MAY SWEET SIESTAS ADD TO YOUR DAY: Dreaming of San Cristobal de las Casas, Chiapas, Mexico

A glimpse: Ellen´s San Cristobal de las Casas dreamy bed

In January a lively group of us jumped into a new four wheeler and sped off to Chiapas, Mexico.  Four of us heading north of the border, on a beautiful day, it was a perfect journey.  We traveled up and up to/through the northernmost mountains of Guatemala and then down, down, down and crossed the border into the southern Mexican State of Chiapas---more beautiful scenery greeted us on our way as day turned into night on the road to San Cristobal de las Casas, our destination, up Mexico way.

We spent five days exploring San Cristobal de las Casas.  It was a treat in every way.  The landscape was varied, lush, hauntingly beautiful and sometimes daunting too.  The people were welcoming, friendly, energetic, productive, creative and it was VERY SAFE in San Cristobal de las Casas and Chiapas is blooming and booming.

Much of our time was spent visiting the indigenous open markets, little stores, brilliant and boldy decorated churches, public buildings, hotels and restaurants and even the famous Jaguar House too...vivid imagines are remembered by me with hundreds of colorful Mexicano momentos flickering through my mind.

We had a very happy trip to Old Mexico.

A few days after returning to Guatemala, one of our companions, Ellen, decided she wanted me to paint her bed.  The bed is a lovely piece of furniture and although distinctive and elegant it needed, according to Ellen, a little cheering/livening up...so, over the last month, I painted Ellens bed into my version/vision of San Cristobal de las Casas, Chiapas, Mexico...ole'

The newly redecorated bed was installed in Ellens bedroom yesterday.  It was a bit of a surprise and a BIG HIT! Here is a corner of the headboard for you to see.

Today, we went to a lovely brunch at the Santo Domingo Hotel, here, in Antigua, Guatemala.  We celebrated the sweet memories of San Cristobal de las Casas that are embracing Ellen today and I am wishing Ellen the fondest of memories to be enjoyed in yet another way:

Sweet dreams, dear Ellen, fellow adventurer and great friend!

Leonardo Ricardo
Leonard Clark Beardsley
Sacatepequez, Guatemala
Central America
Sunday afternoon