Karla contacted me through Couchsurfing, having posted a notice to all those in Guadalajara interested in showing me their favorite parts of the city. We met at Parque Revolucion near my hostel because she said she spends almost every Sunday there. I knew that Juarez had been shut down to car traffic for the day, but I didn't expect to see so many activities as I rounded the corner.
So many people leading physical activity events all over the park.
Kids of all ages enjoying some silk climbing in a tree that feels like it grew just for this purpose.
Slackliners were helping curious folks try out their activity. A super difficult skill that is super fun to try.
Bike repair stations were set up all down Juarez for people who needed a little tune-up. My couchsurfer friend Karla is in the background just about to hop into a little double-dutch. She told me she started coming here about 6 months ago and was really bad, but all the people who come regularly were really helpful and she's made some of the best friends she's ever had through this event.
Cars were allowed to cross the car-free zone, and there were helpful volunteers to make sure none of the bikers and walkers became a casualty of the monstrosities.
Lots of artists brought out materials to encourage the public to make a little art of their own.
A craft market set up right next to a bookstore. Walking around Berlin, I was amazed by the amount of bookstores that still existed in this technological age, but Guadalajara puts those numbers to shame. I don't think I've been able to walk down a street without encountering one at least every 3 blocks- if not every block for some streets.
Karla told me about walking around the Cathedral square and having her dad point out the bullet hole in the Clocktower. Apparently a general died during one of the battles of the revolution and someone shot the clock to forever remember the moment. She couldn't remember the name of the general and I couldn't find it with a cursory search. A question for further locals...
Another square near the Cathedral had stall after stall of masons. They are set up there every day, each showcasing their craft. If you ask nicely, they will gladly explain to wandering tourists their technique and how long they've been practicing their art. Very few speak English, so it's a good idea to have a translator if you're interested in their craft.
Karla showing off the Teatro Degollado where the opera puts on weekly free shows at 8pm. Get in line, enjoy some world culture. Muy simple!
The statue of the peeing boys. While only one of them are peeing, bawdy humor amuses the world over.
A statue showing off the Coat of Arms of Guadalajara. Another popular square sits behind the statue, filled with vendors galore.
Karla told me this statue was supposed to represent Queztalcoatl, but it didn't come out like the artist intended. There was supposed to be a globe at the top of the central spiral, but it kept bending dangerously and had to be removed.
The Instituto Cultural Cabañas was hosting an exhibit on Frida Kahlo, which is like honey to me. Karla said she had been intending on visiting it for months, so she was very happy when I asked to make a stop inside.
The Institute is name after Bishop Ruiz de Cabañas y Crespo who ran the orphanage housed here in the 1800's. The orphanage was moved to the south of the city, but his legacy is honored here with free public story telling events for the public.
My host and I surrounded by some (not so) furry friends.
An interactive exhibit for kids to feel connected to the art of their cultural heritage.
An exhibit in three languages. Frida was proud of her Mexican heritage, but she traveled the world and spent a lot of time in France, which helped sponsor this exhibit.
My guide's favorite market in the city: San Juan de Dios. Inside you'll find 3-4 stories (it's hard to keep track with the fluid architecture) of shopping paradise.
A must in Guadalajara is to try the Tejuino. A drink made from masa, flavored with lime and chili. You can add flavoring to it as well, though give the original a go first. Sweet and tangy, it's a hard to describe flavor, but quite refreshing.
One last cultural spot before our day came to a close. This building had previously extended into the street, but Jorge Matute Remus was able to move the entire structure to be inline with the rest of the buildings without damaging it. He is a hero to engineers Mexico, and likely the world, over.
I can't thank Karla enough for showing me her favorite places in the historic Centro. She tells me she comes up here by herself quite often to wander around, just a few stops on Metro line 1, as it's her favorite place in the city.
