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drfugawe

Apr 8, 2007, 8:08 AM

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Guad at Semana Santa time

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I don't know if this is the proper location for this question, but I'll put it here and see.

We winter in Nayarit in a small beach town (Chacala) at affordable monthly rates. We know our landlady is making a calculated gamble that she'll make more on our "affordable" but sure income for sev months each winter, rather than hoping that she'll be able to make a little more by renting it out to one of the many Mexican families who regularly flock to the coast every weekend. But our unspoken agreement to this mutually advantagous deal is that we will be out at least a week or two before Semana Santa, when we know she can make MUCH more than normal.

But of course this arrangement has so far resulted in us coming back to Oregon a bit early - regrettable, if one wants to miss as much nasty late winter weather as possible! So we've wondered if by the evidence of the huge influx of Guadalajarans to the west coast during Semana Santa, that this fact would make Guadalajara a good place to spend some time during this time? Or does Guadalajara simply draw other Mexican tourists during this time?

Please recognize that I'm not in the least complaining about the annual gathering of Semana Santa visitors on the coast; it's their country and I realize I'm a guest. But I do know that they'd rather I not get in the way of their fun, and I'd be happier elsewhere also.

Thanks for your assistance.
John
_________________________

"Self-respect: the secure feeling
that no one, as yet, is suspicious."
H.L. Mencken
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esperanza

Apr 8, 2007, 8:28 AM

Post #2 of 4 (1924 views)

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Re: [drfugawe] Guad at Semana Santa time

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Semana Santa in Guadalajara gets a bit of a late start, John.

The city was so full of traffic late last week and early this week that it was all but impossible to navigate from my house near the Minerva to anywhere else. It seemed to me that the traffic was generated by people getting ready for vacation, running last minute errands all over town. By Wednesday before Holy Thursday, traffic had thinned remarkably. On Thursday there were very few cars on the streets and driving was a pleasure.

I was in the Centro Histórico on Thursday afternoon, though, and the sidewalks and parks were filled with vacationing families. I was cheered substantially by the festive feeling in the air. Balloon vendors, soap bubbles, cotton candy and whirling pinwheels were everywhere. Children chased one another around the Rotonda de Hombres Ilustres, fathers lifted laughing babies to their shoulders, mothers slipped off their shoes and relaxed in the grass, and music swelled from many sources. The Cathedral opened all of its doors to the throngs.

Yesterday the radio news reported that for every one car driving into the city in any given hour, two were leaving.

IMHO, this is a great time to visit the city. Let me know when you're coming next year and we'll get together.

http://www.mexicocooks.typepad.com

Bloviator

Apr 9, 2007, 6:07 AM

Post #3 of 4 (1880 views)

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Re: [esperanza] Guad at Semana Santa time

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We drove in Saturday and the air was the most clear that I have ever seen. It was beautiful to see the whole city laid out without the usual covering of smog.

There was almost no traffic anywhere except when we were leaving about noon and the traffic was tied up a little near the Hotel Tapatio where there were lots of cars going out of town.

We shopped at Costco and there were not crowds at all, even mid morning on a Saturday.

I was thinking that perhaps it would be a good time to visit Guad - evidently not the case according to the posting above, though the lack of smog makes it very tempting.

drfugawe

Apr 9, 2007, 7:29 AM

Post #4 of 4 (1870 views)

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Re: [esperanza] Guad at Semana Santa time

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Thanks esperanza for the info - some good, some not so good. Thought maybe since so many folks were off to the beach, the city might be empty - or seemingly so. Kind of like Paris in Aug, although upon reflection, that wasn't so good, since all the stores and restaurants closed too.

Yes, love to check back with you next year to continue this dialog and to maybe get together in your beautiful city.
Much appreciation, esperanza.
john
_________________________

"Self-respect: the secure feeling
that no one, as yet, is suspicious."
H.L. Mencken
____________###