Wednesday, 30 April 2008

COOLER TIMES IN SAN CRISTOBAL

After a long day of sight-seeing and yet more bus journeys, we arrived in San Cristobal de las Casas. We found ourselves a lovely colonial hotel and settled in for 3 nights. Being up in the mountains, the temperature was much cooler : a welcome relief! 

This picturesque market town had been recommended to us by so many people, for its gorgeous, colourful architecture and for its relaxed but fun nightlife. In the 2 days we spent here we weren't disappointed. We just loved it! We pottered about the little streets and the chaotic markets, we were lucky enough to be the only people to be given a guided tour of a little contemporary art studio (run by Mayan women who made their own paper from recycled materials for their screen-printed designs) and in the evenings we made the most of the cool bars and restaurants. We especially enjoyed the live Mexican reggae music!

On our 3rd day, before we boarded the 13hr overnight bus to Oaxaca, we took a day trip to the nearby canyon and a mountain village. It started with a 2hr high-speed boat ride along the river through the Sumidera Canyon (accompanied by flocks of wild birds but, unfortunately for us, the resident crocodiles were a no-show), followed by a relaxed stroll around the village of Chiapa de Corzo.

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