tlaquepaque
next time i am in guadalajara i will stay in tlaquepaque, a suburb that has a lovely colonial centre. Tlaquepaque is also where the ‘new’ bus station is located and is more convenient. the new bus station is a mammoth strip of six or seven stations that handle all the long distance bus routes from guadalajara. mexico’s bus system is very efficient, much more so than the bus service in canada. not only does the passenger get to watch a video every two hours but for primera class, which would be the same as service in canada, one gets a sandwich, cookies and water. better than flying. i spent yesterday afternoon wandering around tlaquepaque and am going back this afternoon.
when i returned from tlaquepaque, i explored the area around my hotel which is about five blocks from the central plazas. i was admiring the decor of a bar while eating a couple of tacos across the street and decided to peek inside. there is no identifying sign on the outside of the establishment but it must be called the bull bar. the inside walls were covered with pictures of bull-fighters and articles about bull-fighting. ten stuffed bull’s heads graced the walls as well. i will go back later and try to take a picture … it was incredible.
i also checked out a cheaper hotel (hotel latin) around the corner from where i am currently staying. it would be adequate and is $20. a night cheaper but it has no charm and may be noisier. but it is one of the cheaper hotels in guadalajara, it appears safe and it was recommended by someone in barra. it reminded me of the hotel texas in mexico city, a very reasonable place i have often stayed at that is about the same vintage and price (though hotel latin seems a wee bit more aged).
