“When you go on a road trip, the trip itself becomes part of the story.” Steve Rushin
This week we had our first mule delivery from the states (NOB). Our friend, Eileen, came down to visit us loaded with items not easily available here. David was ecstatic with his small saucepan pot in which he prepares his hummingbird sugar water food (pots ‘n pans in Mexico are rather thin).
I rented a car for the next two weeks so let the adventures begin. We picked up the car and Eileen at the airport – our first stop lunch, an important, recurring topic at the lakeside.
The next day we embarked on a little road trip into the Sierra del Tigre and the mountain town of Mazamitla, a Pueblo Mágico of Mexico.
Mazamitla is a town located 124 km south of Guadalajara in the Southeast Region and is a popular resort destination for travelers from Guadalajara at an altitude of 2200 meters. Its name comes from the Nahuatl and means “place where arrows to hunt deer are made”. For its natural environment, it is considered by the federal Secretariat of Tourism as a Pueblo Mágico, Magic Village.
Mazamitla was founded by the Aztecs in 1165. In 1481 the area was invaded by the Purépecha and in 1522 was conquered by the Spaniards.
After a two-hour car trip driving along the lake, then to lush mountain forest and valleys, we were in for a lovely surprise. Suddenly we were transported to Switzerland! The architecture of the town resembles a Swiss village, including all the cabins dotting the hillsides. All of the buildings are painted burgundy and white, and almost every construction uses wood in its design.
Rising in front of the plaza is the Parroquia de San Cristóbal. The church is an architectural anomaly in Mexico – it draws inspiration from the Far East rather than Europe. Built-in the middle of the 20th century, the temple is painted white and burgundy so it corresponds with the surrounding buildings.
Our third-day adventure was a drive into Guadalajara: visiting its Historic Center, the 3rd visit to Hospicio Cabañas, and the Orozco Murals. These I never tire looking at – the striking, often macabre artwork characterized by his extensive use of black and deep reds, portraying a wave of anger at social injustice in Mexico and beyond. Our day culminated at Casa Luna Restaurant in Tlaquepaque. The town was crowded with families celebrating the Fiesta de San Pablo. Carnival rides, food, and street vendors, along with a cadre of street performers and cohetes (fireworks) shooting off constantly.
Let’s say driving in Mexico is exhilarating to say the least.
Back in town earlier in the week, we suffered our second culinary disappointment. Our friends, Bev and Cheryl, have always spoken about taking us to Yves restaurant – set in a beautiful, landscaped outdoor pool setting, good food, dining under umbrellas, and where white burros roam in the garden. Let’s just say the burros were cute.
I also managed to drag David to see a matinee showing “Jurassic Park.” I’m still a kid at heart and I love 🦖🦕🦖🦕’s. David gets to learn Spanish by reading the subtitles.
Tomorrow we are heading to a goat farm located out in the country, so stay tuned . . .
