The first time I passed this young Quechua girl, sitting on the pavement outside Cafe Paris on the corner of the Plaza Principal, I expected - as is so often case - that a hand would automatically reach out, especially seeing a big white softie gringo walking towards her.
But her hands, far from being empty, were busily employed weaving a bangle from an array of coloured threads, and her eyes, not particularly aware of my existence, were concentrating on the complex but seemingly effortless task in hand(s).
A small selection of her work was set out in front of her, each a variation on a theme, the familiar colourful patterns of the Andes.
However, she is not alone: there are similar products on sale all over town, from established shops and street stalls, to the wandering hippy trader/crafts-person - so the competition is tough.
She obviously has the entrepreneurial spirit though, unlike her little brother who was less creatively occupied (perhaps just learning the ropes) begging from people in cars stopped at the traffic lights opposite.
No comments:
Post a Comment