Muy Tranquilo

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I haven't written for a couple weeks, not for a lack of material, but for a lack of time and internet. Experiences are more valuable than their record. Thus far in Mexico, the internet's estimated driving time has been significantly low. It said six hours from Mexico City to Malapasito. It was more like ten or twelve. I picked up another Agua Selva WWOOFer who happened to be on my way, early afternoon in Mexico City. We walked around downtown briefly, but didn't see much unfortunately. I was so tired of driving, I wanted to get it out of the way and stay put for awhile. Terje and I got along immediately, it was nice to have a co-pilot. I drove till I couldn't stay awake and we pulled over and pitched a tent at a random spot. And the next day, finally... Agua Selva.. mi casa nueva.

The last couple months have been a readjustment, a resimplification, a reevaluation and a reinvention of this ole life thingy. A detachment, an personal exodus, and other nouns. It's very peaceful and simple here. Malpasito is about 800 people. When we arrived, we were greeted in the streets by people, turkeys, chickens, ducks, dogs and cats. Not many borders here. We were also greeted by Julia (Germany, another WWOOFer) in the evening after our first meander through the eco-park. She's fluent in English and Spanish which is crucial. Straight off, I felt like this was my new home. Julia is awesome, she was unloading large Corona bottles (caguamas) as we approached; we three got along immediately, laughing the night away. Her boyfriend Armando came the next day. For a couple weeks we were the four musketeers. We cooked, hiked, swam, ate and drank together. We all drove to San Cristobal de las Casas, a nearby city for a night. It's full of markets and activities and is home to the Zapatistas, indigenous Mexican rebels.

The trail nearby Malpasito follows a river through the jungle to several magnificent waterfalls. Internet is dodgy; when it works, we get about 16 KB/s download. No cell reception. No hot water and sometime no running water at all, but we can bathe in the river. We've been reducing our waste to virtually nothing; there is no trash service so everything must be removed or burned. We built a compost box for all organic waste, and collected cow shit to help it digest. The people are generally quite happy. I haven't seen one crying or angry child. I haven't seen a hint of violence.

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