Bolivia has the largest indigenous population in South America with an estimated 60% of her population claiming indigenous descent. In La Paz, the most prominent indigenous culture is the Aymara who are known for their rich, highland culture and colorful handicrafts.
Walking down the streets of La Paz, the landscape is awash is brilliant colors of tapestries, handwoven scarves, hats and sweaters, and tiny little street side shops and stalls run by the local Aymara women. Cholitas dressed in wide, layered skirts, a brightly colored handwoven blanket along the back and an English-style brown bowler hat atop their head, line the streets waiting expectantly for a sale.
I saw her alone, seated next to a small street side shop and a bucket of colorful dolls. I knew I’d have to stop and say hello and maybe purchase a doll for my daughter.
She was so beautiful. And when she smiled brightly she had a twinkle of joy in her eyes
I picked out the perfect doll for Sophia. And asked if I could take one more photo of this lovely woman who happily agreed.
I knew I’d be doing much more shopping down the labyrinth streets of La Paz. There were so many alleys to explore, so many colors, and so many brilliant smiles. It was a photographer’s dream.
Stay tuned…
This post was inspired by the Weekly Photo Challenge: Twinkle. To view more entries, click here.
Did Sophia love the doll? Or is it for Christmas? 🙂
Yes she did! I actually bought her two! 🙂 I love to get her handmade dolls from my travels.:)
Really enjoyed the narrative told by your images and text. Well done.
Thanks Sally!
Did you really stop to say “help” or is that your computer helping you out with “hello”? 😉
Darn it! I swear I typed hello. I need a proofreader besides me! Thank you for being mine! 🙂 Then again maybe I should have said help because my daughter asked for two dolls!
Did a stint as a professional proofreader, and I can’t seem to break the habit. Thanks for humoring me.
Oh….but I feel slightly silly! Should be doing a better job at re-reading my stuff! Then again…when I have such a fabulous proofreader and I’m making you giggle, then perhaps I should continue to add a few typos! 🙂 The iPhone is the worst! you should see all the typos I make with that! 🙂
The pics are so colourful, and it has so much character.
Thank you! Bolivia is one of the most colorful places I’ve ever been! It is bursting at the seams with color!
A beautiful post Nicole, full of color, life and joy. Her beautiful smile twinkled as much as her eyes did. I’d love to go to La Paz one day. Looks like it will have join the bucket list. Warm wishes, as always.
Thanks Andrew! I loved La Paz. It is so unusual but what I liked most of all was the amazing color. It is everywhere!!!
Have you done mission work in Bolivia? It is a most rewarding experience.
No! I would love to though. Point me to your posts as I’d love to read them!
I have no posts on Bolivia. I had not started the blog then.
She does have a twinkly in her eye, Nicole. Such lovely colors, too.
janet
a twinkle 🙂
Thanks Janet! She truly did have a beautiful smile, and she smiled with her entire face! I love that!
Reblogged this on RhythmPharm . | . Listen differently ™.
Thanks for the reblog! 🙂
Luscious colors, this must have been a dream for you for photos.
Thanks Angeline! Yes it was. I think La Paz is the most colorful place I’ve ever been. It was bursting with color everywhere I looked. True sensory overload but magical!
And a beautiful, beautiful smile. She truly looks like a happy soul.
Yes she was very lovely! 🙂
No wonder she’s got a twinkle in her eye – it looks like she has a full set of gold teeth!
Ha Ha! Yes she does! Very observant! 🙂
Awesome story and pictures it looks like she could tell a lot of stories about what she has seen in her life on that very spot. Thanks for sharing. Kat
Thanks Kat! Glad you enjoyed.
Wonderful response for Twinkle challenge. Unique!
Thank you Ruth!
Great interpretation!
Thanks!
This post made me smile Nicole, all the colors, the warm, inviting culture, but more so that you and your father were able to share this experience together. I am thrilled for you both! 🙂
Oh thanks LuAnn! 🙂 What a trip!
Lovely photos and colors and definitely a twinkle in her eye. 🙂
Thanks Sue!
Beautiful lady, and she certainly has a very sparkly smile. Your photos brought back great memories. 🙂
Wonderful Sylvia! 🙂
I have been on that same street in LaPaz but found that many of the women weren’t fond of having their pics taken. Most of my pics are the rear view of the bowler hats and dresses! Were you able to visit the Witche’s Market? That is surely worth a few pics.
Yes, I read that many people are superstitious of photos. I either just took ones on the street or in this case if it was a close up, asked. The Witch’s market is crazy! All those llama fetuses! And we also toured the Black market which was even stranger. More posts coming soon!
What a lovely shot – good for you!
Thanks Tina!
I love the lady’s contrast with the colourful dolls she’s selling 🙂
Thanks! I loved all the colors in these shots. 🙂
I loved the texture and colors of these photographs💞
That last image is one of my favorites I’ve seen on your blog so far — and you’ve shot some truly stunning photos! — because it shows a genuine connection between you and your subject. The beautiful smile on that woman speaks volumes. Well done!
THank you so much! I really appreciate your kind words!!! Yes we did connect and it was one of those wonderful moments when traveling.