The Consul General of Mexico has informed me that they require us to apply for visitor visas.
Here are the points to which you should pay attention.
1. Requirement: change from tourist to visitor visa. This usually takes 4 weeks, so if it is not possible before leaving, enter as a tourist and apply while in Mexico.
2. Reason: Problem of foreign activists coming in support of resistance organizations like APPO and the EZLN (Zapatistas).
3. Requirements to apply:
a. Visitor Visa Application.
b. Copy of airline ticket/flight printout
c. Copy of your passport
d. Letter from Go-Global agreeing to cover expenses.
4. Other suggestions. Considering their worries, it is best not to bring books on the Zapatista movement with you to Mexico.
Saturday, December 30, 2006
Thursday, December 14, 2006
Women's Safety: Meeting with Anna on December 14
Anna wanted to warn women in the group concerning her experience in San Cristobal. She emphasized that women should not be out alone, as that will invite unwanted comments from young men and sometimes unwanted touching. She said that she was followed every time she went out alone. Anna also noted that precautions differ for different parts of the city. For example, tight pants or a shortish skirt would be inappropriate for the market.
Anna also suggested special care in social situations with local residents. Even aquaintances may become persistent in unwanted attentions. Also, drugs are often offered in these situations and should be refused. On the other hand, in social situations it is expected that food will be shared.
On other issues, Anna noted that if you are not awarded sufficient time on your tourist visa when you enter, you can go to an immigration office in San Cristobal or Tuxtla Gutierrez and have it extended. But do it in time, as the bureacratic necessities may take a day of scurrying around.
For disinfecting food and as a potential prophylactic against internal infection, Anna suggests nutribiotic drops, from grapefruit seeds, an organic antibiotic.
Anna also suggested special care in social situations with local residents. Even aquaintances may become persistent in unwanted attentions. Also, drugs are often offered in these situations and should be refused. On the other hand, in social situations it is expected that food will be shared.
On other issues, Anna noted that if you are not awarded sufficient time on your tourist visa when you enter, you can go to an immigration office in San Cristobal or Tuxtla Gutierrez and have it extended. But do it in time, as the bureacratic necessities may take a day of scurrying around.
For disinfecting food and as a potential prophylactic against internal infection, Anna suggests nutribiotic drops, from grapefruit seeds, an organic antibiotic.
Sunday, December 10, 2006
Amazing Article
I found this article to be amazing. But I suggest that you sit down and brace yourself before reading it.
http://www.consortiumnews.com/2006/120906.html
http://www.consortiumnews.com/2006/120906.html
Saturday, December 9, 2006
Links to City Maps for San Cristobal
This summary is not available. Please
click here to view the post.
Friday, December 8, 2006
Best Review I've Found of Apocalypto
See below for the link to an eloquent rebuttal of the media gore-fest that has surrounded the movie opening.
For those of you who have strong enough stomachs to see the movie, we can begin a discussion around the commodification of Maya history and the ways in which archaeology may be showing the way.
http://www.berkeleydailyplanet.com/article.cfm?issue=12-08-06&storyID=25838
For those of you who have strong enough stomachs to see the movie, we can begin a discussion around the commodification of Maya history and the ways in which archaeology may be showing the way.
http://www.berkeleydailyplanet.com/article.cfm?issue=12-08-06&storyID=25838
Thursday, December 7, 2006
Safety Issues
Takn from Consular Affairs website www.voyage.gc.ca
Canadians should purchase supplementary travel health insurance prior to travelling to Mexico. Your provincial health plan should not be relied on to cover all expenses in case of illness or injury. Please see Section 16 below for details.
OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada offers a registration service for Canadians travelling or residing abroad. Canadians are encouraged to register with the responsible Canadian government office during the hurricane season, which runs from June 1st to November 30th. Registration can be done on-line or by calling the responsible Canadian government office abroad to request a registration form.
BACK TO TOP
3. SAFETY AND SECURITY
Caution and prudence should be exercised at all times while travelling throughout the country. Although they are not specifically targeted, Canadians have been victims of random shootings in areas notorious for drug trafficking. Other crimes occur, including armed robbery, purse snatching, and pickpocketing. You should dress down and avoid wearing expensive jewellery and designer clothing. Carry only the cash or credit cards that will be needed on each outing.
