We then went to visit the Tzotzil community of Zinacantán and, based on the polytunnels all around the valley as we drove in, I assumed we'd be visiting a flower producer or similar but in fact the town is also well known for its traditional textiles and women's weaving co-operatives.
We visited this lady who as well as making/selling her own work also sold on behalf of others. Each item has an individual coloured thread on the price tag and so when it is sold she knows who made it and pays them accordingly. Some of the group thought it a bit of a waste of time but in a country like Mexico where indigenous women are still very much treated as second class citizens, projects like this help them develop new skills and give them a degree of independence.
She then showed us her kitchen and made tortillas for us to try along with various fillings and mezcal shots - all rather strange really!
But John and Steve are never ones to say No Thank You
Then we visited the church
Not surprisingly it was filled with flowers.
These hand-painted sculptures represent animal protectors as Tzotzils believe that we all have an animal protector with us in life.
Another couple of attempts from the hip.
And 3 lucky shots.
It was then back to the hotel on the bus for a much needed "afternoon at leisure". We found a lovely restaurant with a beautiful garden for lunch.
There was nothing particularly memorable about the church itself.
Although this stained glass window was rather different to others we'd seen.
Looking out towards the other side of the hill.
Having had a large, late lunch neither of us was really hungry and so we decided to just wander back through the pedestrian streets early evening for a last look around. Once again there was something of a party atmosphere all around with the decorated streets and an eclectic range of goods for sale.
Doesn't she look adorable?
Which is more that can be said of this cheat!
Tonight is our last night in Southern Mexico, tomorrow we head for the border and cross into Guatemala. Good night San Cristóbal, we've enjoyed our stay here.
