I usually ask people if I can take their photos, and even offer a copy, since most photographers charge the equivalent of a local lunch, and poorer people don't have cameras. I learned on our recent retreat that many missioners take secret photos with their zoom lenses, so I tried it out. The first picture in the church wasn't very secret. I took it after mass, because I always wanted to share a photo of the blessing with Holy Water that usually takes place after each mass. As noted in earlier blog, this is not common in my country.
This group of señoras were passing through the plaza, looking like they were to spend a girl's afternoon out without their families. They many have on their Sunday best, but the type of outfit is common in daily wear of significant percentage of women. I know someone who was asked by a priest (non Bolivian) not to wear the customary clothes, because they were working at a church. I was insulted for the person. Now she has moved on to being a stay at home mom, and has returned to her preferred clothing after 6 years of being told what to wear by a priest, who thought it was beneath a church worker to wear the pollera. This is interesting because in the Senate House, all the representatives wear what they please, even the miners wear their helmets to session!
This is a poorer woman leaving church, she has on a shawl, and an aguayo which is used to carry just about anything including babies. Her sandals are called abarcas, which are made recycled tires, they are cheap and last a long while. She is also wearing an apron, which is quite common, especially in the market place. In my mother's day, they wouldn't leave the house with their aprons on, here many vendors wear them even if they are not selling food.
Grandma hangs out in the plaza. Wow that is some thick tree trunk, I was focused on the woman, but I just realized the tree is a great addition.
