We are fortunate enough to be able to spend a month living in San Cristobal de las Casas, Mexico, one of the nicest and most enjoyable cities I have ever visited. What a great vibe and energy. Wondering why? Well... here are some of the particular things I love....
1. Pedestrian routes through town....
Here is Real de Guadelupe, one of the main pedestrian routes through the city, heading directly to the main plaza which is of course a great social gathering spot for all ages and social groups. It is really interesting how pedestrians simply stream toward this street and it has a vibrancy & fun vibe to it not easily replicated on the sidewalk alongside a busy automobile route. Oh, and speed bumps... great idea. All they are are raised pieces of concrete that completely slow motorized vehicles as they approach pedestrian & bike-crossing routes. What an excellent concept..... and very simple....
2. Socially progressive collective use of spaces...
Here is just one among several spots. In this place on Real de Guadelupe, one can find an organic vegetarian restaurant, small movie theatre (showing locally relevant socio-political movies), Spanish school & office for international pediatric association. In other spot, I came across a bartering market (no exchange of money, just goods, mostly handcrafted), bike fix-it & rental place and bicycle-powered machine manufacturer. There is a heightened kind of social consciousness in this city perhaps brought about the interesting blend of people who show up here & the inspiring & liveable setting.
3. $4 yoga classes 3 blocks from our house...
Yet another interesting collective space where yoga, meditation, reiki & various workshops and courses all exist together in harmony. The schedule of hatha and ashtanga yoga is really regular and convenient. A great way to start the day!
4. Gorgeous jewelry - local amber, jade, turquoise, lapiz, red coral - all at great prices.
5. Even more gorgeous textiles & embroidery - and strong local indigenous (Mayan) cultures...
The elaborate clothes worn (and sold) by the indigenous people are gorgeous - and inexpensive. Many of the blouses and dresses are hand-stitched, an increasingly rare artform.
6. Fabulous market
Where just about everything food can be bought (that is.... locally grown gorgeous veggies, fruit & even Chiapas coffee). Here is a just a shot but this market goes on forever and it is brilliant. A bit of an overwhelming place in which to manouevre but definitely worth it in terms of knowing local campesinos livelihoods are being supported & you are getting an absolutely great deal in terms of food value. Here is just a glimpse.
7. Strong local indigenous cultures... Mayan.
This photo is actually taken 11 kilometers up the road from San Cristobal, in the small town of Chamula. The indigenous cultures are also very evident and strong in San Cristobal. Many indigenous people from the nearby mountain towns come into this city to sell their gorgeous wares (many elaborate & skillfully designed textiles) and produce in town. This church in the backdrop (Chamula) is interesting because it has completely been taken over by traditional Mayan spiritual ceremonies. Although some of the Christian saints are still evident, John the Baptist takes the place of honour over the altar. The elaborate Mayan ceremonies involve pine needles, candles and other procedures which are ancient and complex. I am told that the Catholic priest is rarely allowed into the church. We had to pay to enter and were absolutely not permitted to take any photos within the walls of the church.
8. Ornate and brightly coloured (picturesque) colonial buildings
Here is a photo of the Santo Domingo church near downtown San Cristobal. Outside this church with its ornately decorated facade, is a daily artesans' and crafts market. The architecture throughout the city is great.
9. Funky restaurants, cafes & bookstores...
Here is a shot of a great bookstore in town, La Pared. After months of travelling in Latin America, what a joy it was to come across a full wall of books IN ENGLISH! There are all sorts of great places to read, hang out, eat, drink..etc etc around here. Very liveable city.
10. Proximity to everthing Chiapas
There are plenty of beautiful places to see throughout the Chiapas and San Cristobal makes a great base of exploration. We decided to take a couple of tours out of San Cristobal. Yesterday we got out to the Cañon de Sumidero, full of crocodiles, birds and interesting rock formations.... here's a shot taken during our two-hour boat ride through the canyon.
