Weekend getaway

This weekend I went to Chiloe with my study abroad program and it was an obvious culture change even though I was still in Chile. The sounds of micros, collectivos and taxis honking was no longer apparent. The island of Chiloe was noticeable quieter and had a lot smaller amount of inhabitants. After a long day of trekking, our group made our way to a market which had food, clothes and all sorts of different items to sell. I sat and observed how the people here interacted with potential customers. In Chiloe, most of the items have been sewed, knitted or created by the person directly selling to the customers. At the market many of the people were sitting and knitting while people were coming in and out. Being able to see products being made meant more to customers. Almost every time they walked in they commented on how beautiful the handmade items were. I asked other students in my group why those chose to buy a particular item and they said the items had more value knowing that a native from the island is using his/her own resources to create something to sell. Personally I would never have bought slippers as a meaningful gift for my mom, but seeing a woman finishing them in front of me was pretty unique. Although I see vendors in Vina all the time, I would rather buy something that I know is handmade from the seller. This weekend I noticed a different aspect of culture within Chile. The products were extremely different and a few times I found myself buying an item because it was valuable and I knew the money I spent would filter back into their community.