Discovering Beauty in Recycled Art: A Father-Daughter Journey Through Guatemala’s Vibrant Culture

In our ongoing exploration of global experiences, our international team at NPR presents this week’s installment of Far-Flung Postcards, offering glimpses into personal narratives and professional journeys across the globe.

Recently, I embarked on an overseas adventure with my 12-year-old daughter, marking her initial foray into international travel, this time to Antigua, Guatemala. Every excursion abroad offers a fresh vantage point, but experiencing a foreign country through the wide-eyed wonder of a child amplified this effect.

During a visit to a museum dedicated to Indigenous textiles, situated just a few miles from the city center, I stumbled upon an enchanting hanging planter, meticulously crafted in the shape of a bird. Upon closer inspection, I discovered it was fashioned entirely from an upcycled tire – a testament to the creative potential that lies in repurposing waste to create something aesthetically pleasing. This discovery serves as a poignant reminder that culture is omnipresent and often found when one takes a moment to observe more deeply.

Delve into our collection of photographs from around the world:

Explore the entire series of Far-Flung Postcards here.