San Cristóbal de las Casas

Some of my favorites from the city: all of the lively pedestrian streets, lots of inviting cafés, the view of the city from either of the two churches atop hills on opposite ends of the downtown, the fruit punch (served hot) and candied figs from the market, la Madre Tierra – a great breakfast restaurant with fresh whole-wheat bread (a rarity!)

I spent Christmas and New Year’s with Erika’s family in her grandmother Teresa’s home in San Cris. Everybody in the family welcomed me so sweetly. Between all of the family meals and conversations over coffee and pan dulce, I felt like another granddaughter / niece / cousin, etc. (Chalupas are the colorful dish with beets that Teresa is preparing . . . they are nothing like those at Taco Bell!)