(A Mexico Diary)
By Liz Mathew
Guadalajara (Mexico), April 20 (IANS) President Pratibha Patil appeared to have enjoyed her visit to Guadalajara, the second most populous city in Mexico, thoroughly. Patil, who earlier looked exhausted after the long haul flights, appeared fresh and happy when she visited the Palacio de Gobierno that houses the executive branch of Jalisco state government. The reception at the palace, hosted by Jalisco Governor Emilio Gonzales Marquez, gave a glimpse of the vibrancy of the city. There was a bit of everything…the world famous Mariachi music (Guadalajara is its birthplace), the hat dance and the Mexican food.

The city, known as the most Mexican of Mexico’s cities, is one of the main centres of the country’s culture, economy, history, industry and religion and reflects what Mexico is today - modern but historic.

Guadalajara, one of the main cities of Jalisco state, with its 17th century structures and monuments, is a busy metropolis and a major business centre. A tour through the city, which is very near to the town of Tequila, puts the visitor on an emotional roller-coaster as there are tableaux of its traditions in music, folklores, colours and gastronomy.

The Hospicio Cabanas building, located at the heart of the city, tells the tales of how it was built in 1810 to home the orphans and the destitute, how it turned out to be a place to lodge hundreds of soldiers, horses and arms during Mexico’s war of independence.

The mural painting “Jose Clemente Orozco” on the walls of the building depicts the difficulties the Mexicans underwent to get social justice. It also refers to the imposition of spiritual values and aspects of its history.

Although the city is a major business centre, the people looked relaxed - the Indian team visited the city on a Saturday - and fun-loving. Every second shop sells dozens of varieties of tequila.

The street vendors selling coconut water - after drawing the water from the coconut, they make a sumptuous mix of coconut with lemon and red chillies - and grilled corns make the Indians feel at home here.