San Cristobal de las Casas

(DAY025 : Tuxtla Gutierrez - San Cristobal de las Casas : 70 miles)
(DAY026-29 : San Cristobal de Las Casas)

It was 4:30 pm when I left the shop, 5 when I got on the road to San Cristobal LC. Although the sun was already low and I had 40 miles to go, I skipped the toll road. Everyone at the shop was raving about the free road. For good reason. Initially the trucks and busses called for extra care, but as I climbed there were fewer and fewer of them. Soon, we were in sportbike riding mode, having a blast.

Believe it or not, riding a 300kgs, 30hp thumper here can be as much fun as carving corners on a real sportbike. I did wish on almost every corner exit that Katirga had some power, but if she had, her suspension and brakes would fall short, making it less fun and more risky. The only thing that felt at ease was the new Metzeler. Actually, it still seems to have chicken strips, but you can grind pegs only so much.

Although I couldn't get a good look at it, the view from the road is beautiful too. But as you climb, the temperature drops from the city's 30 C to a really cold 10 C, and by the time you arrive you are frozen. (Unless you can pause the fun to put something on)

San Cristobal de las Casas is made of narrow one way streets lined with colorful houses, and of course a big church in the center. I checked in to a family run place for $13. No heater of course, so I'm back into the thermal liners of my ride gear. There is hot water, but getting undressed when you can see your breath sucks.

My first day in town was spent updating the journals, backing up data, etc. Last night, my second night here, was at a bar with good live music. I think I may stay here a while. RIP the schedule!

Part 2:

I ended up staying in San Cristobal (dadada) for 6 nights! Days went by walking it's streets and taking photos; nights mostly having Micheladas at Revolution. Revolution always seems to have something going on, but the night group Son de Mazunte played there, it was the place to be. If you didn't like Afro-Cuban rhythms, you surely would after that night. Hey Pacha! You guys rule!

In San Cristobal, good coffee is hard to come by although the coffee itself is not to blame. Mexican food in the touristic part of town is simply bad, and trying an "Italian Pizza" was a mistake. Others may find some good food as the place is full of restaurants, but I really can't stand eating in claustrophobic indoor settings, and that rules out 90% of the options. I hated my windowless room as well, but it seemed like that was the standard in this town. Did I mention the city is at 2000m altitude and it gets really cold when the sun is down? It was here that I couldn't help staying for 6 nights. Imagine how cute it had to be! Or just check out the pictures, which I doubt do it any justice.