I was ready to get going by the time 5:30 am rolled around. It was a crazy night between the wind and sand fleas! I am always excited to get going in the morning coolness…thankfully the wind is calmer today. I brew us a nice hot espresso and cook up the 4 eggs. The resident crazy donkey screeches out raspy Eah Oarh's as Kev loads up the bikes. Leo emerges from the twilight sad we are leaving so soon. "It is not normally like this", he says! I fill my camelback with the remainder of the mineral water and toss in a Nuun rehydration tablet. I program in Oasis for todays ride, buckle up my helmet and start my engine. Leo videos us as we leave…Cocoleoco is a very chill place, we just happen to hit it at a shitty time!

I really love being on the road early…but it can also make for a long day. Today turned out to be another very hot and blustery day, although, I was handling the temperatures so much better. I am thinking that the Nuun tablet in my water has something to do with it! The 8 hour ride into San Cristobal De Las Casas through the valley of wind farms was challenging, as well. The road etiquette finally got to me today! I became so fed up with the rudeness of motorists, buses and trucks passing on corners, forcing me off the road, tailgating so close that they could pull my ponytail, and cutting me off. I was making unsafe decisions to ease my anger. I had hit my limit, and I was just simply OVER MEXICO TRAFFIC! "Where is the love?" My music was even pissing me off….Drained, Done, Finito!!!!! Toll roads today ran 85$ pesos, approx $6.60 US per bike.

I pulled into San Cristobal De Las Casas with a chip on my shoulder, which was quickly smoothed over by the kind remarks of interested travelers and a surprise email from a couple we had met in Puerto Escondido, now in San Cris! Sue and Paul….you guys saved, eased and calmed our minds. Kev and I so appreciate connecting with open minded "real" worldly travelers that understand, appreciate and offer gracious friendship. Best of luck to you two and keep in touch!

*Native women of San Cris mixing traditional and modern dress.*

*There are many many young children here out of school peddling their families wares, and they are fierce saleschico's.*

*A great Argentinian restaurant we ate at.*

Through the understanding friendship of travelers Kev and I were able to continue and enjoy our stay in San Cris with a warm heart. It did take us a couple of days to recover from the previous days of grueling travel….We're probably just getting soft. Our remaining days here were spent immersed within the San Cristobal township, enjoying the many churches, native arts, and exploring the abundant restaurant choices of the area. I even visually learnt how to peel and slice up a mango without touching the flesh inside! It was interesting to learn about the Zapatista's, a kind of modern day Robin Hood Clan, now living peacefully in the state of Chiapas. Although at times, I think some rogue groups emerge from the jungle! San Cristobal De Las Casas reminds me of a cross between Tapalpa and San Miguel De Allende without attitude.

Mango lesson!  For 10$ peso's, 0.75 cents US you can get a cup filled with fresh ripe juicy mango.  You may want to add chili sauce and chili  salt, or just have it natural.   Kev and I bought a cup for a young kid hungry after a… — Mango lesson! For 10$ peso's, 0.75 cents US you can get a cup filled with fresh ripe juicy mango. You may want to add chili sauce and chili salt, or just have it natural. Kev and I bought a cup for a young kid hungry after a day selling his wares. His mango was swimming in chili sauce!