Observations

We arrived in San Cristobal de las Casas this morning, in the state of Chiapas. We climbed up, up, up into the mountains, above the clouds as the sun was rising. We are heading into jungle country and the scenery is fantastic. We rode through the night and woke up to green everywhere. The bus stopped for 1/2 hour at 3 am in case anyone wanted to eat!!!

As we were driving up the mountain, you can see the effects of deforestation everywhere. There are miles and miles of corn crops where once there was jungle. They've planted corn on impossibly steep hillsides and I have no idea how anyone harvests the corn. There are men and women in colorful huipiles and sarapes. The men are often carrying 5-10 gallon buckets on their back filled with water or gas and they are strapped on like a backpack with rope. The women carry bundles of wood that have a strap they place on their forehead and carry that way. They walk up and down the mountains every day. It's amazing!

As you may recall, we saw a big demonstration in Oaxaca yesterday. I've found out some more information. Apparently the union called a strike because some reporters were being critical of the governor that the union supported. The reporters ended up being holed up in their offices for a month (their choice or because of the union I'm not sure). Apparently yesterday at 1 am the union beseiged the offices with billy clubs and mace and dragged the reporters out. The demonstration was on behalf of the reporters. From what I understand, President Fox is trying to bring about more freedom of speech, but it's been a struggle. He was going to come down to Oaxaca to try to help the reporters and the union sort things out, but the union acted before he got here. It's interesting to me to be a part of this country as they work out the issues and difficulties of embracing freedom of speech.

I've been seeing reports on the effects of Emily...I understand it has been degraded to a "depression" and is now hitting the Veracruz coast. They are looking for volunteers to help in rebuilding some of the areas that were hit the hardest and I am in contact with a guy in the Yucatan to see if we can help. I'll keep everyone posted!

For the moment, we're looking for MONKEYS!!