadulterated life.
It’s 25.97 degrees Celsius, feels like 25.97, temp min 25.54, temp max 25.97, pressure 1012, humidity 19, sea level 1012, grnd level 750. yeah, that’s the official weather report. i just checked and it's...there right now, hope you like that kind of thing. i’m staying in the Centro Historico, which is basically a gorgeous, crumbling maze of cobblestone streets. it’s loud, it’s crowded, and everyone seems to be yelling about something - usually tacos.
I stumbled into this little place called El Huequito - someone told me that’s where the real tacos are. seriously, don’t even bother with the tourist traps. it’s a tiny, no-frills spot, and the line was insane. but it was worth it. like, genuinely worth it. i got the al pastor, obviously. and a horchata. and a second horchata. don’t judge.
Speaking of judging, the locals are… observant. they’ve definitely noticed my perpetually exhausted expression. one guy, sitting outside his shop selling hand-tooled leather goods - he was wearing a sombrero that looked like it had survived a hurricane - he just stared at me for a solid five minutes. i think he was assessing my survival skills. i offered him a half-eaten taco. he politely declined.
I spent the afternoon wandering around the Plaza de los Mariachis. it’s basically a giant stage where mariachi bands play non-stop. it’s overwhelming, but in a good way. i tried to take some photos, but honestly, it’s impossible to capture the energy. it’s like trying to bottle lightning.
I overheard gossip at a cantina about a hidden speakeasy called La Cueva. apparently, it’s only open on Tuesdays and requires a password. someone said the password is ‘aguacate’. i’m adding that to my list. i need a drink. desperately.
Here’s the lowdown on essentials:
Shoes: Seriously, broken-in boots. You’ll be doing a lot of walking. Like, a lot.
*Sunscreen: The sun is brutal. Even on cloudy days.
*Spanish Phrasebook: Google Translate is helpful, but knowing a few basic phrases goes a long way.
*Cash: Many places don’t take cards. Small bills are your friend.
*A healthy dose of curiosity: Guadalajara is a city that demands to be explored. Don’t be afraid to get lost.
I found a really cool little record store near the Mercado San Juan - it’s called Discos del Sol. I picked up a few vinyls. Check it out: https://www.discosdelsol.com/.
If you’re looking for a good place to eat, I heard that Fonda Margarita is amazing. But be prepared to wait. Seriously, prepare. https://www.yelp.com/biz/fonda-margarita-guadalajara
And for a bit of a splurge, check out the Teatro Degollado. It’s stunning. https://www.teatrodellago.com/.
I’m heading out to explore the Tlaquepaque artisan market now. If you get bored, Guadalajara’s are just a short drive away. I’m already plotting my next taco pilgrimage.
Seriously, guys, go. Just go.
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Pro Tip: Don’t be afraid to haggle at the markets. It’s expected. And always, always accept a taco offer.
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Local Warning: Watch out for the stray dogs. They’re adorable, but they’re also opportunistic.
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Overheard Gossip:* Apparently, the mayor is secretly obsessed with collecting vintage rubber ducks. Don’t ask.
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