Cotelamani

Trip Start Aug 18, 2008
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Trip End Nov 27, 2008


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Flag of Mexico  ,
Monday, November 10, 2008

So, after our hectic night with the ants we awoke early the next morning to hike up to Cotelamani - a large hill which sits in the middle of the convergence of 9 canyons and therefore a site of special spiritual importance locally. In ancient times, the dead were carried to the top and buried there with their possessions - a real honour considering that the hike is 1 hour up a steep and difficult path without a load! Because of this, locals who have planted their crops on top of the hill (there is a lack of planting space around the area due to the canyon and jungle terrain) have dug up ancient artifacts which are now displayed in a "museum" in one of the local houses.

The view from the top is amazing. You can see for miles around; the climb is definitely worth while. After spending some time up there and enjoying the sunrise over the valleys, we headed down for the best breakfast I´ve had in Mexico. We had Huevos Mexicana, tortillas, grapes and some leftover chocolatey biscuits from dinner. Afterwards it was time for the test: all the girls had to make tortillas. Apparently, when a girl can make good tortillas she is ready to get married. We all managed, in 2 attempts, to make some reasonably even and round tortillas but failed completely to put them on the hot stone to cook them without them folding at the edge. I guess we´re not ready yet....

After breakfast we headed off to the "museum" where the artifacts were set out and handed round. I think this may be the smallest museum I have ever been to - it consists of 3 pots for water and one rolling pin and board (made of stone). Each of these items is at least 1000 years old and still perfectly intact! Afterwards they gave us some coffee which has been dried and husked but still needs roasting and grinding. This was really touching and I will enjoy taking it home, roasting it, grinding it and sharing this with my family at some special occasion in the future. Maybe whilst talking about the village and the museum and the amazing kindness and hospitality of the people who live there.

Later in the morning we hiked back via a different route, ascending a much steeper path than the way into Chopilapa, and also up some more ladders. We hiked back to the same level that we had walked earlier in the morning so we were really hot and tired by the time we reached the top, but there was, of course, another great view.

After reaching Buena Vista we got back in the van and drove towards Jalcomulco, scouting a route for a new cycle tour which Esprit might run. On the way, we came across a party in a corn field, so Jim said "Anyone want to say hi?" and we stopped and went over. Of course, we got invited in to listen to the music (we went over to listen to them play and sing with guitars) and then they gave us tequila and roasted sweetcorn with mayonaise, chilli and lime. Stef got up and played The Gambler and some others and we listened to them play. It was an amazing end to an amazing weekend.
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