............: san cristobal de las casas

This past weekend I checked off yet another thing on my "TO DO" list: return to San Cristobal de las Casas, Chiapas. I first went there in August for an MCC Mexico reunion, and basically loved it. Ever since, I have been hoping to get back there before returning to the U.S. And since an MCC family who has lived there the past 4 years was leaving, I took this past weekend to go say goodbye to them and to enjoy the beauty, fabrics, history, and europeans of San Cristobal.

After my first trip to San Cristobal I became somewhat fascinated by the Zapatista uprising that happened there and in the surrounding areas in 1994. I recently read The Zapatista Reader which gave some great context to the uprising. Although I can't say I agree with some of their means, I definitely agree with their "end" - equality for the indigenous population. They fought against neoliberalism and globalization. One of their slogans: "a world where all worlds fit" is something that resonates strongly with me. Click the first link about if you want more information on them. I enjoyed browsing and purchasing a wide variety of Zapatista goods :)

I enjoyed the ambiance of San Cristobal that is filled with indigenous women with babies strapped to them with rebosos selling textiles. The area is known for Amber, so shopping there is filled with jewelry and beautiful textiles. I spent a LONG time in the market. I also really like the european-young adult-hippyish scene that SCdlC has going on. It is definitely a tourist location...I was entertained by trying to guess where all the non-Mexicans were from.

Anyways, I love San Cristobal. It was a short but sweet little trip, and I'm glad I finally got there again before leaving.