Autlan

Over the weekend, we traveled to Autlan to visit Paulina's aunt and uncle. Autlan is located about 2 1/2 hours southwest of Guadalajara by bus. A word to the wise here: The majority of the trip is on a narrow, winding road, so if you ever take this trip, make sure to sit in the front of the bus and take Dramamine. We learned this the hard way, as we all became carsick -- although Maisy was the only one who threw up (a lot).


First, we went to the area where the buses pick up, which is not the bus station with which we are familiar. It is an area located on a busy road, where you buy tickets from a man leaning on a pay phone. Felt slightly sketchy.


Another tip: The bus we usually take to travel around Mexico is ETN, which is very comfortable. ETN is not available to Autlan, so we took ETN's competitor, Primera Plus. While ETN costs a bit more, if it's available, it's worth it. ETN's buses are newer, cleaner (particularly now, since Maisy puked all over one), and roomier.



Upon our arrival in Autlan, we opted to forgo the taxi service and walk to Paulina's aunt's house. It was a little longer than we expected, and Trent had to pull our suitcase on cobblestone roads and narrow, uneven sidewalks. It's best to leave your wheelchair and stroller behind.


We were welcomed by Paulina's aunt, Bertha, who is a doctor at the local hospital.




Bertha and her husband, Jesus, live in a traditional Mexican home. Bertha is the sister of Paulina's mom, and their house is the one in which Bertha, Cristina, and seven other siblings grew up. When you enter the home, you are in a large patio surrounded by the rest of the house. It's very large, with six bedrooms -- but only two bathrooms.





There is a great view of the cathedral from the patio. The bells start ringing very early each day, so combined with the roosters, don't count on sleeping in.


First, we went to the mercado, which is the closest grocery store.


Shopping is done the old-fashioned way -- groceries stacked floor to ceiling, and you ask for what you want to buy.


On Saturday night, we went to Bertha's favorite carne asada restaurant. Everything was made on a wood-fire grill. The food was fantastic, and, as an added bonus, we smelled like we had been camping.




On Sunday morning, we hiked to the chapel at the top of the hill,


through neighborhoods,


and past farms.


Oh, good, I was hoping there'd be a bathroom.


At the top, there was an amphitheater.


The view was gorgeous. Trent took a panoramic photo.


Then we hiked down,


and went to the swimming pool. Ah, heaven.