Tehuantepec was little more than a mid-way resting point while in route to the Santo Domingo de las Casas in the state of Chiapas. That said, the road getting there from Oaxaca was an awesome ride that seemed popular with Mexican motorcyclists and had a high “speedy-curvy” rating. I was also able to find nice accommodations with private bath, hot water, secure parking for the bike and strong wi-fi that allowed me to bird-dog lodging digs in the land of the Zapatistas.
San Cristobal de las Casas, so named for a Spanish bishop that championed the rights Chiapas’ indigenous population in the late 1500’s, is a beautiful city that lies in a valley surrounded by green mountains and is subtly infused with supporters of the Zapatista movement. There are also a lot of cultural things to check out and plenty of shops and street venders that all lie within the town’s labyrinth of cobblestone streets. Upon arrival to S.C.de las C. and while searching for lodging, I took a semi-haphazard turn down a one a one-way street that led me directly into ushering arms of the French connection (Mat & Pamela). In classic form, Mat simply smiled and acted as if he was expecting my arrival. Cheers amigo! The hotel where Mat & Pamela were staying happened to be just around the corner from my intended destination.
Located on Real de Mexicanos, Rossco Backpacker Hostel offered one free night for anyone traveling by motorcycle, had an open courtyard for parking the bike and was currently filled with an awesome mix of international travelers. My crib for the next few days also housed travelers that were taking advantage of the cats on moto deal and made me feel right at home.
(Rossco Hostel: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Rossco-Backpackers-Hostel/158871846437)
On the “gato de moto” front there were: Ken & Carol (Jedi Class: Yoda) from Australia who sold their home and most of their belongings and have ridden around the world at least once & two up on a 1981 Dakar; Peter (Jedi Class: Samuel L. Jackson) from England who put most things at home in hibernation mode and has been traveling the world via his GS 900 for the past few years; Majo (Jedi class: Padawan) from Guatemala had departed the hostel moments before my arrival and is in route to Miami, Florida astride her 125cc Honda. The short & skinny – it was cool to be in the company of seasoned motorcyclists and to be able to gleam a little knowledge and inspiration. Cheers!
Speaking of international travelers at Rossco Backpacker Hostel, I was afforded some quality time around the fire pit over beers, at breakfast with coffee in hand and/or around the pool table with folks from Japan, Germany, Poland, Finland, Sweden, and my roommates - Nick and Denis from England. I was also invited out for some eats by the posse of Álvaro from Spain, Andrea from Italy, Julius from Germany and Jonathan from Chile. My time with the posse, although not known at the time, ended up extending to the next destination of Palenque or to be exact, the rain forested, bohemian community of El Panchan.
In addition to all things cool about hanging with new friends in ancient places, kicking amongst huts in the jungle and watching tattooed locals twirl fire while Howler monkeys roared in the distance was quite the experience. In lieu of typing, I just let the accompanying photo entry do the talking.
Next destination: The Yucatan Peninsula’s colonial city of Campeche and then a lap around the el Hood de Maya.
