Hotel Mision Colonial San Cristobal de las Casas

... the others. As we neared them the crocs became more aggressive, adopting a threatening stance with jaws open and tails thrashing. To come so close to these prehistoric beasts in the wild was something I had always wanted to do and was a real highlight of the trip so far. Travelling down the river had felt like something out of Apocalypse Now, and having seen the crocodiles, the advice of Captain Willard sprang to mind - "Never get out of the ******n boat."<br ...

... was the famed Market Municipal. It was only Thursday but so many people were flocked to the area that there was a horrible traffic jam. Livestock were being auctioned, food was everywhere. If it weren't for our packs, we would've stayed longer to enjoy the insanity. <br><br>The last direct shuttle from San Cristobal to Quetzaltenango (Xela) left at 9 a.m., the only possible way to get into Guatemala by sun down was to bus our way to Ciudad Cuahtemoc (Ciudad ...

... especially since when the Mexico-USA-Canada free trade agreement went into action, the price of food, fuel and other daily needs went through the roof. Although it seemed a lot of the issues are still unresolved, we heard another side of it from one of the other Spanish teachers who said that the idigenous have the same and even better opportunities than everyone else. She said that she is a solo mum and cannot get a benefit from the government, but ...

... and we have had fun with the landlord and other tenants. It´s inexpensive too. What a find! I mentioned that it was cold here. Well, for 4 days I had to wear my pajama bottoms under my pants, a Tshirt, long sleeved shirt, fleece, jacket, a scarf, gloves, socks and running shoes - almost half of my wardrobe! Thankfully it warmed up so that we could wash our clothes. San Cristobal is full of interesting things to see all within walking ...

... windows etc. to make this village stand out in comparison to what we have seen elsewhere in rural Mexico. It can be said that their prosperity can also be evidenced by a lack of begging. From the way they bear themselves, I would suggest also that they are a proud people.<br><br>That feeling extends throughout the village and into the town center where a new market hall was under construction. Raul pointed out that after the recent Zapatista revolt, centered in this region, the ...

... only surpassed by Argentinean buses which have seats that almost flatten out and food is served by an attendant just like in an aircraft. <br><br>So yes, there are better buses but in general, there are no complaints with respect to the Mexican buses. They even shut off the incessant TVs at around 01:00. I have learned to deal with my inability to sleep on a bus and I just grind it out for the sake of saving time on the long Mexican tour we were making. What helped on ...

... 80% of all international flights to Mexico arrive at Cancun so you can imagine the amount of tourist development around it. Happily after a pitstop at our first Mayan ruins in Tulum (see photos...) and a couple of days trying out driving in Mexico (very cautious drivers - but they need to be as the roads are a little unpredictable - massive speed bumps appearing out of nowhere on a 90km/hr highway which nearly got us into trouble, lanes appearing and disappearing all over ...

... the Zapatistas took control in 1994 and is now surrounded by Maya villages tucked away in the nearby hills. Museums, markets, traditional art craft was the motto of my visit there. I also took a day trip to the Canyon del Sumidero, which I saw from a little motorboat. The canyon was very impressive with the highest point at 1000 metres above your head, nice waterfalls and a dense wildlife : owls, monkeys, herons, crocodiles, all hanging right next to you.

... and then walked around the final part of San Cristobal de Casas which we hadnt inspected yet. There are two temples in the town, and we walked up the second one which also acts as a viewing plataform for all the town. Veronika then enjoyed the exhibition of amber jewels while Marcos had a sun tanning session in the central park... We will try another restaurant tonight (some good steak probably) and have an early night. Tomorrow we part ...

... i'm sorry, roman, but i already have two business partners who feel the same way. there's no work here for you behind the bar but i will use you, only you, to provide my customers with fun if they ask for it. thank you for your offer roman, i said, putting my hand out in front of him - i am honoured you thought of me and wish you all success in the future. roman seemed a little disappointed, but understood my position and didn't take it to heart. he told me to toot the ...