Indigenous Handicrafts Experience in Buenos Aires 5.0^{/ 5}

The title, “Indigenous Handicrafts Experience in Buenos Aires” drew me in. What better way to learn a bit about some of Argentina’s indigenous communities and local artisans; find a few unique and useful gifts for special occasions; and support entrepreneurs and small businesses while much in Argentina remains closed for tourism and international travel? My Saturday outing with local guide, Lucia, and Local Purse was a success on all three fronts! After I had registered for this experience, the local contact in Buenos Aires reached out to ask me if I could change my date as due to Covid restrictions, the store would not be open on the original date. He then reached out a day in advance of my tour to ask me if I could go to a different handicraft store as an employee at the original one had tested positive for Covid, and no one could enter the store, including the guide for my experience. I mention this for two reasons: 1) I was so impressed with the courtesy and professionalism of those arranging my tour regarding communicating about these changes, including securing an alternative location. 2) Our lives today require more flexibility and patience than ever. Whether local, far away, or virtual, we as travelers need to keep these thoughts foremost in our minds. As a citizen of the U.S., there are many days now where I feel surrounded by lots of people and media shouting loudly about “the decline of COVID” and resurgence of travel, travel, travel. “Traveling virtually” with Local Purse is an important reminder that COVID is far from over globally, and it’s all the more important that those of us who are able can step up to support small businesses and local economies. Thank you to all who helped to make this experience a memorable one for me. Onward!