Day 1, Tuesday 6
Our travel day started abruptly, waking up at 3.45 am for an Uber to the airport at 4.25 am. Annoyingly Westjet told me I had to see a desk agent for a boarding pass despite online check-in.
Flight to Calgary was fine, then GDL flight arrived 1/2hr early (5hrs). I got some much-needed sleep while Jordan rewatched Breaking Bad.
We took an airport taxi for 500 pesos.
Our accommodation Booking.com was really nice, quiet 10ft ceiling, stylish.
First impressions of GDL - big, rundown city center, loads of old school graffiti and trash, It was not easy to find restaurants in the central area we were staying.
The Central Square and cathedral is impressive but in a natural way rather than showcased to catch the tourist interest and it is quite expensive compared to other inland parts of Mexico.
Our first meal was at La Chata de Guadalajara, a popular restaurant, but we found the flavours underwhelming.
Day 2,Wednesday 7
Today we wandered around the city finding the landmarks followed by lunch at Papa Che (tried the regional specialty Carne en su jugo - bland).
We bought some fabulous cherries and berries from the market. Later we enjoyed supper at Il Campione (tuna carpaccio, mushroom, ham, cream cheese pizza, honey habanero jam).
Day 3, Thursday 8
Grocery shopping at Soriana (2600 pesos, noticeable inflation on coffee, sunscreen). Uber back 39 only pesos.
Cheesy egg supper, TV and early night as I slept poorly and Jordan was still fighting a chest infection.
Day 4, Friday 9
TapatÃo Tours offers up to 4 different municipality tours for the price of 1. We opted for the tour around Guadalajara followed by Zapopan. (350 pesos with senior discount) which was a fun way to pass a couple of hours.
We then enjoyed a fabulous lunch at Casa Dolores
Day 5 Saturday 10
Wandered around the central plazas, stopping for coffee and cake.
Day 6 Sunday 11
Took a leisurely walk around Plaza de la Liberacion. It was a bright day and things were busy and vibrant. We planned to get a recommended birria in another district of the city but after quite a bit of walking we decided to do beer and wings at Santas Alitas.
Day 7 Monday 12
Booked our accommodation and bus tickets for Manzanillo. We went on a failed search for the impressive Orozco ceiling murals - (turns out they are in the Government building which was recently closed following protest vandalism).
Picked up meds from Similares, fruit at the market and had delicious seared tuna steaks at home. We realized we had booked the wrong departure station in Tlaquepaque and had to cancel the bus tickets!