October update!

Hey everybody,
October is a month of Mexican festivals, concerts, carnivals and such. This being the case, I have had the opportunity to see a lot of things that the average tourist does not get to see without travelling off of the beaten path. As you will see, I have had a chance to get out and experience a few of the attractions!
Last night we found a little carnival on our way home from supper. It was in the middle of a residential area blocking houses with the food stands, games and rides. I couldn't believe how it just happened to be in the middle of nowhere really....but the streets were packed with people, music and the smell of the Mexican churros (they taste kind of like the mini donoughts at our fairs). It was neat to stroll the street and see the things you could buy and do.

The circus was Friday and although I had predicted it to be a little out of the ordinary, it was, for the most part....fairly normal. The outfits of the women performers were possibly one of the only things that you would NEVER see at a circus in Canada. I suppose that was why all of the dad's were waiting so patiently in line! There were attractions for all ages! It was a fun evening none the less.

I have also posted some pictures of Guadalajara and my favorite beaches.

I will do another posting after the Halloween celebration at my school on the 31st! Until then, take care and keep warm!

Talk to you soon,
Danielle

Street Carnival Anybody?

Me...standing at a little street carnival that was right in the middle of a residential street. There were rides, games, and lots of different kinds of treats to eat.

Bunnie and Kim standing in front of the swinging boat ride. You can really get a good look at the cobblestone streets in this picture too.

You can see the little food stands heading down the road.

Circus Time!

The circus has arrived. They spent all week trolling around their animals in cages...up and down all of the cobblestone streets, even down roads you wouldn't dare take your 4X4 truck down!

Here we are standing outside, waiting patiently to get into the circus! There was a joint exit and entrance with people trying to get both ways at once... a lil squishy!

Here is one of the circus horses...or should I call it a spotted zebra like it was being advertised!

Andrea, Michelle and I waiting anxiously for the circus to start. Where's the popcorn and candy apples?

Here is the camel and zebra show.

It might be hard to see her outfit....but if you can see the bottoms of her gear, you will clearly see that the attraction here was not the hoola hoops...

We saw an interesting variety of performances at the circus Friday night.

Back to Tonala in Guadalajara

Here are a few pictures of some of the stores and vendors I saw in Tonala this time round!

vendor stand....

A guy's got to eat. Bread anyone?!

.....and the list of shockers continues!

Here I am at one of the watermelon stands in Tonala. There are all kinds of different fruit stands along the streets. None for me though....I am NOT getting sick here ever again....even though some of the fruit is hard to resist.

Tlaquepaque

Here I am trying on a Mariachi hat in Tlaquepaque as the mariachi band played for us on stage.

Mariachi Bunnie and Antonio...star preformers!!!!

The mariachi band playing on stage at Tlaquepaque.

Here I am, in front of one of the fountain pools after shopping in the gold stores in
Guadalajara. The architecture of the buildings downtown was spectacular! AND...As you can see, I am wearing a sweater here. It was only + 17 there. A refreshing break from the breath taking heat of Puerto Vallarta.

Bunnie and I standing in front of one of the fountains in downtown Guadalajara.

One of the beautiful buildings in downtown Guadalajara. There were so many amazing sites to see!

Another one of the buildings in the centro.

Bunnie, Antonio, and I having breakfast at our hotel in Guadalajara.

Las Animas Beach

Here are the girls and I sitting on the Santa Maria boat before heading off to Las Animas.

Starfish anyone?

This is a view of where I live from the water....or not...but I would be quite happy if it was. This is the vacation house of on of the government leaders here in Mexico.

Las Animas....great spot for a quiet day in the sun. We took a water taxi to get to it as it is not accessible by land. Very beautiful!

My favorite swimming beach....because...well....It is clear water so I can see the bottom and make sure their are no sharks coming!

One of the most beautiful beaches near Vallarta. It's called "Caballo Blanco" which means white horse. Apparently when the water gets rough, it splashes up on some of the rocks on shore and the splash makes the shape of a horse....hmmmm now that would be interesting to see in person.

Here I am petting a horse that was on its way for a swim in the ocean. There's a first time for everything!!!