Spent a good few days in San Cristobal as we thought it was so lovely. We loved the slightly cooler mountain air, and exploring the pretty pedestrian streets, churches and markets and the like. Also, I had my very first proper coffee all to myself (seeing as it's the land of coffee here so I thought I might as well try to fit in). It was alright, although I found found that sugar is definitely the key.
We also went on a tour to see some of the villages in the surrounding hills. One of them, San Juan Chamula, is particularly traditional and is the only remaining community to use a completely Mayan governing structure (according to our guide). It's an interesting place, with the highlight being the church, which you aren't allowed to take pictures in by law. Its floor is covered in pine needles and there are candles everywhere, and the rituals go on pretty much all day, which is part of the reason you can't photograph it. From what we understand, they worship Mayan gods but using Christian symbols (in order to keep certain missionaries happy). For instance, the sun god seems to be masquerading as John the Baptist.
Anyway, moving on to the beach (again) now!
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