Leslie and I have been busy seeing as much as we can see in Guadalajara and surrounding cities.
Our last few blogs have been very long so I will let the pictures speak on these ones.
This picture is in front of the fountain in the plaza East of the cathdral. There are 4 plazas that form a cross on all sides of the cathedral.
Here is a picture of the Fountain and the Cathedral.
Here is a Pig Headed Joel playing his new guitar that he got for $22 at the market San Juan de Dios. Leslie did a really great job on this picture. It really looks like my head!
Food is not marketed the same as in the USA... Yes, that is an animal Skull in with the meat that someone would eat. The lady whose stand it was did not like me taking this picture.
The far east part of the city has this Fountain and Institute Cultural Cabañas. It is currently used as an art school and gallery similar to PNCA, my old art school. There are 24 plazas woven in the building... Leslie said she has never seen any thing like this. I am reminded a little of Europe.
Here is the largest plaza in the Institute Cultural Cabañas.We stopped into the Regional Museum of Guadalajara and saw some very interesting museum stuff that would just bore you if we posted it online.... However a detail on one of the horse drawn carriages in the museum was very interesting... Perhaps my mom will want to research this. But my last name KELLNER is on the Light of a horse drawn carriage from the 1800's.
We made side trips to two cities: Tlaquepaque (tah-LAK-eh-PAK-eh) and Tonala (Tone-ah-la). Both are known for handcrafts and Pottery. Of the two we both agree Tonala is much bigger and better. However Tlaquepaque did have some neat sculptures on the sidewalk.
Here is a closeup of some pottery in a museum in Tlaquepaque.
Leslie is listening to a Bronze Guitarist in Tlaquepaque
Tonola was Leslies favorite stop... She bought tons of souviniers for around $100 I have no idea how we are going to get it all home, but she did a great job bartering and finding sweet deals.
We finished the evening off going to the theater to see Ballet Folklorica... It was amazing to see the different costumes, music and dances of the regions of Mexico. Leslie really likes the way the legs swivel around in the Cowboy one... For anyone who has a chance to see this Ballet I would highly recommend it. There is live music and some amazing feats! Dancing with Machetes, Rope Twirling, and even dancing with glasses of water on their heads.
3 comments:
It is grand, children, that as your time in Mexico comes to a close, you are getting a chance to just look around, and be tourists, and appreciate the lighter side of things, like culture, architecture, cuisine, and like that. You have both worked so very hard with the children, and absorbed much of their sorrow, and hugged them, and nursed them, and taught them what you could. So except for your beach forays, and quiet times at your apartment, you have dedicated yourselves to helping others, so many others. One can only hope that all this good will and positive vibes on your part will revisit you and your life 100 fold when you return to Washington in a few weeks. The family gathers with open arms and pines for your return. We could use some of your love too, and have a little reserved just for you from us.
Hugs: Glenn
The ballet looks like a lot of fun. Thanks for posting the videos. Its different from what I thought a ballet should be as I always think about Swan Lake or the Nutcracker. But this looks like it would be lots of fun. Joel, I think the pig head fits....haha. Just joking. I can't wait to see you guys and hope you enjoy the rest of your time there.
Love,
Becky
Here's some history about the horse drawn carriage on display at the Regional Museum of Guadalajara.
It was made by Napoleon's orders for the coronation of Emperor Maximillan of Mexico. Kellner Ses Fils is the manufacturer based in Paris, France. From the making of horse drawn carriages, the company evenutally manufactured electric automobiles able to travel at 15 mph and be started without using a crank.
I was amazed at the Mexican history I uncovered and will pass it along. This is a story about an Austrian born, Mexican Emperor who rode in a French-built horse drawn carriage. Maximillan was Austrian and actually knew little about Mexico. He was in competition with his brother and was not achieving his dreams in Austria. In 1864 he got a better offer, so he thought, when he was approached by Mexico to rule their country. This adventure ended with him being sentenced to die by firing squad just three years after he arrived. The USA did not like him either, and as soon as our Civil War ended, we supported efforts to end his "rule". Sure didn't learn that from my days in American History class.
Now to find the rest of the story about Kellner Ses Fils.... to be continued.
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