Feliz Navidades Todos,

Hope you are all having a wonderful Christmas wherever you are! We are in San Cristobal which is a beautiful colonial town. This morning we were greeted by a local who obviously wanted to practice his English on us and said ´Happy Birthday to you!´ Shane replied to him ´Feliz Navidad´ to which he replied ´thank you, thank you very much´....very funny!

We have been here for the last week and done a couple of excursions in the surrounding areas. The first one to Canyon Sumidero which was highly recommended as being VERY beautiful. Unfortunately the driver of our boat thought he was in a race, so we did not see much wildlife at all. Also there was SO MUCH rubbish and plastic bottles floating by that it didnt make for very scenic viewing.

We also visited San Juan Chamula where the town is known for combining Christian beliefs with their traditional culture. They also believe (and use in ceremonies) in Coca Cola or Pepsi consumption to ward off evil spirits ie: when you burp the evil spirit is expelled from your body. The church was filled with smoke, incense, candles and pine needles with no seats but the locals lying and sitting around chanting...the nuns at my secondary school would have had a heart attack!!

Christmas is celebrated here on the 24th so last night we spoilt ourselves to a great meal out (roast pork, turkey, veges and gravy) and a bottle of wine to celebrate the arrival of Xmas. Today (Xmas day) we are going to the Bull Fight which luckily for us is the first time that San Cristobal has hosted it. This is a must viewing as the matadors are looked on as gods here....should be very interesting and a very different way to celebrate Xmas.

Tomorrow we are off to Palenque to view more Mayan ruins!

Happy Christmas and lots of love

Sarah and Shane xx