San Cristobol de las Casas, Chiapas, Mexico

WE\e are now more than halfway through our program!
In order to renew our passports Guatemala requires one to leave the country for at least 72 hours after 2 months of traveling within Guatemala without a visa.

Thus, a 9 hour bus ride to San Cristobol, Mexico!

San Cristobol is often referred  to as the Antigua of Mexico. For this reason because San Cristobol is a very popular location for European and States tourists. The cafes, bars and restaurants are beautiful, relaxing and the food is amazing. The atmosphere is free spirited and fun loving.

The market was unlike many markets I have seen during my time here in Central America. I loved seeing the variety of artwork and jewelry. I left buying a beautiful traditionally embroidered white blouse and a handmade necklace with polished stone.

Thomas and I spent one of our free afternoons walking to one of the local churches to watch then sunset afterwards we made our way through the main stretch and found an all organic, vegetarian restaurant!
 Yum! The food was spectacular! We met up with the rest of the group and enjoyed wandering around central park and had a few beers before returning to our hotel for the night.

The trip ended with a wonderful bus ride back to Xela!

 

Group breakfast in our hotel before returning to Guatemala!

 During our time in Mexico we had the opportunity to participate in a walking protest for women's rights. The walk lasted about three hours and included singing and signs! I was amazing to see a lot of these women protesting with such passion; many of the women were barefoot and carrying their children on their backs. The day ended with a catholic mass spoken in both Quiche and Spanish.