Canadians should exercise caution when travelling in areas where organized crime and urban violence have affected the region's security, such as in northern Mexico and border cities. Crimes and murders linked to drug turf wars have risen substantially throughout Mexico, but especially in the states of Guerrero, Michoacan and Sinaloa. Hundreds of people are killed every year across the country. While Canadians have not been specific targets of crime, they are urged to be aware of safety concerns when visiting these areas. Should you require consular assistance while in these regions, contact the Consulate of Canada in Tijuana, which has consular responsibility for the states of Baja California and Sonora. The Consulate of Canada in Monterrey provides consular assistance for the states of Coahuila, Nuevo Leon and Tamaulipas, the Embassy of Canada in Mexico City is responsible for the state of Chihuahua, and the Consulate of Canada in Acapulco provides services for the states of Guerrero and Michoacan.
Travellers should be careful when accepting food or drinks from strangers, as there have been cases of drugging followed by robbery and assault, including sexual assault. Avoid walking after dark, especially if travelling alone. Unpatrolled beaches and unpopulated areas should be avoided, especially after dark. Check with local authorities to determine which beaches are safe, but always remain alert.
Long-term kidnappings occur, although foreigners are not specifically targeted. So called "express kidnappings"are frequent in urban areas. There have been many incidents, particularly in Mexico City, of passengers being assaulted and/or robbed and/or car jacked by thieves working in cooperation with, or posing as taxi drivers. A common practice is to force victims to withdraw money from various ATMs with their bank or credit cards in exchange for their release. You should be cautious and discreet about openly discussing your financial or business affairs.
Canadians should be cautious in general when withdrawing funds from ATMs or when exchanging money at a "casa de cambio". It is safer to withdraw only small sums for anticipated expenses and if possible to limit your withdrawals to daylight hours inside shops or malls, rather than at ATMs on the street. Be attentive when leaving an exchange bureau, as there are incidents of people being followed and attacked. If you are arriving at the airport in Mexico City and need to obtain pesos, use the exchange counters or ATMs in the arrival area, where public access is restricted.
Women should exercise caution in dealing with strangers or recent acquaintances, and be especially careful about accepting rides or invitations to go for a drink. There have been cases of drugging followed by robbery and assault, including sexual assault. Incidents of assault, rape and sexual aggression against foreigners have been reported at beach resorts in Mexico. Many of these have occurred at night or in the early morning hours. Attacks have also occurred on deserted beaches and in hotel rooms. Acquaintance rape is a serious problem. In some cases, hotel workers, taxi drivers, and others have been implicated. Anyone who is a victim of a sexual assault or other crime should report this immediately to the nearest Canadian Consulate and is also strongly advised to immediately file a report with Mexican authorities. Note that no criminal investigation is possible without a formal complaint to Mexican authorities.
Foreign Affairs Canada publishes a booklet, Her Own Way: Advice for the Woman Traveller, specifically targeted at female travellers. Its prime objective is to inform Canadian women and encourage them to travel safely.
If you are the victim of a crime, immediately file a report at the "Agencia del Ministerio Público" nearest to the scene of the crime. This is especially important if your ID is stolen or lost, in case it is subsequently found at the scene of a crime.
Unpatrolled beaches and unpopulated areas should be avoided, especially after dark. Check with local authorities to determine which beaches are safe.
Although public transportation is relatively safe, take precautions at public transportation facilities, including airports, bus stations, and the Mexico City metro, and avoid travelling during rush hour if you can.
Be wary of persons presenting themselves as police officers. There have been instances of tourists becoming victims of theft, extortion or sexual assault by persons who may or may not be police officers. Some criminals pose as plainclothes police officers and ask to see foreign currency and passports. In Cancun, there have been cases involving legitimate police officers extorting money from tourists and arresting tourists for minor offences. If approached, do not hand over your money or passport. Ask for identification, and if possible note the officer's name, badge number and patrol car number. Offer instead to go to the nearest Agencia del Ministerio Público.
