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It was that time of year again. Oh, how I love Christmas time. The Christmas tree, the lights, the overall laughter and good cheer. So many memories as a child growing up. This year, like the last few, we have gotten together with two other couples. We chose San Cristobal de las Casas for this year's Christmas. We've never been to this state before, so we were really looking forward to it. In my work travels, Chiapas was off the list because of Comandante Marcos and the EZLN guerrilla groups.
Before leaving home, we decided to put up the tree and a few Christmas decorations. I'm glad we did. Now that we are back home (both with horrific colds and flu symptoms), we can enjoy sitting in the living room and reminiscing.
Our flight was uneventful. Again, we chose to fly Vivaaerobus which has a one-way flight to SCC. The flight was scheduled for 6 a.m., meaning we would have to leave the house very early, waking up at 2:30. Not anymore. We chose a hotel at the airport which is located 500 meters from the car park. Driving and parking is cheaper than taking a taxi. No more application drivers, such as Uber and Didi, allowed in or out of Mexican airports. In a few months, the new metro line to the airport will be completed, and that will make it easier, faster, and less expensive. Everything worked as planned. Up at 4 a.m., coffee in the room, and dropping off the car at the parking. The shuttle was waiting for us (we made a reservation online). We arrived at the terminal and into the security area minutes later. We still had 30 minutes to spare, and with only one carry-on and a personal item, we walked right on to the plane, no check-in required.
I think they fudge on their travel times to improve their on-time performance. Maybe not, I'm no expert on that. The flight is said to take 2 hours and 20 minutes, but checking flight times, it arrives at 10:35. Pretty good. We don't pay for seats so we were separated this time by one row but both of us had aisle seats. We bought a coffee on board along with a muffin to share. Well worth it and much cheaper than airport food when you can avoid it.
The airport in Chiapas has recently been remodeled. Wow, what an incredible experience. Pictures do not do it justice.
Juan had booked a collective taxi, which was waiting for us. A very nice van with 13 seats. We were taken to a drop-off point in SCC and then we took a taxi from there. 350 pesos per person versus 1400 for a private taxi. Great scenery as we climbed 1,600 meters, winding and curving.
Our friend Paula made the hotel arrangements and they were the best we have ever had. They had arrived a couple of days before us and she sent me a message saying how much I would like it for its cleanliness. It is super clean and very comfortable. We shared many evening happy hours together. The owner is the best ever. A hotel started from a family home on a large lot that now has 23 rooms and a small restaurant. The hotel employees bend over backwards to help the guests and are the friendliest ever. We couldn't have found an Airbnb for that price.
The gardens are beautiful. Judge for yourselves. We met every morning in the courtyard and on several occasions had breakfast at the inn. I highly recommend the place. Three blocks to the city square, where there are historic sites, museums, and street after street with all types of restaurants and prices to fit any budget.
Arriving early in the morning gave us a chance to catch up with everyone and go into the square to get acquainted. They do have small coffee makers in the rooms. We were told they don't do much in terms of hot coffee. I carry my trusty heating coil and small packets of Nescafé and that worked well for us this trip, except for coffees out!
More to come as we experienced a trip to the indigenous town of San Juan Chamula and all its secrets and a boat ride through the Sumidero Canyon.
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