Kukurutz Residencia

San Juan de Chamula

by darthmilmo

I took a kewl horseback ride to the town of San Juan de Chamula from San Cristobal. It was a 5-hour fun ride with fellow backpackers from Australia, Britain, and the States. We were all soar at the end of the trip... jejeje. It had been years since I rode a horse. Check out my page for more information on that town and the horse ride trek.

Cathedral

by shdw100

Every Mexican town has deep roots in the Catholic religion, so every town, pueblo, and city has at least 1 cathedral. The cathedral in San Cristobal is pretty, with simple furnishings. It suits the town and people fine, as they are also simple and beautiful. We saw an older woman in there praying. She had bare feet and was a little bent over from age, but still found the time to come and worship. Many Mexicans are like that, they respect the church and what it teaches and always find some time for religion.

Bright skys,cool nights San Cristobal de las Casas

by carome

"One of Mexico's best"

We spent 2 months learning the city and area. Tours were reasonably priced, guides were informative but knowing spanish made it much easier for everyday living. Love the colour on the streets, inthe churches, on the people

"Accomodations"

Ask around, we found very nice, fully equipped apartments in areas very close to the cathedral for 200.00 a month and up. Lady who owns Lacto Maya store on Calle Dugelay , specializing in cheeses, milk, icecream etc has well located apts for rent.

"Sergio Castro Museum"

Lots of folks never hear about Sr. Castro's museum of Indigenous clothing. He moves around due to rental problems but he is worth an effort to find. 40 years ago he came to the area as an agronomist to help the people learn how to farm in a better way. He has remained all this time helping them in many more ways beyond that. He has built schools, wells, and is on call to doctor the horrific burns that the indigenous people get from fireworks, open fires, etc. An interesting man who accepts donations for his good works. If you are going he needs, size 8 surgical gloves, and gauze bandages plus ointments. and would appreciate them very much,

"Spiritualista"

by Ophelio

"An Interesting Day"

Melissa and I did a bit of research to find out where locals go if they need "healing" of a certain variety. After asking around, we found Ramana on the outskirts of town, and thought it might be something interesting to do.

Well, our spanish isn't as good as it could be, and Ramana spoke no english, so we had to make do.

The first thing she asked was whether we wanted "black magic" or "white magic". I am sure she saw the look on my face as I glanced down only see the mutilated voodoo doll on the floor!

"erm...white please...."

Then she broke two eggs into a glass of water.

So...Melissa was beaten with basil, had tequila spit all over her, was belched on while having to breathe in whatever was burning, for what seemed nearly an hour!

While sitting there, I noticed her 3 certificates on the wall. I couldn't quite make out what "exactly" they were for....

Ramana then wrote a "diagnosis" out for Mel...5 pages I think. I don't know if she has had them translated yet...should be interesting.

Instead of the 50 pesos we were told originally...it was 1300 pesos!! Thats more than 100 usd!!! (Apparently her saliva is very expensive!?? )

Mel was nice about it and gave her what she had on her...which wasn't much.

I decided I didn't really need the eggs and spitting, so I just had a tarot reading....Ramana says I am very intelligent! hahahahah. (this WAS 50 pesos)

Later that night around midnight I was outside having a cig and mulling over the mysteries of the universe as I typically do since I am SO intelligent ;P... We were staying a few miles out of town in a friend's home so the stars were amazing!!
I saw something big and black out of the corner of my eye..."was that there this morning?" I couldn't look directly at it, because it did that crazy disappear thing. "are there wildcats in the mountains here?" A minute or so passed with me watching motionless....I slowly moved to go inside when it hissed at me! Man, my heart was racing! I was quick to the inside!

hmmmmm....we still wonder if this was a shaman coming to get the rest of her cash.......