Mesoamerica 2019 - Day Three, Zapopan and Tlaquepaque

Having done most of what there is to see in the Centro Historico and with what remained, various museums that are closed on Monday, we decided to venture forth to areas outside of the old center. There were two areas that were recommended in our guidebook. As luck would have it they were in opposite directions from us. One was Northeast and the other Southwest. This gave us an opportunity to make use of either taxis or Uber to see if that would work for us. We opted for Uber first and it turned out in all the areas we were it was quick and economical to make use of that service. So chalk up another step in Mexican acclimation, learning how to get around cities using other means of transportation.

It was interesting driving through the city to the two locations. My only other visit to Mexico was to San Miquel Allende and I remember the roads being very rough. I can't say that Guadalajara was any different. I believe both these were independent communities that were kind of absorbed by the Guadalajara metroplex and in fact I still do believe they have their own local government (in fact I'm sure that is the case with Tlaquepaque. So without further ado let's visit them.

The first drive to Zapopan was slightly unnerving because to turn on to one of the main routes the driver had to go in the opposite direction through some small roads and you wondered if you were being taken off track (Did the cartels change their mind and decide we were worth taking!). Turned out to be nothing. But when you are not used to how things look and feel, the mind is plenty imaginative enough to get paranoid.

Arriving at the main Plaza of Zapopan

and its Basilica built in early 18th century

They were still celebrating the Day of the Holy Kings

The sanctuary was packed the whole time we were there and we could not get in to take pictures so it was just one quick shot

Going in the other direction the Plaza takes on a decidedly secular tone

Further down was an area decorated with colorful umbrellas

We ran into a group from Milwaukee, WI

There family was from Guadalajara and this was the first time the young man on the right had visited his family in Mexico

I don't think this dog is from the States

Statue of the Mexican National Seal

More stuff around the Plaza

At the far end of the Plaza is a gate built in the 20th century but to an older style

 

Continuing our study of pigeons on pubic art

Mexico ranks right up with Italy for maximizing the number of women's breasts showing in public art

Another church in Zapopan

For once we did not wait too long for lunch

I had sopa de mariscos (seafood soup) and Wife had fish filets in butter sauce

We are definitely enjoying the food here and it is such a bargain!

Then we headed off to Tlaquepaque 

Here we went to the Jardin Hidalgo, another central square

Of course there were...

...Churches!!!!

(admit it... you were really worried that there weren't going to be any more ecclesiastical architecture in the post...you were...I know you were)

 

What was in your church this Christmas

 

Some 'art' photos

 

Street food

They roast corn, take it off the cob and heat it up 

Then they add roasted chayote squash

Slather with crema

Top with dry, crumbly cheese

I would love to try this but it is a ton of food and we always find it after we have already eaten

All kinds of market stalls

I bought a belt

Study of toddlers feeding pigeons

 

Finally Tlaquepaque local government offices

Complete with murals