Independence Day Weekend in Chiapas

For those of you who know me well know that one of my major passions is Latin American history. This part of the world is so rich in history and culture it absolutely fascinates me. This past weekend I got to experience two aspects of Mexican history that indeed fascinate me: independence and the Zapatista movement. The Zapatista movement started in Chiapas in 1994 as a guerrilla movement against the government and the North American Free Trade Agreement. The leader of the movement known as Subcomandante Marcos is often compared to Che Guevara.The Zapatistas took control of some land and towns in Chiapas but it wasn't long before the military reclaimed the towns that had been taken over. Today, the movement is still alive and they still own some of their zones of control/rebellion, but were forced into the jungle. This weekend we traveled through some of these controlled zones.

We had an even longer weekend because of Independence Day so we decided to make the 10 or so hour journey to the state of Chiapas. Our first night we split up the driving and stayed in a small city called Palenque and stayed in a hostel on the outskirts in the joungle. I spent three nights in the Amazon Rainforest when I was in Ecuador, so I wouldn't say I am used to sleeping in joungles, but that experience definitely made this one a little easier.

The next day we made the trip to San Cristobal de las Cosas; a city high in the mountains of Chiapas, very rich in Mayan history and culture  and also where the Zapatista movement began. On the way though, we stopped at some waterfalls. Both of them we got to swim in and take lots of pictures! When we arrived in San Cristobal that evening we found our hostel (after a lot of driving around in circles) and joined in on the Independence Day party that was happening. The hostel is connected to the one we stayed at last weekend on Isla Mujeres, so there were some familiar faces of people traveling around Mexico. I don't know what it is about hostel's - maybe it's just the ones in Mexico (since I don't have experiences of hostels anywhere else...) but the people who stay there are so welcoming and open. We were drinking and hanging out with everyone like we had been friends for so long. It was such a great atmosphere. After our party we went to the Parque Principal for the mayor's address and the fireworks celebrating 201 years of independence. I didn't know what they were saying, but there was lots of 'Viva Mexico!'. After the ceremony we went to grab some pizza, and then off to a busy bar full of tourists and locals celebrating.

The next day (Friday) we spent most of the day shopping in the local market, exploring the city, and eating. We found this really cute Sushi restaurant along the main strip which was great because we were all craving sushi by this point in the trip. On Saturday we drove to the nearest town which was one of the strongest Zapatista controled towns during the movement. In the centre of the town there is this amazing little church that houndreds of people go to each day to pray to their Mayan and Christain Gods. Inside was like nothing I have ever seen. We were not allowed to take pictures, but the image of saints surrounding the walls, candles everywhere, and locals praying to these saints will forever stay with me. It was so amazing. After we made our way to a town called Chiapa de Corzo where just outside the town is a huge canyon that we went on a 2 hour tour of. To top the days adventures off we went to Toxla to watch a professional football game; Mexico City vs. Toxla. We were in the Mexico City fan section of the stadium which turned out perfect because our friend Fernando who had traveled with us has been a Mexico City fan his whole life.

On Sunday we made the long journey back to Campeche, stopping back in Palenque, this time to take a tour of the ruins. Fernando was telling us that only 20% of the ruins had been uncovered - which is amazing seeing as we saw several huge and amazing temples, tombs, and residences. On our way out of the ruin area we found a part of the jungle that had howling monkeys, and another amazing waterfall. The weekend was full of beauty, adventure, fun, and of course, shopping! A great way to spend a weekend in Mexico.

Three Days in Paradise

This weekend the girls and I traveled to an island off the coast of Cancun called Isla Mujeres. Isla is a small island, bikable in an afternoon, with lots of 'off-the-map-tourism' as we called it. Thursday after classes the we set out for our long drive of 6 hours to Cancun, and a 30 minute ferry ride to the island. We got to Isla around 9pm, quickly found our hostel called Poc.na, then went to the main shopping area for something to eat. We could immediately tell the hostel was amazing. It was recommended to us by Fernando who works at the hostel here in Campeche. He said it was the best hostel he's ever been to. It was many of our first times staying at a hostel so we were a bit nervous as to what it would be like, but it turned out to be amazing! The main lobby is outside in a gazebo like form, and two steps away from that is a private beach the hostel owns with its own beach bar!

Our first day was spent walking on the beach, laying in hammocks, spening lots of money on traditional Mayan crafts (for outselves, and others...), and eating delicious food. Our $13 a night also included a small breakfast, so we only had to buy lunch and dinner. We were walking around the island looking for a good place to eat lunch and many people suggested a place called Santa Susana. We found it pretty easily and enjoyed delicious chicken stuffed with ham and cheese with rice, salad and a complimentary soda. It was so good! After some more shopping, walking around and swimming that afternoon we found another cute place for dinner that had a special of a baguette and two beers for $55 Mexican Pesos (approx. $4 American). Then we went back to the hostel for the beach party. The bar had such a laid back feeling - everyone who was there was just there to have a good time after a day in the sun. All were welcome, whether they were guests of the hostel, other hostels/hotels, or locals.

The nexy day Andrea, Amber and Madeline went swimming with whale sharks (the biggest type of whales), while Alysse and I had a similar day as the one before: beach, shopping, eating. When Alysse and I were swimming the in the morning I found this amazing shell that was in the shape of a tuplip. I liked it so much I took it to a jewler on the island and he made it into a necklace for me. I told him everytime I put it on I'll think of Isla Mujeres. For dinner we were walking along the shopping area and saw a sign that said 'free mojitos' - we couldn't pass that up! The retsaurant had a Mediterranean theme with delicious pitas, salads and hummus. Just by the food we thought it was a great decision to stop here. The two waiters kept offering us more mojitos, and we thought there was some sort of a catch, until they offered us free shots too. They kept saying, recomend our restaurant to everyone you know and come back. We are planning to return to the island before we leave Mexico, and will definietly go back to visit them! They even came to Poc.na that night to the beach party.The restuarant is called Comono, if ever any of you find yourselves on Isla Mujeres, go check it out! After dinner we returned to the hostel and danced the night away on the beach with a mixture of Latin American, and North American music - with people from all around the world.

