Kirk;
Hello.
I was in Chiapas 20 years ago and yearn to go back sometime. What
is it like now? Where did you see the amber or did you go all around
for it? They were just starting on the inflation of the denero and
other social ills at that time. The start of the "revolution" and
troubles with illegal immigrants from the south (sound familiar).
Still loved the country and the people. Very friendly. Have some
good stories I break out sometimes.
It gets me mad whenever I hear vacationers talk about how bad Mexico
was and how the "people " were just after their money and (in
general)low social standing.
I'll inquire about where they were - Cancun or Acapulco - and
invariably it will be one of the tourist places. I'll state that
they were not in the real Mexico and that the Mexican people are some
of the warmest, friendliest people I've ever met. That they were in
an outstation of the US and all that's low and crass about us and if
they were to travel in the real Mexico they'd know that their
perceptions were wrong about it and the people.
Was a photographer with a entomological expedition down there. We
went from north to south and east to west covering all of Chiapas.
We were to go into Guatemala also, but because of the guerilla
activity at the time decided against it. On Mt. Tapachula is a
village that is half in Mexico and have in Guatemala. We went there
to inquire about what we should do. Asking "How bad is the guerilla
activity around here". The response from the mayor (what ever he is
called) was "They are probably watching us right now." Decided to not
pursue the Guatemala side trip for rare millipedes.
Amber. Saw some in San Cristobel De Las Casas. It was cool, but
being a student couldn't afford to but any. Didn't know that much
about it either - as far a buying it.
Some wonderful memories, beautiful country, and a beautiful people.
Want to return there someday.
Again. If you have some time to talk about the country I'd love to
hear from you and Chiapas in 2005.
Eric Schmidt
