San Cristobal

So, yes, I've been a little... unlucky with my health on this trip. A few too many visits to the hospital for my liking but I like to think it's made me a better person. I now know the Spanish word for doctor (which is "doctor") and that Mexican nurses like to mutter to themselves, giggle and hurt you. A lot. I also know that my lovely doctor was kind enough to type out a report for me for my insurance. On a typewriter. I thought he was watching Wheel of fortune " Chk-chk-chk-chk-chk-chk- PING!"

San Cristobal was, besides the hospital stay, awesome. It's a beautiful little town, similar to Oaxaca, but with the added benefit of being nestled in the mountains. Crisp, fresh air, low cloud and even some rain made the surrounding range look otherworldly.

It's a politically active town, home to the Zapatistas but, more importantly, home to plastic shoes!! The local supermarket had walls of the things, from infant to adult sizes, all the colours of the rainbow. Like Melissa shoes, but about $76.20 cheaper on average.

I bought two pairs.

Uh-huh. Oh yeah.

Blake and I celebrated our 4 year anniversary at a gorgeous little restuarant with tea candles suspended from strings from the branches of the living tree growing out of the courtyard floor and through the ceiling. I was later struck down with food poisoning from that meal. Make of it what you will.

We've finally made it to Palenque, right in the jungle. We've seen the Mayan ruins (incredible), heard some cheeky monkeys in the forest and, after tonight, we're off to Campeche. We're in a bit of a mad rush, trying to make up for lost time but I'm dizzyingly happy just to feel well again, to be on the road, seeing things, doing things.

I'd like to post pictures but that will have to wait.

Love, Mads.