Avoid divulging personal information to strangers. Scam artists have called parents of travelling Canadians (in the middle of the night) to report that their child has been detained or hospitalized and have requested that money be wired immediately via Western Union. Parents or friends should call Foreign Affairs Canada's 24-hour emergency line (toll-free number 001-800-514-0129).
Exercise caution when standing close to balcony railings, as deaths and injuries have resulted from falls. Height standards for balcony railings in Mexico differ from those in Canada, and railings can consequently be considerably lower.
If you visit Mexican beach resorts, carefully assess the potential risk of recreational activities. You should be aware that sports and aquatic equipment may not meet Canadian safety and supervision standards and may not be covered by accident insurance. This applies particularly to scuba diving, mopeds, parasailing, and jet-skis. In the case of mopeds, many operators carry no insurance, and some have been known to demand fees in excess of the damage caused to the vehicle in an accident. Check that your own travel insurance covers these activities if you decide to rent equipment or take classes. In addition, exercise caution when locals on the beach offer sightseeing or fishing tours by boat, as these are not always officially established tour operators. Before agreeing to any type of tour, ensure that both the boat and its operator are registered with the local port authority, that the boat is in good condition, and that it is well equipped with safety equipment.
Canadians should purchase supplementary travel health insurance prior to travelling to Mexico. Your provincial health plan should not be relied on to cover all expenses in case of illness or injury. Please see Section 16 below for details.
OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada offers a registration service for Canadians travelling or residing abroad. Canadians are encouraged to register with the responsible Canadian government office during the hurricane season, which runs from June 1st to November 30th. Registration can be done on-line or by calling the responsible Canadian government office abroad to request a registration form.
BACK TO TOP
3. SAFETY AND SECURITY
Caution and prudence should be exercised at all times while travelling throughout the country. Although they are not specifically targeted, Canadians have been victims of random shootings in areas notorious for drug trafficking. Other crimes occur, including armed robbery, purse snatching, and pickpocketing. You should dress down and avoid wearing expensive jewellery and designer clothing. Carry only the cash or credit cards that will be needed on each outing.
Canadians should exercise caution when travelling in areas where organized crime and urban violence have affected the region's security, such as in northern Mexico and border cities. Crimes and murders linked to drug turf wars have risen substantially throughout Mexico, but especially in the states of Guerrero, Michoacan and Sinaloa. Hundreds of people are killed every year across the country. While Canadians have not been specific targets of crime, they are urged to be aware of safety concerns when visiting these areas. Should you require consular assistance while in these regions, contact the Consulate of Canada in Tijuana, which has consular responsibility for the states of Baja California and Sonora. The Consulate of Canada in Monterrey provides consular assistance for the states of Coahuila, Nuevo Leon and Tamaulipas, the Embassy of Canada in Mexico City is responsible for the state of Chihuahua, and the Consulate of Canada in Acapulco provides services for the states of Guerrero and Michoacan.
Travellers should be careful when accepting food or drinks from strangers, as there have been cases of drugging followed by robbery and assault, including sexual assault. Avoid walking after dark, especially if travelling alone. Unpatrolled beaches and unpopulated areas should be avoided, especially after dark. Check with local authorities to determine which beaches are safe, but always remain alert.
Long-term kidnappings occur, although foreigners are not specifically targeted. So called "express kidnappings"are frequent in urban areas. There have been many incidents, particularly in Mexico City, of passengers being assaulted and/or robbed and/or car jacked by thieves working in cooperation with, or posing as taxi drivers. A common practice is to force victims to withdraw money from various ATMs with their bank or credit cards in exchange for their release. You should be cautious and discreet about openly discussing your financial or business affairs.
Canadians should be cautious in general when withdrawing funds from ATMs or when exchanging money at a "casa de cambio". It is safer to withdraw only small sums for anticipated expenses and if possible to limit your withdrawals to daylight hours inside shops or malls, rather than at ATMs on the street. Be attentive when leaving an exchange bureau, as there are incidents of people being followed and attacked. If you are arriving at the airport in Mexico City and need to obtain pesos, use the exchange counters or ATMs in the arrival area, where public access is restricted.
