I forgot how tiring traveling can be...especially for my FEET! by K_

Oh Mexico, she´s charmed me once again. I have fallen in love with the lush diversity of Chiapas. I can literally feel the pulse of the Maya here. The jungle, Palenque, so surreal and full of energy. I slept in a cabaña literally in the middle of the jungle. And though I felt more at home in the warmth of the jungle than in the chill of the mountains-the humidity in this rainy season was unbelievable. It became the reaason why I returned to the city of San Cristobal de las Casas. I´ve been here in S.C. for 5 days and I love it!!! It´s vibrant, colorful and full of culture, friendly people(who don´t immediately speak English to you just like in Oaxaca), and it´s just the right size. I like this city even more than Oaxaca city and maybe even more than Guanajauto. My Mexican friend Jorge was right in saying that it´s "one of the best cities in all of Mexico."
The past 2 days the weather has been ideal but when I first arrived it was a big change from the heat of the coast(I had to buy some leg warmers!) and the altitude has certainlyh been a little challenging for me to deal with. Even though I already miss Puerto, it´s a real treat to be here in this very Colonial city. Although juxtaposed by Mayans surrounding the city-and peddling their wares inside the city-it feels strange to know that the mark of colonialism that I am emjoying so much is also what´s helped snuff out the indigenous. But all the same it´s notably interesting to see how tightly they´ve held down their roots. I visited a nearby village (san juan chamula) where just 20 min. away from the city ancient ways are a day to day part of life. Traditional dress, traditional music, entire days spent perfomring rituals, all very impressive.
And here in this modern city I FINALLY got to here some live music of another sort. Just as I was beginning to convince myself that cover bands aren´t so bad after all, unless it´s Bob Marley of course, I got to see 2 jazz bands that were so much fun. A jazz quartet of the traditional swing influence and a larger group with a drum kit with a latin influence. All the musicians were young Mexicans full of energy and light and I enjoyed it all with 15peso XXAMber draft.
All of that said, you can take the girl out of the beach but you can´t take the beach out of the girl. I miss fresh coconuts and pineapples, laying in the hammock with the sun burning down and of course the crash of the waves. But for now it´s onward to the volcanoes of Guatemala and much more culture than I ever got on the beach. My first visit to that country and my 3rd country to visit in Central America. I´ll be in touch. I hope the election flurry is treating you well.