guadalajara: where the tacos are hot and the vibes are hotter
okay so i just landed in guadalajara and honestly? it's a lot. the air feels like someone turned a hairdryer on full blast and pointed it at my face. according to my weather app it's *29.32°c right now, but feels like 27.61°c with a humidity of 14%. basically, if you're coming here, bring sunscreen or a portable fan or both. or just accept that you'll be a sweaty mess. i'm already there.
anyway, the first thing i did was wander around the centro historico like a lost puppy. the streets are narrow, the buildings are colorful, and every corner smells like something frying in lard. i stopped at a taqueria that a local whispered about like it was a secret society meeting. "tacos don guadalupe," she said, nodding solemnly. i went, and now i'm convinced tacos are the meaning of life.
here's the thing about guadalajara though: it's not just tacos. it's mariachi music spilling out of bars at 2pm, it's old dudes playing dominoes in plazas, it's murals that make you stop and stare like an art geek at a museum. i overheard someone say the murals in the museo regional de guadalajara are "worth the trip alone." i haven't been yet, but i'm adding it to the list.
"if you think this is hot, wait till you try the salsa." - some guy at a food stall who may or may not have been trying to kill me
now, if you're the type who needs a beach break from all this city chaos, puerto vallarta and manzanillo are just a short drive away. or a longer bus ride if you're on a budget. speaking of which, guadalajara is surprisingly affordable. i paid like $2 for a giant plate of chilaquiles this morning and felt guilty about it.
random tip: don't trust the first taxi driver who offers you a ride. i learned that the hard way. instead, use uber or didi if you have data. or just walk. the city is walkable if you don't mind sweating through your shirt by 10am.
i also heard a rumor that the tlaquepaque neighborhood is where all the cool kids hang out. apparently it's full of craft shops, galleries, and people who wear artisanal hats unironically. i'm heading there tomorrow to see if it's true. if i come back wearing a hat, you'll know it got me.
oh, and before i forget: here's a map so you don't end up like me, staring at google maps with the confusion of a toddler in a calculus class.
i've also been taking way too many photos. here are three that don't suck:
so yeah, guadalajara. it's loud, it's hot, it's confusing, and i kind of love it. if you're into cities that don't hold your hand and whisper sweet nothings, this is your jam. just maybe bring a hat. and water. and a fan. and low expectations for your hair.
p.s. if you want more legit travel tips, check out tripadvisor's guadalajara guide or yelp's top taco spots*. or just ask a local. they'll probably tell you something better than the internet.
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