Mon 17 Oct - Bosque de los Colomos, dinner in city

Monday we were fortunate to obtain a playdate with our favorite guy Charlie Jr, Chachi.  We took Charlie (or he took us, I'm not sure which) to the forest nearby, Bosque de les Colomos, to ride horses. 

Charlie pointed out his football practice fields for Atlas nearby.  He's just switched from Chivas jrs (Chivas being one of the country's main professional teams) to play for Atlas as he wanted a break in the rigorous training schedule for a while.  Football's a serious business here - a tough pace  for a  12 year old!

I really love Bosque de los Colomos.  It's one of the prettiest forest parks I've seen - with a water and stone based japanese garden, an agave and cactus mexican garden, a pond with ducks, an outdoor gym and playground and horses for hire.  All set within a large, walkable set of paths.

We realised we weren't in England any more when, upon hiring the horses, we were put on them without adjustment of stirrups or sadles and set free to make our way around the park.  Sam's horse immediately started misbehaving, turning in circles and heading towards snacking spots.  I was a little shocked at having been set free so quickly upon hiring the horses, having expected some guidance or tour guide even.  We'd  had a few horse riding lessons at home, but weren't entirely prepared for this freedom yet!   So much for the 'ef and saftey guys!!  To their credit, the fellows at the stable cottoned on to our situation and a guy came over to help Sam with his horse.   Not long after Andy, Ben and Charlie got their horses trotting through the forest and into a competition. 

Later in the day, we left the kids home with grandpa Abuelito and headed out for a child-free dinner with some of our cousins.   We were over the moon to meet our newest little nieece, Bea, who did manage to sneak into our grown-up dinner.  The food was super-delicious, sopapitos (little tostadas with toppings), and steak filets, enchiladas and little quesadillas.  All perfect, made even nicer if possible by the company of our cousins - Lupita, Patricia, Paco, Paco, Rosio, Monica Sofia, Margarita, Angie and Mariella.  It was a great last night to close out our stay in Guadalajara!