Women should exercise caution in dealing with strangers or recent acquaintances, and be especially careful about accepting rides or invitations to go for a drink. There have been cases of drugging followed by robbery and assault, including sexual assault. Incidents of assault, rape and sexual aggression against foreigners have been reported at beach resorts in Mexico. Many of these have occurred at night or in the early morning hours. Attacks have also occurred on deserted beaches and in hotel rooms. Acquaintance rape is a serious problem. In some cases, hotel workers, taxi drivers, and others have been implicated. Anyone who is a victim of a sexual assault or other crime should report this immediately to the nearest Canadian Consulate and is also strongly advised to immediately file a report with Mexican authorities. Note that no criminal investigation is possible without a formal complaint to Mexican authorities.
Foreign Affairs Canada publishes a booklet, Her Own Way: Advice for the Woman Traveller, specifically targeted at female travellers. Its prime objective is to inform Canadian women and encourage them to travel safely.
If you are the victim of a crime, immediately file a report at the "Agencia del Ministerio Público" nearest to the scene of the crime. This is especially important if your ID is stolen or lost, in case it is subsequently found at the scene of a crime.
Unpatrolled beaches and unpopulated areas should be avoided, especially after dark. Check with local authorities to determine which beaches are safe.
Although public transportation is relatively safe, take precautions at public transportation facilities, including airports, bus stations, and the Mexico City metro, and avoid travelling during rush hour if you can.
Be wary of persons presenting themselves as police officers. There have been instances of tourists becoming victims of theft, extortion or sexual assault by persons who may or may not be police officers. Some criminals pose as plainclothes police officers and ask to see foreign currency and passports. In Cancun, there have been cases involving legitimate police officers extorting money from tourists and arresting tourists for minor offences. If approached, do not hand over your money or passport. Ask for identification, and if possible note the officer's name, badge number and patrol car number. Offer instead to go to the nearest Agencia del Ministerio Público.
Avoid divulging personal information to strangers. Scam artists have called parents of travelling Canadians (in the middle of the night) to report that their child has been detained or hospitalized and have requested that money be wired immediately via Western Union. Parents or friends should call Foreign Affairs Canada's 24-hour emergency line (toll-free number 001-800-514-0129).
Exercise caution when standing close to balcony railings, as deaths and injuries have resulted from falls. Height standards for balcony railings in Mexico differ from those in Canada, and railings can consequently be considerably lower.
If you visit Mexican beach resorts, carefully assess the potential risk of recreational activities. You should be aware that sports and aquatic equipment may not meet Canadian safety and supervision standards and may not be covered by accident insurance. This applies particularly to scuba diving, mopeds, parasailing, and jet-skis. In the case of mopeds, many operators carry no insurance, and some have been known to demand fees in excess of the damage caused to the vehicle in an accident. Check that your own travel insurance covers these activities if you decide to rent equipment or take classes. In addition, exercise caution when locals on the beach offer sightseeing or fishing tours by boat, as these are not always officially established tour operators. Before agreeing to any type of tour, ensure that both the boat and its operator are registered with the local port authority, that the boat is in good condition, and that it is well equipped with safety equipment.
Wednesday, December 6, 2006
Political Science 332
Max Cameron has submitted his syllabus and reading list for POLI 332.
Max is thinking of burning CDs with the readings.
I would be happy to attach these files if someone can explain to me how it is done.
If not, you can probably get the files directly from Max: maxcamer@interchange.ubc.ca
Tuesday, December 5, 2006
Art History and WebCT
I don't know what other courses have webct components but I rely heavily on them for art history courses. I have requested that all those who have registered for ARTH 372 and 373 be given access to those sites as soon as possible. I will keep checking and update you.
For those people, a little more information:
I want to update the posted lectures. Also they are in powerpoint format but I will be reposting them in pdf format.
This gives me a chance to revise and update the lectures, but I can't start until my term marking is finished. So I plan to spend roughly from December 17 to January 17 on the revising. I would suggest that if you are planning to print out the lectures to take with you to San Cris, that you wait as long as possible before leaving and get the most updated lectures. (There won't be huge changes, just minor ones and some condensation).
If you decide to print out the lectures, remember that you can save money on ink by selecting the black function (not colour) on your printer dialogue box.
For those people, a little more information:
I want to update the posted lectures. Also they are in powerpoint format but I will be reposting them in pdf format.
