We had always wanted to go shopping in Guadalajara but decided we had enough stuff. Fortunately our friends suggested we go together and glad we did not resist the temptation (at least so far, ask us after we get everything delivered). People always ask if it was worth it and I think the answer is yes.
We stayed in the cute shopping town of Tlaquepaque (slightly reminiscent of Berkeley shopping area). The bus dropped us off and a cab whisked us away to our hotel. After a burger lunch we wandered around the pedestrian mall. The prices seemed very variable–and difficult to figure out the logistics of getting it home. Many people come here for a week or two and furnish there entire home. I would need to have a tequila infusion to do that!
We were glad we had arranged for a guide to take us around to the stores. (Thanks to advice we received from many). This seemed like a peculiar concept. He drove while telling us about furniture store options. We learned for example that we weren’t going to get a bargain on poolside chaise lounges because they don’t make them in Mexico. So due to tarrifs, trade etc, it’s actually cheaper in the US. Other things were incredibly cheap, e.g., glassware. Beautiful handblown glasses for a couple bucks. The stores were spread out and each specialized in a different product. Once you made your purchases, arranging delivery was very complex. It seemed to take about an hour each time we arranged a delivery. Not really sure why but don’t think we could have done it without Jose interpreting for us. It was a little like deep sea fishing when the guys on the boat do too much work for you. Regardless we were thankful he was there! In the end we bought a couple light fixtures (1/2 the price of Cabo), glass fish, a lazy susan, beer mugs, 2 mexican vinyl chairs and a couch. Our friends also got some great stuff.
During the day the streets of Tlaquepaque were filled with gringos, but at night they disappeared and Mexican people came out to enjoy all kinds of corn, bean, potato street food–cheap and tasty! There was ear throbbing dance music in one area and elegant restaurants in another spot —-and of course good margaritas. A nice way to end the day.
After reading about Tonalo’ was looking forward to checking out the places where the stuff was made and too see a less fancy side to the Guadalajara. I got my wish on both! Prices were much cheaper but it involved lots of walking. In addition the streets were a bit overwhelming. Every inch of the street was filled with indoor/outdoors shops. Impossible to describe but definitely worth it to experience. Once again, too much stuff and not enough arms. And so thankful when Uber arrived!
The food was terrific and generally inexpensive, especially given the quality. They had tequilarias where they had about 100 tequilas you could choose from (next time). And the place was packed with ice cream shops (my kind of place). Many people had recommended the restaurant we went to one night. I thought it was probably a tourist trap, but it was not—it was wonderful.
So would I go back again? I have since learned the famous contemporary architect, Louis Barragan lived in Guadalahara and would love to tour his architecture someday. Perhaps we could come back and tour the tequila farms? I would like to have time to slowly poke through the stores of Tonalo’. And of course everyone asks, did we feel safe? Generally yes, as much as anyone does in a big city with lots of people, but clearly there is also much poverty/drug usage in areas of the city which means there is crime (yup I googled before we went). And sadly there were children asking for money at times. Of course the reality is without poverty it is unlikely there were would be cheap prices. Yes, so hard to have your cake and eat it too (but why would you have a cake unless you ate it—never understood that expression).
I know what you are wondering—did we get the furniture? Yes some of it. We were told when the couch was shipped, and we had been told it generally arrives 4-5 days after shipping. Which is exactly what happened! So about 10 days (maybe 2 weeks) after we left a truck pulled into Mar Y Sol with our couch and lazy susan after completing it’s journey across the sea. The driver just pulled in assuming we would be there, speaking no english at all and saying he had a failed back. Fortunately, our Mar Y Sol friends rescued us. The couches had been safely removed from the very tall truck by the time we got there and we were left with an irritable driver awaiting money and a “firma”. The shipping was somewhat more expensive than anticipated but once we started thinking about it, it really was understandable. (The cost of shipping one couch was about 180).
Life's Been Good To Us So Far! 