Hello all,

Sorry about the lack of updates but we have been very busy over the last two days. I am going to make this relatively brief, however, since I am exhausted and should probably get some sleep. Yesterday (Thursday Jan 27) we split off into groups of three to go on a quest around the city of San Cristobal. It was really nice getting out of the larger group and into smaller ones since the groups of three allowed us to experience things that are not possible in a large group. For the quest, we were given a sheet with vague instructions and questions as well as a map. Essentially, we went to almost every major part of San Cristobal and learned a lot because of the question sheet which made us pay more attention to what was going on around us. It kind of felt like the amazing race and my group was the first to finish.
Today (Fri Jan 28) we went to the indigenous village of San Juan Chamula which is not too far from San Cristobal. This village has a rich and vibrant culture and very few people speak Spanish (the main language is Tzoltzil). We started by going into the church which is the cultural focal point so to speak and requires written permission and the paying of a fee to enter. Over the last 20 or so years, tourism has found this village and it is extremely sad to see how the culture is being lost and the people are starting to depend more on toursim.Even in the church, there were a lot of tourists being disrespectful and gawking at the people as they prayed. I reached the sad conclusion that in a generation or two the place will be radically different and what if left of the culture will be for the tourists to see as opposed to the people actually practising it. I highly recommend reading more on San Juan Chamula.
Tomorrow we will be moving into our family homes so I am not sure when my next update will be, but I will try to make it as soon as possible. If you have any questions, feel free to email me. Adios.
Scott