This is the second year in a row I've traveled to the state of Chiapas in February to purchase textiles and folk art. It's cold in Chiapas, Mexico in February and this year was the same! I wore all of my layers almost all day everyday. I was so glad to see that the city of San Cristóbal de las Casas is emerging from the terrible recession of the last few years. It was more vibrant than ever--lots of visitors, lots of hippies, lots of Europeans, lots of new restaurants, hotels and a vibrant street life. Last year a lot of work was being done on the streets, this year, it was the facades of the buildings--scraping, cleaning, whitewashing on almost every street.

The textiles of Chiapas did not disappoint. I hauled two giant suitcases full of textiles back to Mexico City for shipment to the US. As I've said before, I always visit the Women's Cooperatives of Chiapas (there are many and they are growing in size and number) to see the beautiful back strap woven pieces that indicate the towns of origin of the weaver.

Here's a bit of a blurry shot of the walking street of San Cristóbal de las Casas, a beautiful colonial city in the highlands of Chiapas.

I purchased a few wooden masks and these will be in the shop in a few weeks.

Just strolling along the streets....

Looking into doorways...

And of course strolling through the main Zocolo

If you haven't been to San Cristóbal de las Casas, go. It's a beautiful city with access to many parts of the state and lots of amazing artisans, great food and lots to see. But bring warm clothes.