“I have three goddaughters – I’m not sure why they trust me, because I have no experience with children – but I try.” Diane Kruger, actress
Really … I do have three goddaughters and the oldest one, Alessandra, just graduated from college (SDSU). It’s the only graduation I‘ve missed of hers growing up. Instead, she was invited to come down and celebrate her accomplishment in México. This way I have her all to myself for a week vs. attending her graduation, where it would have been a quick ceremony, sharing her time with her parents, sister (my other goddaughter), and grandma … this way I have her all to myself (and with David sometimes, too).
Anxiously awaiting her at the airport, she came out … looked around with trepidation, but when she spotted us I got the most radiant, big smile. Like many young adults, Alessandra is addicted to Starbucks, so I gave her the option of her last “Fivebucks” for the week or driving into town. There we could lull away time sitting in Ajijic’s lovely plaza and enjoy a coffee drink. Well, she chose smartly and leisurely spent time on the square watching life go by.
Our first day’s trip was to a personal fave – Guadalajara’s Hospicio Cabañas museum and the famous Orozco’s Murals. Every visit something new is revealed to me in viewing the massive murals. Tlaquepaque’s historic center followed with dinner at our favorite, festive restaurant, Casa Luna; their White Sangrias sing ~ presented in 💀 glassware (we bought Six!) This full day in México was to set up the pace for the rest of the week’s
There are several hiking trails on Lakeside and Alessandra loves to hike. So I asked our friend, Darryl, who leads hikes with the area’s hiking groups to be our guide. Off we went early morning into the wild mountains of Lake Chapala……..me huffing and puffing and sweating profusely. Alessandra went skipping along from rock to rock like a gazelle. Darryl commented, “Oh, to be 22 again!” and I added, “… and foolish.” A well-deserved breakfast followed of Chilaquiles Divorciados (both red & green sauces) after our three-hour hike.
Horseback riding … who knew she was a cowgirl at heart and such a good rider, too. A smile never left her face until we returned back to the stables hours later. The rainy season finally has begun here and after last night’s rain, the air was fresh and had that smell you just want to bottle. Plus, with little dust being kicked up made for a wonderful morning with like-minded caballeros.
After two days of physical activity, I planned massages for us (David’s inactivity didn’t earn him one – besides, it takes two for a booking). Our master therapist, Exciquio, provided Alessandra with her very first massage ever. He intuitively knew where to focus bodywork with her; especially after her many years of volleyball playing and its injuries. She glowed afterward.
Our weekly trip to the Tianguis took longer this week as we walked the full length of it. It was fun to show Alessandra all that the market has to offer and stopping by our favorite purveyors. At the end of it we had all the ingredients for tonight’s tasty fish tacos. But one more stop was necessary – the tortilleria. Upon arrival, the fresh tortillas were rolling off, freshly made and steaming hot. Note to self – next time bring butter 😋
Tequila Time! A ride short of two hours brought us to the Pueblo Mágico of Tequila……a factory tour and a round of tasting at one of our favorite, family-owned distilleries. Alessandra got an education of the gods’ elixirs: Blanco, Reposado, Añejo, X Añejo, and Cristalino, double or triple filtered, Tamarind infused … so many choices! Now she knows how to select the right one according to her tastes. Lunch afterward by the plaza at Antigua Casona restaurant. Alessandra proceeded to order a Jalisco favorite – Tortas Ahogadas; my crema de poblano soup is worth another trip. Side note – summer’s here in Tequila with temperatures in the mid-90s!
Our prior guests have enjoyed a trip to the Galo goat farm, but a tour wasn’t available during her stay. I contacted Juan Diego, Señor Goat Farmer, and we were able to drop by Friday and see all 16 of the new kids; again the smile never left her face. Plus we got to see him in actual cheese-making mode – will pick up his incredibly delicious Queso Fresco on Tuesday that Mr. Cheesemonger was creating in his new cheese cellar.
After visiting the goats, we stopped into the nearby town of Mezcala. It was our first time in the exclusively indigenous town (total population is 8,000 spread around three areas along the lake) and we were introduced to it via its small museum. The town has a long history that dates back millennium and has made an important impact on México’s independence.
We took a small motorboat ride 3 3/4 miles out on the lake to Mezcala Island. It was smooth sailing. Our tour guide, Daniel, is the son of our massage therapist, Exciquio. The tour was done in Spanish – Alessandra has a good understanding of the language, but some translating was necessary for David here and there.
The island contains the ruins of the old Spanish prison called El Presidio. From 1812 to 1816, a small band of Mexican rebels on the island held off the Spanish army and navy against overwhelming odds. Tired of the humiliation, the Spanish finally negotiated a peaceful surrender with the insurgents. Later the island served as a Spanish prison for many years. There is a ceremonial precinct where indigenous structures and hieroglyphics existed on the island before the fortifications were built. There are still traces remaining. Now the ruins are being cataloged and restored by the Mexican National Institute of Anthropology and History.
For Alessandra’s last dinner in town, it was back to our favorite restaurant, Teocintle Maíz. They just unveiled their summer menu and are excited to try all the new items. Alessandra loved the grilled mushrooms caps stuffed with a chipotle cream appetizer along with her seafood-rich main course, the name of it escapes me. I had the dish a week ago and it was most enjoyable. David had the beef fillet with a hibiscus sauce and devoured it. My grilled octopus was sublime and I quickly rolled it up into fresh hot, tortillas. Dessert was a thick ‘n creamy coffee flan made with Juan Diego’s goat milk….from the same goats we visited earlier in the day … unforgoatable!
I was so happy that Alessandra accepted our invitation. At times I don’t know who was smiling the most – her or me. I remember her as a sweet young girl, but after this week it will be as a strong, smart, and sweet woman.
