Image above: The barista carefully adding in the hot water for my filter coffee. [Wednesday 05 October]
In another life I would be a rally car driver and practice in Mexico. Getting the shotgun seat on the road from Palenque to San Cristobel that ascends into the highlands, the entire 5 hour trip was a rollercoaster ride bouncing from curve to the next.
What made it more fun that our driver, Freddie, with his V8 engine, basically gunned it all the way and took every corner at speed. It was a pretty unique way to build up my core muscles as I tried not to fall out of your seat!
Wandering through the maze of streets in San Cristobel reminds me of that quote from Forrest Gump: “life was like a box of chocolates – you never know what you’re gonna get”.
Deliberately getting lost and staying off the main thoroughfares, picturesque and petit courtyards revealed themselves as I peered into open doors and windows. Following the locals I stumbled across the local food market and spent hours checking it out. From the smell of the freshly slaughtered meat, the cacophony of fowl waiting to be sold, the banter of locals as they bartered passionately but never in anger.
Two memorable places I stopped at were Slow Coffee in the Guadelepe barrio, home to artisans of all kinds, which made me one of the best filter coffees I’ve had so far. Also, Kakao Natura which did me a revitalising 40% cacao hot chocolate made with water which rivalled that of my long-time favourite – Paul Young.
Life here is blend of a slower pace of life interspersed with focused bursts of activity in the markets and the main thoroughfares. With the comfortable hotel we stayed at off the main square I would’ve quite happily stayed here for longer but Guatemala and the home town of our guide beckoned next.
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