We will be here in San Cristobal until early March, then we will be moving on. It is hard to believe there are now less than 2 months left before we will be returning to Canada!
1. Pedestrian routes through town....
Here is Real de Guadelupe, one of the main pedestrian routes through the city, heading directly to the main plaza which is of course a great social gathering spot for all ages and social groups. It is really interesting how pedestrians simply stream toward this street and it has a vibrancy & fun vibe to it not easily replicated on the sidewalk alongside a busy automobile route. Oh, and speed bumps... great idea. All they are are raised pieces of concrete that completely slow motorized vehicles as they approach pedestrian & bike-crossing routes. What an excellent concept..... and very simple....
2. Socially progressive collective use of spaces...
Here is just one among several spots. In this place on Real de Guadelupe, one can find an organic vegetarian restaurant, small movie theatre (showing locally relevant socio-political movies), Spanish school & office for international pediatric association. In other spot, I came across a bartering market (no exchange of money, just goods, mostly handcrafted), bike fix-it & rental place and bicycle-powered machine manufacturer. There is a heightened kind of social consciousness in this city perhaps brought about the interesting blend of people who show up here & the inspiring & liveable setting.
3. $4 yoga classes 3 blocks from our house...
Yet another interesting collective space where yoga, meditation, reiki & various workshops and courses all exist together in harmony. The schedule of hatha and ashtanga yoga is really regular and convenient. A great way to start the day!
4. Gorgeous jewelry - local amber, jade, turquoise, lapiz, red coral - all at great prices.
5. Even more gorgeous textiles & embroidery - and strong local indigenous (Mayan) cultures...
The elaborate clothes worn (and sold) by the indigenous people are gorgeous - and inexpensive. Many of the blouses and dresses are hand-stitched, an increasingly rare artform.
6. Fabulous market
Where just about everything food can be bought (that is.... locally grown gorgeous veggies, fruit & even Chiapas coffee). Here is a just a shot but this market goes on forever and it is brilliant. A bit of an overwhelming place in which to manouevre but definitely worth it in terms of knowing local campesinos livelihoods are being supported & you are getting an absolutely great deal in terms of food value. Here is just a glimpse.
7. Strong local indigenous cultures... Mayan.
This photo is actually taken 11 kilometers up the road from San Cristobal, in the small town of Chamula. The indigenous cultures are also very evident and strong in San Cristobal. Many indigenous people from the nearby mountain towns come into this city to sell their gorgeous wares (many elaborate & skillfully designed textiles) and produce in town. This church in the backdrop (Chamula) is interesting because it has completely been taken over by traditional Mayan spiritual ceremonies. Although some of the Christian saints are still evident, John the Baptist takes the place of honour over the altar. The elaborate Mayan ceremonies involve pine needles, candles and other procedures which are ancient and complex. I am told that the Catholic priest is rarely allowed into the church. We had to pay to enter and were absolutely not permitted to take any photos within the walls of the church.
8. Ornate and brightly coloured (picturesque) colonial buildings
Here is a photo of the Santo Domingo church near downtown San Cristobal. Outside this church with its ornately decorated facade, is a daily artesans' and crafts market. The architecture throughout the city is great.
9. Funky restaurants, cafes & bookstores...
Here is a shot of a great bookstore in town, La Pared. After months of travelling in Latin America, what a joy it was to come across a full wall of books IN ENGLISH! There are all sorts of great places to read, hang out, eat, drink..etc etc around here. Very liveable city.
10. Proximity to everthing Chiapas
There are plenty of beautiful places to see throughout the Chiapas and San Cristobal makes a great base of exploration. We decided to take a couple of tours out of San Cristobal. Yesterday we got out to the Cañon de Sumidero, full of crocodiles, birds and interesting rock formations.... here's a shot taken during our two-hour boat ride through the canyon.
We will be here in San Cristobal until early March, then we will be moving on. It is hard to believe there are now less than 2 months left before we will be returning to Canada!
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