Sunday Market in Chapala

 

 The Centre and the stores are all closed on Sunday. The Community is very catholic. Families spend their mornings in church and their afternoons with their families.
Mom and I ventured down to the outdoor market in Chapala, just a 10 minute drive for us. It takes place at the water front on Lake Chapala. There is about a mile of vendors in two, almost three rows. It was predominantly Mexican families. All seemed like tourists just like us, visiting from a different part of Mexico with their kids and grandparents. All taking in the sights and posing in front of fountains and statues, just like us. At the market, there was everything you can imagine. Some booths had more "American" products with brand names we'd all recognize, but most had local handmade crafts and clothing. And food vendors of course! They sell roasted corn on the cob, in the same abundance that you'd find a hotdog/sausage stand at our outdoor events.


There is also ice cream and smoothies stands and there were beer stands, not just beer, but any liquor you wanted. ha ha
We shopped a little, but we were warned to take it all in first before buying. There are other markets with other prices. And, you can barter here. Once I get the hang of asking some questions in Spanish, I'll be better prepared to shop. There are also street musicians with lots of music.
It was a gorgeous day. We found a fountain feature with bronze boys and a bronze statue of The Lady of the Lake. I'll have to research more about the folklore here. But even guys in Harley t-shirts were getting their photos taken with the fountain. Huh...
We ducked into a restaurant and asked if it was ok just to have a beer and take advantage of the bathroom and wi-fi. Two essentials I can't go without for too long-ha! On that note, a lot of people live on their phones here too...yes, it's true!
Other sights and sounds included the lake; families were taking boat tours and some venders who were serving bbq fresh fish were throwing buckets full of fish heads and fish guts into a large (hmmm...Loudon, what is the word for a group of Pelican's?) ______ of Pelicans. They let the kids throw it too, much to their delight. The pelicans drew a huge fascinated crowd. It made us much more comfortable with our own fascination!


There were people walking around selling flowers, and balloons but I was most attracted to this man with his face and arms stained red, he was presenting his heritage of the Native Mexicans, the people who lived here first, before the Spanish.

I gave him some coin and asked to take his photo. What happened next, I wasn't prepared for, but I wanted all of it to happen! ha He put the bandana on me and then put the feather in it. And then we posed for a selfie. I thanked him a lot. I will find him next week. Perhaps I will draw him!


We had supper at a restaurant that Moonie suggested with a dish served in a volcanic bowl. It was served steaming hot and stayed piping hot through our meal. It had chicken, shrimp and beef with peppers and onions and we realized the bottom was all cheese!! We ate it on corn tortillas as we watched families gathering for meals.

Mariachies wondered in and out and would serenade you at your table if so desired. We might take them up on it next time!
Mom and I talked about our experiences so far. We've only been here a few days. There is so much stimulus and color and sounds.
It truly is amazing!
We highly recommend it!