Tequila

I am definitely falling behind in updating my blog on all of my latest adventures and experiences here in Mexico. Now has come the time where I am slowly going to begin to summarize a few key points of my stay and travels. First up, TEQUILA...

While my parents were still here, we took a trip to the town of Tequila with IMAC, an intensive study abroad school located in Guadalajara. In total, the group only ended up being five students (the three of us included) and the driver. We took a large van to Tequila, which was a pleasant drive overlooking the countryside and mountain after mountain covered in blue agave (a.k.a. tequila plant). We visited two distilleries (one family owned and one more corporate and fancy). To sum it up simply, tequila tasting is just like wine tasting... minus all the wine. The agave plants covered the hills and even resembled vineyards in Sonoma at times. Two shots and a thumbs up to the tour from IMAC.


For my bday, I went back to Tequila with three friends in my program. Except this time we took the "Tequila Express" train to the town. What I was told was going to happen was all you can drink on the train, tours of distilleries, tastings, lunch, mariachi and folklorico dancing. Well... it was basically all true except for the tours and tastings. On the way to Tequila on the train, they gave us chicharrones to munch on and pre-made beverages in a can which included Tequila. A little suspicious...

Then we got to the distillery and walked around with a guided tour. Where in which the coolest part ended up being the original distillery built in the 1800's basically in a cave. Then we were led to an open area where we ate lunch from a buffet and watched the dancing and mariachi band. Afterwards, they boarded us back on the bus to go back on the train to head home.


In the end... I would recommend the Tequila Express for people and families who want to see all of it (music, tequila, food) in one day. I felt that the smaller and more personal guide was more bang for your buck and a memorable experience. Especially after I had such an amazing time with my parents and IMAC.

**Side note: The big plus about Tequila Express was that they kept giving the four of us more tequila on the way back. Annnd it ended up being more personalized with a private dance party once all of the other patrons got off the train. If this was included in a daily program, it would be a little more fun.