We leave the compound with Pedro driving at 8 AM for the 2 hour ride to San Cristobal. The scenery is dramatic and stunning. We go Over, Down, and Up again to arrive in San Cristobal, higher in the mountains. It is a beautiful town, historic and ancient. Narrow cobblestone streets, small sidewalks with big holes, driveways, and odd levels. One must also watch out for the bars and cement bay windows, as there is not enough room to clear them as one walks. There are magnificent, ancient cathedrals, and thriving, crowded "people " markets, the ones with fresh produce, poultry, spices, etc. There are parks and gazebos and people walking at all hours of the night. It is a popular place with the Europeans and hippies. The Artisan market is wonderful, and we spend hours going from booth to booth with jewelry (silver, amber, and that made with seeds and nuts!), fabric, trinkets, blouses and everything typical, and some not. It is a wonderful day to walk and shop and reflect before stepping back to our own culture. Reverse culture shock is common. We had 2 nice restaurant meals, and enjoyed the simple, old Fray Bartolome hotel. The courtyard makes up for the thin towels and the simple, noisy rooms.
We arise at 5 am and are on the road by 5:30. Again, a stunning drive through and over the mountain, 1 hour away to Tuxtla. It is still dark, but the lights far below in the valley are beautiful. There are hanging clouds and low fog to drive through. We hug and say our bittersweet adios', and see Doreen and Karen through security. We later hear that this was the last flight for United for Tuxtla to Houston. Bummer. Now the trip will take us through Mexico City and onto Houston. Much longer distance, more time, and more difficult customs. Oh well, I have some time to work on it.
Doreen and Karen arrive home safely, and have much to think 
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