San Cristóbal de las Casas

I was up far too early this morning in Palenque, trying to figure out if what I was hearing were weary roosters or their drunken imitators headinghome after a night out. It was 5AM, but I stayed in bed until about 6, at which point I got my stuff together and headed for the bus to San Cristóbal de las Casas.

The bus rides provided amazing views as we wove through mountain passes above 2300 metres. At one crest, the dense foliage broke into grasslands and pine - a sure sign of the Pacific rainshadow that stretches from the Okanagan to here. I remember Derek and I drove through the same on our way down to Colima way back when.

San Cristóbal itself is a city of about 130,000 people sitting in the high sierra. The town has a very colonial feel, despite being the centre of both Mayan and Zapatista resistance movements against the powers that be. Extending fiveblocks in either direction from the plaza is another cobblestone pedestrian walkway, filled with coffee shops, restaurants, and general knick-knacks. All other streets are cobblestone as well. The daily market at the top of town is a vegetarian heaven, and a Mayan market spills onto the street just above the plaza. One notable stall is the one selling various Zapatista items.

The backpackers hostel is nice, if noisy. If you like the hostel nightlife, you'd like it. Two British guys - one named Felix - displayed their talents by drinking 4 litres of beer each and leaving the kitchen an absolute mess. The place is definitely well-equipped (internet is free), but a cold night's sleep left me disappointed when they didn't deliver on the hot showers they advertised. Still, at 50 pesos per night, I am not compaining. The cats are nice too.

I just downed another very weak coffee - four days in a row now - and this was even from a local roastery. The streak continues. Off to Cañon del Sumidero today - another post and photos (finally tracked down a cord) to follow.