The morning of the 29th of November found us catching a taxi, two flights, another slightly more dubious taxi, and an even more dubious van. The first taxi ride from Oaxaca and two flights, one to Mexico City and one to Tuxtla Guiterrez were okay, I was reading my book so they went past pretty quickly. Then we got to the airport in Tuxtla and we had to order a taxi through the airport. We got into the taxi unsure if we’d ordered a taxi to take us to San Cristobal, or a taxi to take us to the bus station so we could catch a bus to San Cristobal (one hour via bus). We’d figured we’d accidentally ordered it to San Cristobal when the taxi did a u-turn on the roundabout and pulled up in front of a big white van. Where our bags, then us, was ushered into. We decided we were either being kidnapped or the taxi driver understood us (somehow). We were then off into the winding hills that led to San Cristobal, through the cloudy mountains, and emerging onto its cobbled streets. Sort of, we were dropped off at the “bus station” and from there caught a taxi to our hostel.
Our hostel was called the Posada Ganesha, a quiet Indian themed hostel with cute rooms, a gorgeous garden, and yoga classes. It was a lovely stay there and I would definitely recommend it if anyone is looking for anywhere peaceful to stay in San Cristobal. Apparently it was unseasonably cold for the time of the year. Whilst it didn’t feel quite as chilly as the cutting wind in Mexico City that seemed to appear during the evenings, it was cold enough to want to snuggle up under warm blankets (which we thankfully had).
We spent the first evening in San Cristobal taking a small wander down its cobbled pedestrian walkways, it has a huge T shaped walkway that cuts through the city. On either side artisan shops fill the streets, along with chocolate cafes, tempting dinner stops, and bars. We stopped in a very un-mexican restaurant and ordered ourselves a pizza, and Mexican beer (of course). Then we wandered back through the growing gloom to our rooms to snuggle down for the night and plan the next days adventure.
The last day of November we spent on the more relaxing side, again wandering the streets, marketplaces, and chocolatiers. The hot chocolates in Mexico are actually amazing. We probably had the best hot chocolate in Oaxaca at an adorable restaurant right next to our hostel. We’d stopped there for dinner, found out it was more of a café, and ended up feeling awkward just walking away so we ordered two Italiano hot chocolates. They came out covered in whipped cream and filled with chocolatey goodness (so we ordered another round). The hot chocolates almost taste like they’ve had spices put in them, which they may’ve. They’ve been awesome since Mexico City, but the one in Oaxaca topped the hot chocolate cake. So we stopped in San Cristobal at a chocolatier. The hot chocolates were very different. Callum apparently taste tested all the cacao nibs in store then they made the drink out of the one he chose. So the hot chocolates we had in San Cristobal were very bitty and had a darker richer flavour as the cacao was stronger. Okay, hot chocolate rant over.
We picked up a few presents as we wandered the streets. It’s hard present buying as you sort of want to grab a few things for everyone, in case some don’t make it through customs back home in Australia and get turned to ash (or whatever they do with them). But we managed (you’re welcome, future gift receivers).
We also had lunch in a Lebanese place with the most intense owner ever. Our poor waitress forgot to give us a drinks menu so when I asked the owner for one he gave her The Look of Death. It was so awkward. I ended up keeping a hold of some Lebanese bread that I’d been nibbling (but didn’t want anymore) as she’d taken the plate away – and I didn’t want to leave it on the table in case she got in trouble for it. There is definitely a difference between good customer service, and being an overbearing perfectionist. He even corrected me on how to eat my own meal, by touching my food. Weird experience to say the least but hey, he spoke English.
That weird lunch was huge so we didn’t end up having to go out for dinner so we stayed in and finished LOTR: The Return of the King. Finally ending our Lord of the Rings “marathon” which has been ongoing since Los Angeles.
That’s All Folks!
Rachel
Travel Bee 