Surrounded by green mountains on a plain punctuated by a few mesas and contoured with several hills sits a city of striking colors and gardens, with people who are kind to strangers and love ice cream. Public art and parks abound, birds sing gently and dogs are generally quiet. The daily temperature is always about 85 degrees and moderated by a cool, gentle breeze. And it only rains at night.
This is Guadalajara, not a dream. Taxi drivers are polite, friendly, get you quickly and safely to your destination, round the fare down and are appreciative of tips. Bus service is reliable and ample. The streets are clean but not fussy, tho the sidewalks are frequently buckled by the rapidly growing roots everywhere. The food is fresh and tasty and healthy, and waiters and chefs genuinely care about you. People are busy but always ready to talk with you; they give with little expectation to receive. Life matters more than material.
On every street you will find an unassuming beautiful woman with an engaging smile and lively eyes. People generally agree that Guadalajara has the most beautiful women in Mexico, and for me, that means the most beautiful in the world.
Large and comfortable public squares, block after block of wedding dress shops, acre after acre of silver and gold jewelry. Sushi and tacos and balloons and factories and universities. Every few blocks is a nursery (plants) or daycare (kids) or cucina economica.
I am infatuated, but it really is this way. I think I finally understand the meaning of cielito lindo.