How nice it's been to be in one place for a whole week! After spending what seemed like the majority of last week on the bus, it's been great to be able to relax a little and finally catch up on laundry. In fact, as we had both time and clean socks, this has been a week of music, song and dancing - mostly thanks to our lovely Mexican presenters, who are being the most wonderful and entertaining hosts.

A meal out with our wonderful Mexican hosts

We arrived in Guadalajara in gorgeous sunshine - most welcome after the torrential rain and flooding we had experienced in Aguascalientes. (I think I may have forgotten to mention that last week. The whole company became marooned inside the venue and had wade, knee deep, back to the hotel. We do love a good drama!).

The Cathedral in Guadalajara

We found Guadalajara to be a bustling city with an impressive Cathedral at its centre. We spent much time exploring the busy markets, which sold almost anything imaginable - clothes, crafts, electrical goods, and most importantly, Halloween costumes. Watch this space. On Thursday night our hosts took us to a Salsa club (though not me - clubs don't tend to be the best environments for singers) to teach our Irish dancers how to wiggle their hips. The next day I heard many of the company declare that this was the best night of their lives. Generally laid back people, when these Mexicans get going, there's no stopping them!

Gustavo entertaining us... his way

Even an evening of quiet drinks on the roof terrace turned around when a guitar was produced, along with an introduction to some of Mexico's finest tequilas. Relocated to a more appropriate venue, the sing-along lasted late into the night, and we were delighted to be joined by a couple of highly talented local musicians. We all had a wonderful time exchanging songs from all over the world, in Spanish, Irish, English - or all three at the same time. A heart-felt bilingual rendition of "My Way" seems to be particularly memorable, especially as no-one could remember the words, beyond "...Lah-da, da-da, da dah.. I did it... My Way!".

"I did it... my way!" Two local musicians show us how it's done

The hotel's roof terrace was also the perfect venue for a couple of yoga and Pilates sessions. A number of us could be found attempting to contort ourselves into all sorts of interesting shapes, whilst trying not to fall into the pool, all thanks to our dedicated physio, Anna and massage therapist Michelle. We were left feeling wonderfully relaxed, stretched, and really rather smug. And no, there are no photos available of this particular event. Phew...

A market stall selling... I've no idea what

One of the most memorable events of the week, however, has to be wardrobe mistress Jenna's birthday. She (and we!) were surprised, over dinner between the shows, to be serenaded by a twelve piece Mariachi band. I don't think catering has ever been so much fun.

Tunes on the streets of Guadalajara

Only one more week to go now. We're off to the capital - Mexico City. See you there!