Let’s say you find yourself in Santiago, Chile and you’ve grown tired of gorgeous colonial architecture, lush public parks and had your fill of pisco sours, here’s what I recommend you do. Hop on the subway and take the red line (Linea 1) all the way to the end. Get off at the last stop – Los Dominicos – and you will find that you’ve been whisked away from the hustle and bustle of the city to someplace a little quieter. Someplace quite special.
There, nestled in the foothills of the great Andes mountains, you will see a white church.
Pause for a minute, in the shade of towering palms, and reflect on where you are.
Do your best to resist the temptation of trees heavy with pomegranates. Just a little further now.
And there – just around the corner and through the gates – Pueblito Los Dominicos Artisan Centre.
Continue on through the gates and you will find all manner of wonders in the setting of a traditional Chilean village.
Fountains of flowers, traditional crafts, exotic birds, vintage treasures and so much more.
And if you’re lucky, you’ll even catch the artists at work – painting, carving, weaving.
This is just one magical place in a world full of handmade. In your travels, near or far, have you come across any special places full of handmade magic?
