Second Winds and Tequila... Tequila, MX.
Who knew a quick weekend getaway was just what I needed for a second wind. Looking back I'm not even sure how I landed in Tequila, Jal at the famous Cantarito's El Güero but that's where today's story takes us. Before I get into lodging and trip info let me share a little bit of background.
My phone rang, Friday morning and it was my mom asking if I had plans for the weekend. I replied simply watching the OU vs. Texas game.
However, she then shared some concerning news about a close family friend who had fallen seriously ill and was hospitalized due to the severity of his condition. Alarmed and shocked, I reassured her that I would accompany her on the trip to help with logistics if she decided to go.
Within an hour, we had booked our flights, and I was submitting my absence request at work. I called my husband, who is always supportive and he encouraged me to go with my mom. By 10 AM on Saturday morning, we were in San Antonio, boarding our flight to Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico.
Lodging
We landed in Mexico and were in the airport looking at hotels. We wanted something that was close to downtown but also near the hospital to visit our family friend. We found this beautiful family friendly hotel Hotel de Mendoza (we booked through Booking.com)
The Prices were relatively inexpensive considering it was last minute and it was in the heart of downtown. Very cute, quant, quiet, and the staff were incredibly friendly. We were able to drop off our luggage since we arrived early with no hassle or charge and go out to make our first hospital visit. An added bonus, the restaurant located inside the hotel has wonderful food at a great price as we ate dinner there our first night and ordered room service the next morning. << Great for those who do not want to think too hard about finding a good place nearby.
Day Trip to Tequila
One of my tried and true trusted online travel agencies is Viator. Anytime I book our day trips its through them. With over 400 certified reviews and an overall 98% satisfied customer recommendation, I booked my Tequila Tour with a Tequila Master.
Our tour guide picked me up from the hotel in an SUV. The tour was a private tour and ran about $150. Many of the tours I’ve experienced typically involve meet-up points at two or three locations where you have to find your way. However, this tour was different—it included a pickup directly from my hotel. I highly recommend this, especially for solo travelers, as it eliminates potential safety concerns.
Our group consisted of three couples and myself, accompanied by two knowledgeable guides, Pedro and Andrea. Both hold master's degrees in Tequila processing and shared not only an in-depth understanding of how tequila is made but also the rich history behind it. They took the experience a step further with a sensory class, explaining why some tequilas have distinct aromas and how they are distilled, along with ideal pairings.
Many tours focus solely on the drinking and party aspect, which is fine, but I truly appreciated this tour's emphasis on history and culture. We made our way to the town of Tequila, which was vibrant with locals and tourists alike. The atmosphere was lively with music, party buses, and a bustling plaza filled with treats and vendors. Despite the lively ambiance, the town felt safe and charming.
Overall the trip was brief but beautiful. Our family friend has since our visit passed and gone to be with the Lord. The night I saw him I sat with him in his hospital room giving him company. We cried, we laughed, I thanked him for standing in the gap for our family and sharing the good news of Jesus with my mom many years ago. I prayed/ read the doxology in Jude over his life. "24 To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy— 25 to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen."
Nothing in this life is guaranteed, moreover I think it's important we take advantage of every opportunity given to us to make the most of every moment. I'm grateful for that time and where the journey has taken me thus far. Cheers to more.
With Love,
Caro G.