Why on earth is there such a sense of optimism in Guadalajara and Mexico? With limited public transportation, Guadalajara's traffic is chaotic. I ask a resident of Guadalajara about its dilapidated urban landscape, and they respond ironically, "Urban planning? What exactly do you mean?" The standard of living is low. Social problems are glaringly obvious. Cartel violence remains a menacing scourge. And yet... there's a palpable sense of hopeful optimism. What's going on? It can't be solely due to the International Book Fair (FIL), right?