This gives me a chance to revise and update the lectures, but I can't start until my term marking is finished. So I plan to spend roughly from December 17 to January 17 on the revising. I would suggest that if you are planning to print out the lectures to take with you to San Cris, that you wait as long as possible before leaving and get the most updated lectures. (There won't be huge changes, just minor ones and some condensation).
If you decide to print out the lectures, remember that you can save money on ink by selecting the black function (not colour) on your printer dialogue box.
Course materials
Here is a re-posting from Carol's email. Some kinks obviously have to be worked out. The ARTH materials have been available since July.
Texts: Unless otherwise indicated, all text books are available at the UBC bookstore and can be bought online at: http://www.e-ubcbookstore.com/cgi-bin/bookstore/index.html
POLI 332:
Reading package. More information on this to follow
ARTH 372/373:
1) Popol Vuh (Tedlock Translation)
2) Art and Society in a Highland Maya Community: The Altarpiece of Santiago Atitlan by Allen Christensen
Check WebCT www.elearning.ubc.ca as of Monday
SPAN 302
Same textbook as SPAN 301. Students MUST BRING along this text.
SPAN 312
1) The Book of Lamentations by Rosario Castellanos
2) A Chamula Indian by Ricardo Pozas (Bilingual edition).
SPAN 490
1) Oficio de Tinieblas by Rosario Castellanos (which is the Spanish version of The Book of Lamentation)
This text is not available at the bookstore but can be purchased online at Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Tinieblas-Novelistas-contempor%C3%A1neos-Rosario-Castellanos/dp/9682704537/sr=8-47/qid=1165342665/ref=sr_1_47/102-9798066-3945700?ie=UTF8&s=books
2) A Chamuala Indian by Ricardo Pozas (Bilingual edition)
Finally, Additional material will be provided in Chiapas in the form of a reading critical package.
FNH 490
More information to follow
HIST 351 (DIST)
More information to follow
Texts: Unless otherwise indicated, all text books are available at the UBC bookstore and can be bought online at: http://www.e-ubcbookstore.com/cgi-bin/bookstore/index.html
POLI 332:
Reading package. More information on this to follow
ARTH 372/373:
1) Popol Vuh (Tedlock Translation)
2) Art and Society in a Highland Maya Community: The Altarpiece of Santiago Atitlan by Allen Christensen
Check WebCT www.elearning.ubc.ca as of Monday
SPAN 302
Same textbook as SPAN 301. Students MUST BRING along this text.
SPAN 312
1) The Book of Lamentations by Rosario Castellanos
2) A Chamula Indian by Ricardo Pozas (Bilingual edition).
SPAN 490
1) Oficio de Tinieblas by Rosario Castellanos (which is the Spanish version of The Book of Lamentation)
This text is not available at the bookstore but can be purchased online at Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Tinieblas-Novelistas-contempor%C3%A1neos-Rosario-Castellanos/dp/9682704537/sr=8-47/qid=1165342665/ref=sr_1_47/102-9798066-3945700?ie=UTF8&s=books
2) A Chamuala Indian by Ricardo Pozas (Bilingual edition)
Finally, Additional material will be provided in Chiapas in the form of a reading critical package.
FNH 490
More information to follow
HIST 351 (DIST)
More information to follow
Language Schools and Homestays
Here are the two we have contacted in one way or another.
Bill French and I visited El Puente: http://www.elpuente.galeon.com/
They seemed very professional.
Their rates are slightly lower than at Instituto Jovel, but the latter has been incredibly helpful in other information and arrangements, including our classroom.
Here is Carol's posting on Instituto Jovel.
Instituto Jovel http://www.institutojovel.com/home.html
Contact: institutojovel@yahoo.com.mx
Please submit the homestay form to Go Global asap if you haven’t already done so. Go Global will forward these to Reginaldo at Instituto Jovel who will make all the necessary arrangements.
Bill French and I visited El Puente: http://www.elpuente.galeon.com/
They seemed very professional.
Their rates are slightly lower than at Instituto Jovel, but the latter has been incredibly helpful in other information and arrangements, including our classroom.
Here is Carol's posting on Instituto Jovel.
