marketplace wisdom

In the bustling mercados of the Andes, from Otavalo to Cuenca, trade is more than the exchange of goods, it is a dance of observation, timing, and strategy. Vendors, artisans, and buyers navigate crowded stalls, haggling over prices and gauging trustworthiness. These interactions gave rise to a rich tradition of proverbs, encapsulating lessons on prudence, negotiation, and social awareness. The