Conocer a Guadalajara (Dia 2)

Ok, so day two.  We got up and went to my apartment.  I had only packed for a day, so I had to pack up for the week... plus my friends couldn't come without seeing my apartment.  Duh.

So, we got to my place and they quickly scoped out the place and gave appropriate ooohs and aaahs.  We left right off the bat to get someone a coke (the daily morning ritual if we want to all be in a good mood).  Then we headed to the Parque Metropolitano.  We ran into these very cute puppies for sale... that seemed to happen a lot during this trip... Anyway, we pulled ourselves away and began to look around.

About the time we were finishing, we found an awesome group that appeared to be doing Zumba (except it was probably real dance and not just the fake dancing we try to do as Americans).  So, instead of just watching, we tried to join in.  I'm sure many Mexicans got a kick out of watching the "gringos" attempting to dance.  I love this pic mostly cause it was really fun dancing and it just shows how insane we are too.  Plus, the coke in one hand does improve the whole scene to be honest.

We finished up with looking around at the park and making fools of ourselves and went to church.  We of course got some pictures of the temple.  If it wasn't for one of us taking a picture of the title, I think we would have confused it with pictures of the temple in Minnesota.  Oh wait.  There's palm trees... Nevermind.

So, we headed back to my place and made lunch.  It was great having people over and enjoying some good food.  It sounds boring but we had sauteed chicken with yellow and orange bell peppers.  Apparently they were the best tasting peppers ever cause it was all eaten.

After I packed up we dropped my stuff off at the hotel and booked it to the center of town.  It was a gorgeous day to hang around the center of town.  We walked into a government building and walked around.  It was very beautiful.  There was a wonderful courtyard and the whole place was very open to the outside.  The artwork was definitely gruesome compared to artwork in the United States, but it was definitely very interesting though I'm not sure I could say it was beautiful artwork.  I really loved this stained glass work of the Mexican flag.  The sun was coming right through it at the time and made it absolutely stunning.

We walked into the cathedral, but since it was Sunday there was apparently a mass going on, so we didn't want to disturb.  However, what we were able to see was ancient and ornate.  I don't know why, but I really think catholic cathedrals tend to be so architecturally beautiful and this one did not disappoint.  We walked behind the cathedral and crossed a large plaza.  The plaza was situated directly in front of the theater (Teatro Degollado).

 Once we got in front of the theater, we could see an event was about to start as there was a long line to get in.  I had already researched and we could only get tours during the mid-day on a weekday, so we weren't hopeful that we were going to be able to see inside.  We looked around a bit and started to head off to the side where there was a cute little shopping area.  Except that we were only two and had apparently lost someone while looking around.  We back tracked and found the talkative one of our party happily chatting with someone at a side door (she apparently found someone who could speak English). 

 The man let us take pictures (from behind the table).  Next thing we know, we're in the middle of the lobby as he's taking a group shot for us.  We couldn't believe our luck and thank him profusely as we walk out.  We walk out and are only a few minutes out the door when a lady comes up to me and says that there are a few extra tickets if we want to go the ballet.  I ask how much they cost and she says they're free.  Um. Yes.  So, we head back to the side door and the man takes away our drinks, gives us tickets, and steers us towards the theater entrance.


         
Our tickets weren't all together so I sat behind one of the beams... even then, they were pretty good seats.  My friends got awesome seats (on the floor, no head obstructing their view, and no beams).  It was very cool to get to see the theater and a performance at that.  I'd never been to a ballet, so it was an interesting experience. 

After the ballet, we left and found the guy to thank him again for letting us go to the performance.  He then proceeded to invite us up to the balcony area for drinks.  We don't drink, but hey I wasn't going to say no to seeing more of the place.  We got some Squirt soda (though the bar tender was sure he'd mistaken our order as he kept giving us a few questioning looks) and wandered around like queens in our jeans.  Needless to say it was a very fun experience.

It was close to sunset, so we walked down the little shopping area.  It was a nice little walk and we could see the beautiful museum at the end of it.  Though we decided not to go as it was getting dark and we didn't fancy being in downtown Guadalajara looking so... white... and touristy.  So, we headed back. 

I don't know why but I love this picture.  It's fuzzy, but it just captured a bit what it was like to walk down this area.