That would be me in the picture above
Though many people in the world can say they have been to Mexico, they may not be familiar with the interior of Mexico. Most people go to see the beaches, which tend to be like a mini-U.S. as everything is catered to the tourists. It is almost like you have never left the U.S. at all but merely traveled to the beach. The prices are just as high in the beach towns as they are in the U.S. itself. You may see more U.S. citizens than Mexican citizens on any given day. Travel to the interior of Mexico, and you will see a country of contrasts.The line between rich and poor has been drawn in the dusty un-paved streets, and if you are one of the poor, it is impossible to cross that line. Zapopan is no different. In the state of Jalisco, the capital city (and largest city) is Guadalajara. Zapopan is second in population, and is an off-shoot of Guadalajara itself (it is part of the Guadalajara metropolitan area). Zapopan is home to more than 1 million people!!!
If you are planning a trip to Mexico, Zapopan is a great place to travel. Nuesta Senora de Zapopan Basilica is located there. The church building towers over the shaded town square. In the town square, you will find people every where enjoying the company of others. There are vendors selling everything from balloons/toys to food. Horse drawn carriages travel by introducing tourists to the beauty of the city.
If you do all of these things while you are there, don't forget to cross that line in the dusty road where the majority of the cities inhabitants live. While you can see poverty here in the U.S. and other developed countries, there is little here in the U.S. that will knock you down emotionally as much as seeing it in Mexico. The contrast from the town square to where the poorest of the poor live will bring you to your knees with tears!! Especially, if you have a sponsored child there, and you know that this is what they live everyday.
I want to give everyone a chance to see these beautiful pictures of Zapopan & Guadalajara today. Tomorrow, I will show you what it looks like where Miguel lives.
1 comment:
I have been to Guadalajara. My best friend married a girl from there and that was where they had the wedding. We did drive through some of the poor sections and for sure there is a lot of poverty. Very different from what you see in Cozumel and Puerto Vallarta (unless you leave the tourist areas, anyway). But that's the 'real' Mexico and I was glad I saw it. Looking forward to the next set of pics from you.
Post a Comment