We spent a wonderful five days at Ben's family reunion in Prescott, Arizona. All our girls -Sarah, Sarah-Jane, Jenna, Brydie, and granddaughter Lyla (collectively and affectionately known as "Ben's Harem"), flew in from Denver. It was lovely catching up and we were sad, but excited to continue with the next leg of our travels.
On July 24 we arrived in Guadalajara, the second largest city in Mexico. Founded in 1530, this vibrant city is steeped in colonial history. For its size and the number of people hurrying and scurrying (on Mexico time of course), the city is noticeably clean, with many plazas, well tended flower beds and elaborate fountains.
We stayed at the downtown Hotel Frances, built in 1535. Although the hotel has been beautifully renovated and the original architecture maintained, by morning we felt as though we had slept on one of the original mattresses!
Hotel Frances
Atrium Hotel FrancesOur first evening in the city, we were directed to a popular downtown restaurant, La Chata. The kitchen faces onto the sidewalk and patrons can watch the cooks prepare meals while waiting to be seated.
La Chata is frequented by the locals and as you can see, Lindy is the only Anglo in line.
While we waited, a musician rolled his xylophone onto the sidewalk and kept us entertained.
For the next three days we wandered around this most walkable city, enjoying the colonial architecture, museum collections and places of interest.
The Cathedral of San Francisco has a most impressive exterior and an exquisite interior...
La Chata is frequented by the locals and as you can see, Lindy is the only Anglo in line.
While we waited, a musician rolled his xylophone onto the sidewalk and kept us entertained.
For the next three days we wandered around this most walkable city, enjoying the colonial architecture, museum collections and places of interest.
The Cathedral of San Francisco has a most impressive exterior and an exquisite interior...
There are many plazas throughout the city, each boasting a unique fountain.
The calandria are an emblem of the golden era. Available for hire, one more elaborately decorated than the next.
One of the largest plazas in downtown Guadalajara, is Plaza Tapatia, which leads to the Instituto Cultural Cabanas.
Within the complex is a chapel, home to 57 murals painted by Jose Clemente Orozco, known as the Michael Angelo of Mexico.
Despite only having one hand and poor eyesight, Orozco completed the task within two years.
Below are three of Orozco's murals.
"The Politicians"
"Man on Fire"
"The Wheel"
The calandria are an emblem of the golden era. Available for hire, one more elaborately decorated than the next.
One of the largest plazas in downtown Guadalajara, is Plaza Tapatia, which leads to the Instituto Cultural Cabanas.
The Instituto opened its doors in 1810 and was originally dedicated to the shelter and care of destitute children. The complex is vast with many meticulously restored plazas and buildings.
Within the complex is a chapel, home to 57 murals painted by Jose Clemente Orozco, known as the Michael Angelo of Mexico.
Despite only having one hand and poor eyesight, Orozco completed the task within two years.Below are three of Orozco's murals.
"The Politicians"
"Man on Fire" Painted on the ceiling of the chapel, this mural is 33 feet in diameter.
"The Wheel" 
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