Liote

´Liote´ is Titzol for ´good day´. Titzol is one of the languages spoken by the many Indigenous Mayan Indians who live in and around San Cristobal de Las Casas. It was love at first sight when we entered the city - and even after the robbery and the cold random rainshowers San Cristobal captured me and held me. We stayed there for one month and 15 days, it felt like home and for me that´s my cue to leave. I certainly dragged my feet in doing so however, and it took several days to quit both of my jobs, take pictures of all my favorite places, and for Eleise and I to say goodbye to all the amazing people we had become friends with.

In the end we escaped and took some of San Cristobal with us. Literally. Lucy, one of the mayans from San Cristobal and good friend of ours decided to come with us to the ruins and rainforests of Palanque. Lucy is wise beyond her 13 years and a talented artisan. After three collectivos (self-proclaimed taxi pick-up trucks) and a short taxi ride yesterday we went from the cool, fresh air of the mountains to the drenching heat and humidity of Palanque. We found a cabana for the three of us for a decent price and made friends with the local hippys last night. We plan on selling jewelry here and will stay at least a week exploring and waiting for several more friends to arrive this weekend from San Cristobal.