Album 15 - Leaving Zamora, Ajijic, Lake Chapala, Tlaquepaque, Colima

January 15-17, 2006  -  This is the next to the last photo album in this travel series.  It covers Susan, Jack, Peg & Keith leaving Zamora - driving from the state of Michoacán - entering the state of Jalisco south of Lake Chapala - an overnight in the town of Ajijic on the north shore of the Lake - a short visit to the popular "Gringo town" of Chapala - and on to Tlaquepaque, a suburb of Guadalajara, where we have a most delightful overnight at the Casa de las Flores B&B.  We  then part ways with Susan & Jack, who will spend another 2 nights at the Casa before flying home - and then we would head southwest to the state of Colima to return the borrowed van and to catch our breaths on the side of the volcano.
1

As we leave Zamora on the morning of the 15th, Keith gets this photo of the banner announcing last night's "Gran Rosca de Reyes" - the Great Ring (twisted roll) of Kings - traditional Xmas bread.
2

Not Indian Teepees, these concrete cone structures seem along the road between Zamora & Lake Chapala are grain storage bins. Workers carry baskets of grain up the outside steps to the upper openings (back side in this photo).
3

Arriving at colorful central Ajijic, we choose the gold & blue hotel in the middle of this block, Hotel La Estancia. 
4

Less than 2 blocks up the hill, we are in the town plaza with its old church pictured here.
5

Another view of the plaza taken the next morning shows the interesting collection of trees & shrubs.
6

Between our hotel & the plaza, we discover what became our favorite place to eat, "Garcia's Grill, Restaurant Bar Familiar."
7

One of the picturesque streets that leads down to the lake.
8

Late afternoon at Ajijic on the shore of Lake Chapala
9

Looking back toward the town of Chapala from the pier out on the lake.
10

We head back to the car from a walk along the waterfront before heading toward Guadalajara.
11

The very special Casa de Las Flores Bed & Breakfast in Tlaquepaque where we will stay for the night.
12

The interior at Casa de las Flores is alive with native crafts that have been placed artistically.
13

The chimney of the fireplace in the main sitting room is creatively covered with a tile fragment motif that is repeated elsewhere in the grounds and rooms. 
14

The decor is a veritable collector's dream arranged quite like a true gallery - a credit to hosts Stan & Jose.
15

The gardens and outside plants afford a peaceful and relaxing place to unwind from the shopping for which the city is famous.
16

Tlaquepaque, like most towns in Mexico can be oriented from a main square.
17

We enjoyed a very nice lunch at Casa Fuerte where we are serenaded by this friendly & talented fellow.
18

Some school kids parade by our outdoor table & add to the fun by taking turista "photos."
19

Keith tries to get a job as a statue near this whimsical character.

The next morning, we leave Jack & Susan in care of Stan & Jose ...
20

... as we return the van to Cofradia.  On toll road north of Gusman, we stop to watch the "fire" volcano blowing off a bit from behind the taller dormant volcano.
21

Nearing Colima, we get this good photo of the famous Colima dogs of the traffic roundabout north of the city. We turn north here & head up towards Cofradia.

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