Waterfalls, ruins, the Maya Culture...we couldn´t ask for more from the last week. The Southern Mexico region known as Chiapas has had much to offer.

We began the week in a small town called San Cristobal de las Casas. We visited a mountanous Mayan village that seemed to have been frozen in time. The women wore skirts made out of thick black wool and colorful silk tops. Chickens, yucca and local fruit were sold at the outdoor market and a mayan dialect was spoken here. We entered the chuch to find the floor completely covered in pine needles and families gathered not in pews, but on the floor in front of dozens of candles being offered as prayers. Chickens were being rubbed on children to bless them and coca cola was drank to usurp evil spirits. This was day one.

Day two involved visiting a cave a kilometer deep into the mountain. Stalagmites & stalactites were constantly being formed from the perpetual drips coming from the ceiling. We were mesmorized by our surroundings. We saw some local kids sliding down a nearby slide made of concrete and we couldn´t miss the opportunity to partake. With all my grace & glory, I (genny) managed to slide off my piece of cardboard, flip over and careen down the slide on my belly. Quite a sight for the locals.

Day three...was a two-for-one special. We began the day with a boat ride through the Canyon del Sumidero. Surrounded by 3,000 ft walls and crocodiles we motored along for an hour and a half, observing waterfalls, egrets and a cave honoring the Virgen de Guadalupe. Next, we visited the Tuxla zoo. This zoo was smack in the middle of the jungle and was dedicated to the conservation of local species. It was a true environmental immersion, as we saw just as many wild animals around us as captive animals in cages. Pretty crazy to have howler monkeys calling above you and unfamiliar animals crossing your path as you meandered through the zoo.

Day four brought on the Palenque Ruins. The Mayans created a wonder in Palenque. Emerging from the jungle were beautifully preserved Mayan temples, unlike we had seen before. They constructed tall buildings with towers, tunnels and tombs all dedicated to gods and rulers. There was plenty to see, but still 95% of it remains buried in the jungle. How great would it have been to see this city at its finest hour!

Day five was a treat. We traveled to Agua Azul. Imagine tourquoise colored waterfalls and pools as far as the eye can see. We took a dip and enjoyed a beer compliments of John O (from the Aquarium). We also enjoyed the nearby Misol-Ha waterfall, where one could pass behind and be showered by the waterfall.

What a week it has been! We are now in Merida enjoying my Mexican relatives. Its been nice to relax and spend some quality time with people you love. That´s it for now, tune in for our next blog from Guatemala.