Driving

Driving through Chiapas is an experience like none other. The scenery changes in mere seconds from patches of corn to patches of palm trees. There are also large forests that hug the road that curves up throughout the foothills. Overall, it is not this picturesque landscape that makes the drive, it is the unique personality of the people that you encounter on the way. 

The moment that we crossed the border into Chiapas from Tabasco, another state in Mexico, we were stopped by the Mexican military taking anti-rebellion precautions. "Where are you from?" "Why are you here?" "What is your occupation?" (except in spanish, of course) as others used a flashlight to look in and under the car. 

The military did not hold all of the roadblocks on the road, as signs reminded us that we were in Zapatista territory and families reminded us of the poverty that promoted the rebellion to begin with. Families, including children as young as 4 or 5, held up ropes to prevent cars from passing. The car was surrounded by a steep hill going up on one side, a drop on the other, and the rope in front. 5 pesos to pass. 1 peso extra (less than 10 cents) made a child smile. They all also had goods to sell - coconuts, fruits, corn, etc. Over time we watched others and learn that the blocks were not harmful and if you just didn't stop and speed up the ropes were lowered. Still you can't help but wonder is this the future we are giving these children? Why are they blocking roads instead of attending schools?

patch of palm trees. i also like how the crops in the back somewhat resemble a mushroom, especially since it is Palenque where even the lonely planet travel's guide feels the need to caution that the mushrooms that people sell on the road are "the hallucinogenic variety"

along the way there were several houses hidden in the brush

we stopped to buy a coconut from one child and ended up with about five swarming the car, practically inside the car, who had "the best" coconut to sell. once realizing we were only buying one they decided they just wanted us to give them pesos.

stands of home-made Maya clothing and artisans were scattered along the drive