On the Road

Emily and I have been waffling for days about what the travel week between Playa and Oaxaca should look like. Our original plan had been to cut west to Campeche before south to the ruins at Palenque, from there into the mountain town of San Cristóbal de las Casas, and westward from there down the long road to Oaxaca. A couple of weeks ago, though, we learned that September 15 and 16 here are the days on which Mexico celebrates its independence, which meant that our original plans would leave us near the ruins and away from any major cities during the grand celebrations. So, we rethought our plans, trying to figure out how to be someplace fun for the celebration of the holiday while still getting to see the cool places (Palenque and San Cristóbal) that we really wanted to see and also getting to Oaxaca in time for school to start the following week. Finally, we decided, and here is our general plan for the coming week.

Friday, Sept. 12 (tomorrow)
We head out of Playa on a 7pm deluxe bus for an overnight, long-ass trip to Palenque. We'll be buying some Dramamine in the hopes of getting to sleep along the way. We decided to do it this way because we'll get to see the ruins and some other stuff this weekend before getting to San Cristóbal for the celebration of Mexican independence. We're disappointed to miss out on Mérida and Campeche, but there are just too many great choices, and sadly, we can't do it all.

Saturday, Sept. 13
We arrive early in the AM in Palenque and we'll find a hostel near the ruins to put our bags and, possibly, add in a wee bit more sleep. Then, when we're set to go, we'll head into the ruins and spend the day exploring what is said to be the most stunning of all of the Mayan archeological sites. Palenque is a large Mayan site set deep in the jungle and includes streams and waterfalls running through the site. Should be amazing. Oh, and it's my birthday. Feel free to wire large gifts of money, preferably euros.

Sunday, Sept. 14
Leaving our stuff in Palenque, we'll take a day-long tour of two nearby waterfalls: Aguas Azules and Misul-Ha.

Monday, Sept. 15
As soon as we can, we'll get on a bus and make our way up the windy mountain road to San Cristóbal de las Casas. San Cristóbal is, as I've said already, a beautiful mountain town and remains traditional despite the increase in tourism. It's also a center of socially progressive activity in Chiapas, and should be an interesting place to celebrate Mexican independence. Celebrations apparently start Monday night and last through the end of Tuesday.

Tuesday, Sept. 16
Continue the celebration. ¡Viva México!

Wednesday, Sept. 17
Maybe spend one more day in San Cristóbal. More likely pop over to Tuxtla Gutierrez, the nearby capital city of Chiapas. From there, we plan on taking a trip to el Cañon del Sumitero, a gorgeous canyon where we can take a launch up the river in the depths of the canyon before heading to the top to see the view from above. Wednesday is also Emily's birthday, ending the four-day span during which I get to be the older one. Please send more money.

Thursday - Sunday, Sept. 18 - 21
This section of the trip has yet to come into full focus. We know that we have to get to Oaxaca by Sunday to start school the following day. We also want to visit a coastal town between Tuxtla Gutierrez and Oaxaca that has a large sea turtle refuge where we might be able to help hatch and release baby sea turtles (!). Other than that, things are still up in the air, but we will, of course, keep you posted.