Today was an interesting day, though it didn't really start off that way. Today was when the other half of the group was going to Monte Sion, and the rest of us got the day off (yes!). Since I still couldn't go wandering the streets alone, I got up earlier than I'd like to go the meeting spot in front of our old hotel. Why did I have to get up earlier? Well, my teachers figured we should split up the only two male members into the two different groups (security thing) and so J was going today while I had gone last week. On top of that, my housemate also wanted to get a newspaper so we left earlier for the downtown than we needed to. Along the way we bumped into one of ... read more

. . . . Bleh... what a horrible night. The music was blaring well into the night, and there wasn't a thing I could do about it. It was so loud I buried my head under my pillow and could still hear the music loud and clear. Back in Canada there'd no doubt be warnings over sound levels from police but here? No restriction that I'm aware of (either that, or nobody cares to do anything about it). The worst was when the music stalls, or something, so I hear a single note blaring for like 5 minutes which drove me batty. Ugh... and apparently my classmate didn't have a single problem going to sleep and staying asleep... and his room's just to the right of mine. What's with that? Anyhow, at least I got -some- ... read more

We started our morning with a few guidelines about how to conduct ourselves while in San Juan Chamula, including the bit about no cameras allowed. Our photojournalists were crushed because of it, but of course we didn't want to offend anyone or get our cameras taken (and never returned). I'll be honest and say I brought mine along but I kept it inside my purse where it'd be out of sight (no, I didn't sneak any pictures or even attempt to). On arrival, we headed to the main attraction which was the church there (name unknown or non-existing). A beautiful white building with parts painted predominantly teal and have a bit of a pattern going on. We split up into two groups, as the local people limit how many foreigners/tourists are allowed inside the church ... read more

Holaaa, San Cristobal! It's awesome to be here :) It's strange to finally be settled here in Mexico and yet... I still don't feel a single emotion of any sort. Perhaps it was hearing (and seeing) so much about Mexico that I expect everything under the sun, thus nothing amazed me anymore. Is there something wrong with me? The bus ride here from Tuxtla was quite long, tedious, and... (dramatic music) my camera screen broke. Yes everyone, I had not even been here a full day and my camera screen broke already. Seems odd that mine is the only one that broke and nobody else's did. Refund por favor... and if you are wondering; No, I couldn't get it fixed in San Cristobal, not sure about maybe Mexico City. I did ask... Some thought I ... read more

It was strange sensation going to the school so late at night, but quite exciting. Already there were a number of people gathered in the designated waiting spot, which was the cafeteria. When our coordinator arrived, he asked if we had all photocopied the important pieces of ID for in case we lost them or got it stolen. Good thing he asked, as I didn't remember to and my only piece of ID that would get accepted anywhere was my passport. Thankfully, any of us who forgot to, went off with our coordinator (G*) to get them photocopied. A few copies should do... We returned to the waiting area and when the bus arrived, I was most disappointed. It looked to me to be just a regular school bus. Aww... no charter? However, on entry, ... read more