[h2]The locals warned me that in the Chirroa market, I could find almost anything, and they weren’t exaggerating.[/h2] [h2] [/h2] [h2]On this trip, I was able to photograph the Amazon River and its pororoca, a green anaconda, the Potosí Mines, the Uyuni Salt Flats, and many other things I didn’t think possible in this world. On the final stretch, heading home, I decided to spend a night in Chirroa, a small mining town whose main attraction is its market. After settling into my room, I prepared my camera with the short-distance lens and headed toward the place. On the way, as in all cities untouched by tourism, the locals eyed me with distrust and disdain. To them, I’m more of a gringo than Clint Eastwood.[/h2] [h2] [/h2] [h2]When I arrived, the market didn’t seem very impressive from the outside, but there were no other options for the afternoon. It was either visit the market or take a nap. Since I wasn’t tired, I ventured into the market to see if there was any picture worth taking.[/h2] [h2] [/h2] [h2]The Chirroa market is a three-block corridor with tables overflowing with goods, covered by a swarm of tarps. A table with colorful spices caught my attention, and I pulled out my camera. As I focused, I noticed a smudge on the lens. The lens had a crack I hadn’t seen before—it must’ve been damaged during the last leg of the trip.[/h2] [h2] [/h2] [h2]The woman selling the spices noticed me staring and kindly pointed out that I could buy a new lens at the market.[/h2] [h2] [/h2] [h2]“This market has everything, señor. Two stalls down, to the right—you’ll find it there. No need to look anywhere else.”[/h2] [h2] [/h2] [h2]I thanked her by buying a small bag of a yellow spice. I passed the two stalls and turned right, finding a narrow corridor between two stalls. Paying closer attention, I realized that between all the market stalls, there was a similar passage. Clearly, this market wasn’t just three blocks long; it spread like an octopus through other streets in the area. From where I stood, I could see the photography accessories stall, so I decided to navigate the corridor, which was so narrow I had to walk sideways to avoid bumping into the stalls.[/h2] [h2] [/h2] [h2]The new street seemed more interesting. I saw hanging pig carcasses, stone sculptures, coca leaves, and photography accessories (finally). The stall truly had everything a photographer might need. I struck up a conversation with the vendor and could confirm that this stall was better stocked than the best photography stores in big cities. I got ready to pay for the lens and other accessories I thought I’d never find when a small child snatched my camera and bolted down the corridor. I chased him as best as I could, tripping over people, carts, and merchandise stalls. The child, taking advantage of his smaller size, slipped through another narrow corridor between two tables. I followed him, even though I could barely fit through the space.[/h2] [h2] [/h2] [h2]Exiting the corridor, I found myself in another street of the market. I was stunned by the sight of shackles and chains. Some cages lay on the ground, while others hung from beams on the ceiling. The people locked up and chained inside looked at me with despair and empathy. Their clothes seemed familiar to me—they resembled mine. Clearly, they were tourists like me. Before I could turn to run, something struck me on the head, and I lost consciousness.[/h2] [h2] [/h2] [h2]I woke up in one of the hanging cages, like a domesticated canary. The air here smelled of rust and rot. Some of the captives’ faces were streaked with blood, others with tears. A woman in the cage next to mine whispered something in a language I didn’t understand, her voice hoarse and broken.[/h2] [h2] [/h2] [h2]In the market corridor, I saw a couple paying for a purchase at one of the stalls. I could only watch, powerless, as the chubby Italian man was taken away on a leash, knowing that I was next. Somewhere in the depths of the market, I thought I heard the laughter of a child.[/h2] [h2]The locals warned me that in the Chirroa market, you could find almost anything. I’d add that what it doesn’t have, it can get.[/h2]