Instituto Jovel http://www.institutojovel.com/home.html
Contact: institutojovel@yahoo.com.mx
Please submit the homestay form to Go Global asap if you haven’t already done so. Go Global will forward these to Reginaldo at Instituto Jovel who will make all the necessary arrangements.
Touristic web sites to check on San Cristobal
Here is a reposting of Carol Zach's list:
http://www.travelchiapas.com/
http://www.virtualtourist.com/travel/North_America/Mexico/Estado_de_Chiapas/San_Cristobal_de_Las_Casas-931192/TravelGuide-San_Cristobal_de_Las_Casas.html
http://www.turismochiapas.gob.mx/
http://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chiapas
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chiapas
http://www.mexperience.com/guide/colonial/sancristobal.htm
I found the two with the very long URLs to be much better than the others.
If any of you find similar or better websites, please post them in the comments section.
http://www.travelchiapas.com/
http://www.virtualtourist.com/travel/North_America/Mexico/Estado_de_Chiapas/San_Cristobal_de_Las_Casas-931192/TravelGuide-San_Cristobal_de_Las_Casas.html
http://www.turismochiapas.gob.mx/
http://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chiapas
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chiapas
http://www.mexperience.com/guide/colonial/sancristobal.htm
I found the two with the very long URLs to be much better than the others.
If any of you find similar or better websites, please post them in the comments section.
Sunday, December 3, 2006
Arrivals and Reservations
I would appreciate it if each of you would use the comment function to post your date and time of arrival at the Tuxtla Gutierrez airport (if you are coming that way). Then I would know when to expect you and it might also be possible for some of you to meet up and share the ride into San Cristobal.
When you have made reservations on a place to stay, it might also be good to post this.
When you have made reservations on a place to stay, it might also be good to post this.
Friday, December 1, 2006
Volunteering
The place to ask about volunteering is at Ciepac: www.ciepac.org We spoke to Miguel Pickard there. His email is mpickard@laneta.apc.org
Another version of apartment information
1.- CASA MORADA
Contact: Ernesto Ridvil
Telephone 0052 96767 80992
Villas Casa Morada: www.casamorada.com.mx
(Includes telephone, Internet, kitchenette, maid service)
1 bedroom US$650/mo
2 bedroom US$950/mo
La Casa Morada Apartments: www.geocities.com/lacasamorada
(do not include telephone, internet or maid service but have kitchenette)
1 bedroom US$270/mo
2 bedroom US$350/mo
2.- Jesus Ruiz Velasco
Telephone 0052 96767 88048
Email casa38@podernet.com.mx
Emailed (waiting for response)
.
3.- Miguel Mendez
Telephone 0052 96767 82228
2 bedroom apt: MEX$4800/mo
2 bathrooms and kitchen with fireplace in each room
(includes gas, hot water, electricity, internent)
(there’s cable but not tv and there’s no phone but can arrange for one)
Thursday, November 30, 2006
Hello Lasomers
Here is some info on apartments
http://www.studyspanishinchiapas.com/mendez_apts/
Rita and I will stay here if possible
Other APARTMENTS
1.- CASA MORADA
Telephone 0052 96767 80992
2.- Jesus Ruiz Velasco
Telephone 0052 96767 88048
Email casa38@podernet.com.mx
.
3.- Miguel Mendez
Telephone 0052 96767 82228
SOME HOTELS IN TOWN
HOTEL CASA MEXICANA
Calle 28 de agosto #1
Tel: 678 06 98
E-mail:hcasamex@prodigy.net.mx
Habitacion sencilla:$750.00
HOTEL MUSEO NA BOLOM
Calle Vicente Guerrero #33
Tel: 678 14 18
Habitación sencilla:$550.00
HOTEL CASA VIEJA
Calle Maria Adelina Flores #27
Tel: 678 68 68
Habitación sencilla:$500.00
HOTEL DON QUIJOTE
Avenida Cristóbal Colon #7
Tel: 679 09 20
E-mail: reservación@hoteldonquijote.com.mx
HOTEL CASA MARGARITA
Calle Real de Guadalupe #34
Tel: 678 78 32
E-mail: agchincultik@prodigy.net .mx
HOTEL DIEGO DE MAZARIEGOS
Calle 5 de febrero #1
Tel: 678 06 21
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