Captured by Chiapas

Join me as I explore the

southernmost state of Mexico: Chiapas.

This is a mountainous state with

breathtaking views as one meanders

up and down curvy mountain roads.

Sometimes clouds settle below in the

valleys; sometimes they are above you

in blue skies; and sometimes you

are in the clouds in a dense fog.

Occasionally you see a river, a

dam.

As you drive through villages,

you see colorful cement-block houses;

yellow, hot pink, green, blue, purple,

orange beside modest wooden

homes and buildings. Each community

has several churches with altars

decorated with shiny gold draping and

sparkling lights.

The countryside is green and

flowers are in bloom. Notice the

crops on the hillsides; neat rows

of cabbages or corn, coffee plants,

and banana trees.

Roosters might awaken you in

the morning in some of the

villages. Chickens roam the yards,

sheep and cows are seen in rural

areas. Sometimes a horse and

rider might come through the town.

And, if you go on a boat trip

on a river through the canyon,

you will see crocodiles sunning

themselves along the shore while

spider monkeys jump from branch

to branch in the trees. A flock of

cormorants might swoop down

across the river while white egrets

roost on the shoreland trees.

Listen for the sound of a

marimba band or guitarists. Music

fills the air at night in communities.

Taste the spicy food, the rich

local coffee, and the unique flavor

of Mexican chocolate.

The hard-working, dark-skinned

people can be welcoming and friendly

in some communities and stoic and

shy in the indigenous areas.

Visit an open-air market to

shop for amber jewelry, embroidered

clothing, leather purses, hats, toys,

and t-shirts.

If you are adventurous try the

alcoholic beverages that are original to

this area: Pox and Mezcal.

The culture and natural beauty of the state of Chiapas will capture you.

Linda Good