Can you get around San Cristobal de las Casas?

when i was there i met people from here in the u.s. and others from south africa, italy, spain, england and france. and most did not speak spanish. many of the local speak one or more of the dialects but you will be surprised to see that many do speak english and can communicate quite easily. san cristobal is what i like to call "very cosmopolitan." they have great food and great people. there a vibrant Night life, you can go to different clubs and bars, but make sure that one afternoon you stop at the plaza (zocalo) to take in the the sounds of the beautiful xylophones as you sit on a bench, eat some tasty treat and take in the peacefulness of simply watching passersby as they stroll along with smiling faces. there is also a cute little restaurant, among others, named "el gato" which serves excellent food.

It is true, not many outside the tour group offices and pricey hotels speak english. At the very least, get yourself a phrase book. There are several Spanish schools in town, you might get in a few quick lessons. Be careful in the out-lying areas, there is still unrest. It is a beautiful town, you will enjoy it.