Destination: Somewhere

Cochabamba, Bolivia - I sit in the sun speckled plaza on a warm afternoon, legs crossed, knotting string into colourful patterns. Next to me a girl lays out a dark cloth, smoothing it on the ground and arranging clusters of wire figurines on it. Another girl, wearing multicoloured leggings and a mess of beaded hair twisted down her back, teeters on a unicycle and practices juggling with brightly coloured balls. More people are scattered nearby, chatting in Spanish while working on their craft. A breeze wafts by, carrying the heavy aroma of a well rolled joint and notes plucked from a battered guitar.

Close by, a crowd gathers to watch two boys from the group. Clowning around and mock fighting in their vests and beaten top hats, they are magnets for attention. Noticing the growing crowd, one of the boys grabs and nearby cloth and throws it to the ground, miming to the audience to throw coins in appreciation. They gladly oblige and the slapstick show goes on, punctuated by bursts of laughter from spectators.

Meanwhile, a long-haired girl leans in towards me, casting her huge chocolate eyes over my work. Her fingers run over the intricate bracelet and, pleased with it, she breaks a huge smile and offers words of encouragement. Her smile is contagious and I beam back at her. She taught me this new knot this morning and I’m grateful - this bracelet will sell for fifty Bolivianos, enough for more than two nights’ accommodation at a local hostel.

We sit in the plaza for most of the day, occasionally disappearing in twos and threes to seek out customers for our wares. Many people approach us – they are curious about us, this band of colourful and artistic people. I am proud to be a part of them. Although my Spanish is rudimentary, we are able to communicate and have developed easy friendships. Tomorrow, after a month together, I will have to leave for La Paz. I will miss my carefree friends but am thrilled to have experienced South America the artisian way!