Exploring New Places

It always takes time to feel comfortable in a new location but I love the possibilities of so many new places to explore.  We have joined the Lake Chapala Society, which might be described as the local Gringo group.  It offers classes, outings, video rentals and much more.  Last week I went on a shopping trip to the nearby towns of Tonola and Tlaquepaque (try pronouncing that one out loud) which are known for their handicrafts.  I bought a few things, but tried to limit my spending, knowing that I would have many more opportunities to return.  I met a couple of ladies who are also quite new and we spent the day exploring together.

This lady made the basket I bought for our bathroom 

I'm still chasing people for shots of local flavour

Mariachi music originated in this area of Mexico.  This female mariachi group is famous in Tlaquepaque.

My next door neighbour is from Guadalajara and retired here a year ago.  Since Guad (as it's known locally by the Gringos) is the big city (approx 4 million people) only an hour away, she offered to show me around there.  We spent the day speaking each other's languages (me in Spanish and she in English) and helping each other.  Our first stop was the huge fruit and vegetable market called Abastos.  I was in search of ingredients for fruit cake - Brian's favourite Christmas baking.  Maria Elena told me it was called 'fruita cristalizada' which seemed straight forward enough until I discovered that the only varieties included kiwi, pineapple and mango.  I've learned to substitute in these foreign countries so I hope this tropical fruit cake turns out!