a passport...obtained...and utilized!!

Only the passage of time will tell of the perspective and inspiration that this venture to the state of Chiapas in southern Mexico has provided. Below are a few pictures that cannot begin to express the extreme contrasts or the emotions felt...

Myself in in front of "The Fountain" in Chiapa de Corso's main square...a lovely quaint town!

Crocodiles bask in the sun outside of zoos?? Our guide up the Sumidero Canyon knew just where to find him...curious! This Canyon previously boasted waters that killed some of the most skilled boatmen, but has since been dammed, is quite serene, and is one of the largest sources of hydroelectricity in Mexico.

Courtyard of Na Bolom in San Cristobal de las Casas...4 nights were spent here. Na Bolom was the 19th century hacienda of the much respected archaeologist Frans Bloom and his wife, which still functions as a headquarters for the continuing research on the area's constellation of highland villages. Certainly a highlight...especially when the fire was built!

Spirited shoe polisher (and buddy) in San Cristobal de las Casas!

Horse ride from San Cristobal de las Casas to Chamula...praise be to cowgirls the world over!

While I've read that bullfights are more of a cultural dance than an adrenaline-based sport, I preferred to believe that the bull fighter was engaging in some measure of risk. Perhaps I shall have to go again to see if my naive view has merit. Never-the-less...a bullfight in Mexico? How classic!

The simple end to the beasts...note the skins on the ground!

Stellar picture of fireworks on the street...obviously not from my simple camera! Age doesn't seem to be a requirement to light these alone. We passed a park with several young boys lighting and throwing firecrackers near the bench of a passed out street vendor in a seemingly futile attempt to rise him.

Never underestimate the persistance or persuasiveness of a child...especially one who likely learned how to sew, braid, and bargain by the age of 3!! This customer looks dazed. The role of women in this society fascinates me! I am woman...hear me roar!

I didn't expect such variety in food offerings. This was a creperie. San Cristobal also had Italian, sushi, French, Thai, etc, etc, etc. Maybe now would be a fitting time to discuss the vegetarian Christmas Eve dining (smile)! Gunslinger Martina was a welcome addition with her anecdotes, multiple facts about Mayas and Aztecs, and oh...and the Lonely Planet guidebook (another smile)!

A tope is a larger-than-usual speed bump, literally interpretted as "limit", though Mexicans refer to them as "policia durmiendo" - sleeping policeman. They aren't necessarily painted, warned of, systematically placed, or made similarly. Yet...they warrant respect! I'd like to take life's topes with more grace than I managed these!

Agua Azul looking down from a deck certainly not approved by OSHA, nor located in a litigous society...which certainly has it's merits!!

Flying?

Palenque...to prove I was here!

More Palenque...one can't help but feel like part of some complex webpage with multiple links. Trying to imagine the ruins in their day of usefullness is most thought-provoking.

















Serene view from a 7 am 1/2 hour chilly boat ride to the Yaxchilan Mayan ruins...note Guatamala is on the right side of the river.

I took many pictures of the ruins at Yaxchilan, but this picture retains the feel of the space. Our boatsman gave us 2 hours to view such...our early morning arrival ensured that we were nearly the only ones there...tranquil, mesmerizing, wondrous...quick, get me a thesaurus!

This photo is the result of a novel idea (not mine) to take a picture by the 'no climbing on ruins sign'...which alas, all in our company had just violated.

The remote multi-stage waterfalls near El Cheflon (35K outside Comitan). Next time, I endeavor to wear my bathing suit to bask in the pools (like a crocodile), as well as stand in line (yet another...smile) to swing like a monkey from the trees! A worthy drive down a very curvy road...passing on single lane roads - you must try it!

Who knew that a Jeep Wrangler could be climbed up on, the windshield washed, and compensation received in one traffic light?!?

Dances in the Zocolo at midday...most curious! Maybe I should have paid for a cleansing...the smoke smelled
really good!

Diego Rivera...who?? If like me, you know not...carpe diem!!

To wind this up, there was so much contrast:

• From the vivaciousness of the Mexican culture to speeding past a man recently killed lying in his own blood puddle by the side of the road (noting that locals moments before had bicycled by him);
• From the richness displayed in art and among the upper class to the simple lives of villagers or their children whose sole request was "un peso";
• From the relaxation of law and regulation to repeated checkpoints along the Guatamala border;
• From the compelling sermon of a Catholic priest to odd rituals involving pulque and a dead chicken;
• From delicious shrimp soup to uncooked sausage and cold coffee;
• From the comfort provided by continual good company and crackling fires to the discomfort on the back of a galloping horse;
• From meticulously scrubbed and swept sidewalks and streets to littered rivers and roadsides;
• From competing noises in markets and cities to serenity found among Mayan ruins and the starlit sky;
• From the anxiety of missing my first flight out to achieving "Mexico time" waiting for a taxi in Chamula;
• and, from Seattle to Chiapas (smile).

How at 30, is my world so small? Do I really need that chai tea latte tomorrow morning or could the sum be used to fund a 20 mile taxi ride in my next third world country? Ah well...surely I shall have time to remedy this!? I really can't express how grand the trip was...perhaps I can prove it to you...