"Live the Cover!" Contest: Thailand

Great Travel Moment

Photography is a sensitive issue in Guatemala. I found this to be especially true in Antigua. The mere act of pointing my camera at a landscape sent locals into hiding.

Out of respect to their culture, tourists are strongly advised to ask for permission before taking a portrait. With so many locals scurrying away from me, the chances for a portrait appeared bleak until I bumped into this woman selling homemade scarves on a street corner.

I smiled meekly. She stared at my camera. After a few seconds of awkward silence I mustered up enough courage to ask if I could take her picture.

She grinned slyly and said, “Yes, if you buy some of my scarves.” Next thing I know, I had piles of scarves around my neck and arms, eight quetzals (about one dollar) left in my pocket and a beautiful portrait with a story to tell.