...now I've been, so I do know.
My journey started in Mexico, visiting mi mejor amiga, Rachael (better known as "Raquel" in Mexico...) in the enchanting city of San Cristobal de las Casas in the state of Chiapas. Rach is there working with indigenous women in an orginization called FOMMA, which uses theatre as a way to empower and inspire. It seems as though she has really found her place there and that was a thrill to see. Rach has a wonderful, hilarious and talented group of friends in San Cris, who were happy to show me some Salsa moves ("Shake your butt, Katie!") while throwing back my new favorite drink, Cheladas.
My journey started in Mexico, visiting mi mejor amiga, Rachael (better known as "Raquel" in Mexico...) in the enchanting city of San Cristobal de las Casas in the state of Chiapas. Rach is there working with indigenous women in an orginization called FOMMA, which uses theatre as a way to empower and inspire. It seems as though she has really found her place there and that was a thrill to see. Rach has a wonderful, hilarious and talented group of friends in San Cris, who were happy to show me some Salsa moves ("Shake your butt, Katie!") while throwing back my new favorite drink, Cheladas.
One of my absolute favorite parts of my trip was seeing Rachael sing live with her friend Angel, who makes his living singing in San Cris and now Rach has been accompanying him once a week. She was unreeeeeeeeeeal and the big surprise of the night was the 2 songs she sang just for me (videos to be posted later...).
San Cris is a city alive with activism and passion. I got a chance to learn about the revolutionary Zapatistas, while watching the documentary, Zapatistas Cronica de Una Rebelion on the rooftop of the local documentary movie house. This was yet ANOTHER big, important issue that was never brought to light in the US, or probably anywhere for that matter. Viva revolucion!
Along that same vein, Rachael's roommate Pete is a local tour guide and took us through two indigenous villages outside of San Cris (Chamula & Zinacantan)- it was by far the most moving part of my trip, putting just about everything into perspective; the indigenous communities struggle under oppression from the local non-indigenous communities, the government and corporations. The amount of poor, small, hungry children I saw was extremely unsettling. I enjoyed seeing their place of worship (a catholic church combined with Mayan rituals), but I couldn't help but feel I was imposing (probably because I was). We also visited a local indigenous artisan woman who dressed me up in the beautiful clothing they design, make and wear each season. The indigenous designs literally have seasons, so one could look at a design and say "Oh, that is so last season." She then prepared a delicious, home-cooked (literally over an open flame) meal for us. Despite the beauty I saw, the pain and struggle aren't easily shaken; I left the communities carrying a heavy feeling of guilt and sorrow that has yet to leave (and I'm kind of thinking it shouldn't).
Our time outside of the city was spent visiting some of the most spectacular sites I've ever seen-Sumidero Canyon, Agua Azul, Misol-ha, and the ruins of Palenque. My feet were sore, but my eyes (and my heart) were happy.
Growing up, the images I had of Mexico were of beachside resorts and dessert landscapes, not of sprawling canyons and lush mountains. I'm so glad that this was my first Mexican encounter. I have no doubts that I will return many, many times. It is just too beautiful, too colorful, too welcoming and too delcious not too.
