[Dwagenheim]

Wow! It took about a day and a half to actually get to the climbing. I was surprised at the flatness of the terrain after turning inland from the coast (Salina Cruz). Lots of traffic on the road though. Big semis and trucks carrying fuel to the capital city of Chiapas, Tuxtla Gutierrez. Thats where I am now. After about a day and a half, Adrian and I got into the big climbs. They weren't all that bad though. This will be a nice warm up for the mountains in Guatemala. We're doing a little route planning for the beginning of Guatemala and it looks like we're leaning towards the highlands (not that it's easy to avoid being up high in that country). I asked Adrian, What is that white part there? Oh, those are glaciers!
Tuxtla, a city of about 600,000 doesn't seem to offer much other than big city ammenities, so tomorrow we head on towards San Cristobal de las casas, a popular tourist destination in southern Mexico. We could easily spend a week there checking out the city, and taking a side trip to the ruins of Palenque by bus.
So far, Chiapas is looking like it could easily win the most beautiful state in Mexico that I've seen. There are some breathtaking views and the people seem great so far. I'll post more pics and and update as I near Guatemala.

Peace

Dave

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[Guest]

<sigh>

Been there, loved San Cristobal!

That city is soooooooo beautiful and pristine... cheap too, so that should be nice for you. ;) Be sure to check out the music shops- they have a variety of aboriginal instruments that are amazing.

One tip- don't eat outside. There are so many poor children, and the minute they see you eating, they will swarm you- it's just so sad and depressing, and there's not a lot you can do except offer up your food and leave at that point. :(

I thought Chiapas was the most beautiful of the states myself- I don't know if they are still having the rebel problems. If they aren't, it should be that much nicer of a trip.

The churches in San Cristobal were incredible too, as were the ruins of Palenque... post lots of pics!

Koffee