My adventures in Mexico continue. This weekend’s stop: Guadalajara hosted by my generous ConversationExchange partner, Ramón.
From the moment I arrived in Guadalajara, it was clear this trip would be different. Usually, it takes me at least a half-day to figure out where I’m going and how I’m going to get there. Ramón not only greeted me at the airport—he and his family spent the entire weekend showing me all the sights, sounds, and tastes of Guadalajara. I was a pampered visitor who didn’t have to lift a finger!
The Food of Guadalajara
Ramón’s wife, Sylvia, and their daughter met us for lunch at Tortas Ahogadas. Over plates of Guadalajara’s iconic, gloriously messy sandwiches, it soon became clear that Ramón and his family were going to give me an immersive experience in every way, including gastronomic delights.
The Sights of Guadalajara
The family took me on several outings: walking city squares, visiting markets, exploring art galleries, and sampling foods. Even when we were simply walking, Ramón was teaching—about the city, its history, and, of course, helping me with Spanish.
Ramón is a natural teacher – that was his profession. Even though he’s newly retired, he continues to teach and is obviously a life-long learner himself.
We saw so many sights that it’s hard to pick out which pictures to share, but here are a few.
Feeling Like Family
On Monday morning, before Sylvia left for work, we shared a full breakfast at their lovely home. I was truly amazed at their thoughtfulness. Although we had only met through ConversationExchange Zoom calls before this visit, Sylvia and Ramón treated me like family. They paid attention to the small things that make someone feel truly cared for—tea made from homemade herbs with lemon from their garden, slippers waiting for me, postcards made with sand art, sending me off with a bag full of sweets. These weren’t gestures of obligation; they were gifts of kindness.
Their hospitality was so sincere and generous that I left inspired—and a little humbled. I kept wishing I could reciprocate in some meaningful way.
Whenever I offered to help pay, Ramón and Sylvia insisted, laughing it off with a cheerful, “Mañana.”
When Ramón drove me to Ajijic later that day, I tried to tell him, in my imperfect Spanish, how valuable the weekend had been to me. He had been my driver, teacher, guide, host, and photographer. These are expensive services for travelers. Not only that, they paid for all my meals, all the gas, parking expenses – everything!
But what was truly priceless was this family’s genuine kindness. That is an experience that I’ll always treasure.
Guadalajara gave me beautiful places, incredible food, and unforgettable walks—but Ramón and Sylvia gave me something rarer: trust, warmth, and a reminder of how powerful everyday generosity can be.
Should have included a video of you eating the crickets! Totally immerse yourself in their delicacies!
I was happy not to have any ‘bugs’ in my stomach, but a bit disappointed that i didn’t Carpe Eat’em. 😏