
Stone heads of La Venta . The Olmecs.  (Walker is well-behind 20-ton sculpture)
We’ve just returned from a wonderful trip, commencing at the Gulf of Mexico, near Villahermosa, gradually moving upland to about 7000 feet, at San CristĂłbal de las Casas, in Chiapas – the southern-most state. Â
Up front, I want to tell readers what a peaceful experience we’ve had, living and traveling in Mexico.  Yes, all countries have violence.  (Look at daily mass-shootings, of four-or-more victims in schools and churches in US, and compare that to cartel corpses hanging from bridges in Mexico – along with some violent robberies – asking which is worse – not that anyone wishes to compete in these categories!)  O, may equality of opportunity come soon, to both lands!  AMEN. Â
From the sculpture park at La Venta, our attentive and thorough tour-guide, Marina Aguirre, took us to the Lacandon jungle where a small number of Mayan families have governed the jungle, and retained many of their ancient cultural practices. Â We stayed at a welcoming but modest inn, called TOP CHEÂ run by one of these families, and we also visited nearby ruins on the mighty Usumacinta River, by boat, not by “rafting”.Â
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