This weekend was an experience of a lifetime. I have a need to return to see the beauty of the streets, water, and people of Isla Mujeres many times. The feeling we had on the island was so incredible; we were in paradise for three days.

Poc.na's beach...

Our amigos at Comono...

Isla Mujeres from teh ferry...

Fiestas, Siestas and Volleyball Teams

My first full weekend in Campeche was unbelievable! We don't have school on Friday's so we spent the day walking around the town shopping, and eating. Then in the night, I hung out around the house. Many people were coming in and out, and I was able to meet many people my own age.

For a few days I had been feeling exremely sick, and Saturday morning seemed to be the peak of it. I felt so sick, and after a Skype comversation with my mom I was really upset and frustrated at how I was feeling. The mom, Addy, came to check on me, gave me a huge hug, and told me everything was going to be ok and that they would help in any way they could. That little gesture made me feel better in knowing there would be someone to take care of me if my own parents couldn't. That afternoon we went out for lunch to what I thought would be a restaurant, but ended up being a 'Quince Años' party. When a girl in Mexico turns 15 she is given a huge party where all of her friends and family are invited. It was magnificent. We drove out to the countryside where there was a beautiful gazebo like building completely decorated in green (which is what I assume to be the birthday girls favorite colour). The party was exactly what I needed to feel better. The family and I had a great few hours eating, drinking and talking.

That night the son, Enrique and his girlfriend Ave threw a party at the house for their friends, and I invited the other four girls from Dalhousie to join.  It was so relaxed but so enjoyable. The 5 of us Canadians were able to meet many Mexicans our age and talk about music, Campeche, Canada, food, drinks, etc. I know I had a wonderful time, and I'm sure the others in attendence did as well. 

Sunday morning I was feeling much better, especially when I went downstairs and Addy was making pancakes for breakfast. Hailey, the daughter, and I were eating some delicous pancakes when I started telling her how when I was little my favorite type of pancakes were the small ones that are made when you accidenatlly spill mix in the pan. I liked them so much that I would get my mom to intentionally make accidents pouring so I could have my mini pancakes. Before I knew it, Addy had put a mini pancake on my plate. It was so cute, and again made me feel so at home in their house that they have graciously opened to me.

That afternoon I went to two church's with the family. The first, a traditional Sunday morning service. The second, a tradition that happens once a year at this time, where Catholics go to a designated church and kiss Negro Cristo. I didn't quiet understand what was happening, but this tradition is huge in Campeche and I felt honoured to be apart of it! That night Ave and I went for a long drive/walk around Campeche. We walked around El Centre (the old walled city), bought some traditional Campechano sweets, and drove around while Ave pointed out buildings and historical facts that I need to know. 

On Monday, Maddy, Alysse and I went to the university's mens volleyball practice. It's open to whoever wants to come play volleyball; so the three of us went and enjoyed playing beach volleyball, and meeting some more university students. Day to day life in Campeche is very laid-back and easy going. I have a siesta everyday (mid-day nap), which I don't know how I'm ever going to live without when I come back to Canada! Life here is great and beautiful.



Malecon at sunset...

Parque at night...

Me and Ave...

Me and Alysse at volleyball practice...

First Week of School

Since my last post I feel like so many amazing things have happened! Sunday morning I went to church with the family I am staying with, and it was such an amazing experience. I had no idea what was going on, but I could tell that the people in attendance were filled with the Holy Spirit. It was so inspiring. That afternoon I met Enrique's girlfriend Ave and they both offered to take me on a tour of downtown Campeche. They were amazing tour guides in telling me the history of Campeche and the significance of the historic monuments around the city. They treated me to a fruit juice from a fruit native to Campeche (I forget the name of it...) but is was so delicious! It was a perfect afternoon!

Monday marked our first day at the University. The five of us showed up and met Pepe who is the director of the international students at the university and as he said it, will be our father while we're here. He took us on a tour of the campus and explained how the classes will work, how we can get involved in the school, and how and where we should travel on our weekends and time off.

The rest of the week at school was interesting, confusing, and amazing. The 5 of us are in 4 classes; gramatica (grammer), lectura y redaccion (reading and writing), vocabulario y conversacion (vocabulary and conversation), and historia y cultura (history and culture). Three out of the four professors are really good at speaking slowing and clearly for us, but one of the professors talks so fast and uses big words that we haven't learned yet. Here's a picture of one of our projects in his class - we have no idea if this was what he asked for or not!

This experience has been so different already from my other Latin American travels. I realised yesterday morning as I was taking the bus to school alone that I was in fact, living in Mexico. Tourists don't buy cell-phones, take the bus to and from school, scope out where the best place to work out is (and be recruited for University sports teams without even trying out!), unpack clothes in a dresser, etc. This is different, this will be different, but this will be great!

The rest of my time this week outside of school has been spent exploring Campeche, spending time with the family I'm living with, practicing my Spanish by watching TV, movies, engaging in conversation and looking through my text books, and of course, having siestas! Converastion is getting easier, but is still so hard. Here's some pictures of Campeche, and our adventures!


The Malecon...

 The lobby of our school...

Our school...

Streets of Campeche...