Tlaquepaque (“Ta-La-Keh-Pa-Keh”)

 

Get here early, before the crowds and heat.

Derived from the Nahuatl native Indian language meaning the “place of mud”, Tlaquepaque is home to textile and ceramic artists. Swallowed up by Guadalajara, it has the feel of a charming, small colonial town, thus it’s designation of Puebla Magica. Its mansions and gentile style date back to the 18th century, when Tlaquepaque was one of the main stops en route to Mexico City. It also holds an important place in Mexico’s history: The Plan de Iguala, which set forth the foundation for Mexican Independence from Spain, was signed at the house on this street.

Begin the Art Stroll

We are 9 blocks away from Independencia, the walking street, in a delightful blue hotel, Villa Del Ensueno   https://hotelvilladelensueno.com/  recommended to us by travelers we met in Chapala. It seems appropriate that Del Ensueno is located on Calle Florida. At the time of booking, it saved our lives, but that will be a story for another day.

The feet, the face!

To get to the main attraction, which is Centro Tlaquepaques, one gets to stroll down the heavily shaded streets and past the Arts/Ceramic/Glass/Theater/Dance school - Centro Cultural el Refugio . Where last night they had a free concert and sales of art created there. I also am taking progressive photos of a mural being painted outside it's gates.

Lovely, sparkly pig planters. How many can I take home?

Of course, a gentleman I met at breakfast, is here buying all new furniture for his new home in Baja. Furniture, comfortable furniture, is very hard to come by in Mexico.

I want this painted horno.

We had a great time stopping at several of the galleries along the street. Our favorite was Sergio Bustamante, born in Mexico and who studied architecture in Guadalajara.

Gallery Bustamante

Agustin Parra is a furniture maker, who has been recognized as an “official supplier of the Vatican.” In addition to his furniture, which was exquisite, he carves large statues of the saints. They allowed no photos in this gallery and little is to be found online, but wow!

Gallery Parra

 

Beware the Fruit Plate

 

Barbie and I have seen better days

With all my many steps (32 miles in the first 7 days) I have not been careful of the calories I have been consuming. I’m on vacation, dammit and Mexican is my comfort food.

So, in an effort to maintain a semblance health and since I am in the land of beautiful, ripe fruit a large platter is ordered for breakfast to share with Harvey. Breakfast on the property is relaxing and quiet. The day trippers have not arrived. Birdies fly up and perch on the table, hoping to share a crumb or two. After Breakfast, we take the remainder of the fruit plate back to our room and place in the fridge for lunch.

Back to the spa, in the cool of the morning we have tandem foot massages. The sky is a vivid blue. Then a dip in a nearby pool, before too many children arrive. This is the life, but all good things must come to an end. My end to be exact. My hind end.

Somehow, I have exacted Montezuma’s Revenge and Harvey has been the lucky one to miss out on the adventure.

I write this after 3 days of hating the world and though I am now sitting up, still am not sure I really like it here on planet earth.