Back in Cabo San Lucas, I stayed at a really cool hostel, and met some even cooler people. I have been able to experience meeting fellow travelers in one place, then keeping in touch and meeting elsewhere! It is amazing to form a deep friendship with someone you have only known for a short amount of time. To meet up with them again is just the icing on the cake. Here is Guadalajara: When Friends Become Family.
Ok, this is a big one in terms of feeling welcomed. I met my friend Karen back at the hostel in Cabo San Lucas. She told me she was from Guadalajara, and would show me around her city! The time had come, and I arrived. To be honest, when I arrived at the hostel, I didn’t think I was going to stay more than two days. It was a really crowded city. Like I have said in the past, I’m more of a mountain person! Well, yet again, I was quite wrong about this. It is nearly impossible to predict what comes in the future.
Rio Caliente
Karen showed me the amazing nature that surrounds her city. First stop was a hot river WAY out in the woods. You can drive in most of the way, and then a short hike along the river is where you can scope out your ultimate spot to chill in the water (or in this case, boil). There are certain spots where pools are built up. A “drain” at the bottom you can fill with rocks allows you to make the pool of water.
After a short hike down to the river, we were able to find the perfect spot to relax. The natural hot springs were incredible – steam rising from the crystal-clear water surrounded by lush tropical vegetation. It was like discovering a hidden paradise tucked away in the mountains outside Guadalajara.
La Barranca
Our next adventure took us to La Barranca, a dramatic canyon system near Guadalajara. The hike down was steep and challenging, but the views were absolutely worth it. We discovered an abandoned village along the way – buildings slowly being reclaimed by nature, telling stories of a different time.
We stepped into some buildings, but figured we should keep going before some Final Fantasy scene happens to us in the middle of nowhere. Another kilometer into the valley, and we find this really cool suspension bridge. A place where you can really take the sights of the river in from above it.
About 1,700 foot elevation change, and you can feel your ears start popping. We were pretty gassed, and decided to chill here and enjoy the view for a while. The way back up was just as beautiful as the way down!
Lucha Libre
Lucha Libre is Mexico’s version of WWE, and quite the comical experience. This night was full of laughs from beginning to end. I have to say, the crowd was just as intense as the wrestlers themselves. They are true acrobats up in the ring. Some BIG guys doing things I would not have expected them to be capable of.
Probably the funniest part of the whole night was the crowd. There are two different sections offered at Lucha Libre. You can get tickets that are near the ring, with somewhat comfortable seats. You can also get bench seats for a little cheaper. These two sections are actually separated by a fence!
To listen to the bantering between these two sections was a total comedy show. Yelling about each others’ mothers, the “rich” section calling the “poor” section “Pobres niños” (poor kids). It was all in good fun, and at the end of the day, everyone is laughing with each other over all this.
Chapala Lake
Chapala lake was about an hour drive from the center of Guadalajara, and worth every second. The views of the mountains shadowing the lake were really something. Apparently, we visited at the right time of year, because everything was very green! The rain that we encountered on the road was certainly worth the tradeoff of the greenery around town.
The lake stretched out like a mirror, reflecting the dramatic mountains that surrounded it. Local fishermen dotted the shoreline, and small villages along the water’s edge gave glimpses into traditional Mexican lake life.
Friends that become family
So throughout the time exploring all these amazing places, Karen’s family was waiting back at their home. These people opened their lives to me as if they had known me for years. Truly, it reminded me so much of being in Greece. Karen’s mother, Aida, would ask every 5 minutes if I was hungry. She would make sure we had food with us for the road, no matter how long we were going to be.
Aida is one of TWELVE siblings. Many of the aunts were staying at the house, and so was Abuela. I grew so fond of Karen’s family, especially her grandmother. Such a beautiful soul this woman was. I enjoyed the conversations with the family greatly. Each and every one of them made me feel at home from the moment I walked in.
Have you ever met people for the first time, and have this strong feeling you have known them your whole life?
That is exactly what it felt like entering this home. Nightly conversations with everyone would lead to a house full of laughter and joking. My brain was about to explode from all the Spanish I was listening to, but it truly helped me understand more in the long run.
Almost time for farewells…
One day, as we were sitting at the table talking, I mentioned to everyone how grateful I was for how they welcomed me with open arms. It was time for me to continue on my journey. The family mumbled some quick Spanish to each other, and mentioned I should join them for Karen’s nephew’s baptism. It would mean staying an extra day, and meeting the rest of the 12 siblings I hadn’t met so far!
Bautismo de Juan Antonio
The baptism started off in a church in a very small village. This village reminded me so much of Greece from head to toe. Once the service ended, it was time to go to the place where we would celebrate!
About a 5 minute drive from the church, we arrived at a pretty big venue. The first thing I noticed as I was walking in was the huge Mariachi band on stage. I realized I was in for something pretty crazy and different here. Tables stretching all over the venue, loaded with people! Each one of them smiling and catching up with each other.
I always enjoy family gatherings! They help bring loved ones together, and allow everyone to step away from their busy lives for a moment or two.
This place became lively in a matter of minutes! It felt very similar to a Greek baptism, just different language and music. The night came to an end, as did my time in Guadalajara.
The next morning, the goodbyes were a little much for me to handle. I will forever in my heart remember this amazing family. Taking me in as if they knew me for years. Feeding me amazing food, giving me a safe place to sleep, and teaching me what it really means to be welcomed into a family wholeheartedly. For me, Guadalajara is a place where friends have become family. Karen and her family went above and beyond, and I only hope to return the favor someday soon.
‘Til next time,
Pete – A Traveling Teacher