Some, lazier, countries (here’s looking at you, Oz – c’mon admit it: “barbie” because “barbeque”‘s too long to say?) think the word “shop” refers only to a structure with a door, counter, register – all that kind of thing. For a Colombian, though, this concept can be interpreted much, much more generously. Don’t understand what I’m garbling about? Well, look below, Gentle Reader…
1. The Shopping Trolley.
Let’s get right down to brass tacks here, guys. No time to mess around. Above is a vision of pure ingenuity. In a brilliant example of what my Aus Lit Lecturer called “remotivation of symbols” (BA: finally! your time to shine…), this crafty lady (her face is hidden to ensure anonymity) has taken an object intended for buying things, and is now using it for selling things. What comes after postmodernism, again? Todo Rico, I reckon.
2. The Pram.
Same sort of idea, but probably from even further out of left field, this pram has been completely remodelled to perfectly suit the purposes of selling the world Todos Ricos. Smart.
3. The Bicycle.
Take a simple bicycle, and then make it Totes Amazeballs (not a hipster, brah). That’s the philosophy behind this genre of Colombian “shops.” Here you can get your fill of pastries, but look out for the ones grilling up arepas (if you’re into that kind of thing), or chicharones and plantain (delicious unnecessarily cancelled out by WHY?!? in my humble opinion, but anyway).
4. The Willy (stop it!).
So, when I got the idea for this post, my fellow Paul (what a name) told me I should find one of those guys that sells things from the boot of their car. Being the absolutely brilliant individual I undoubtedly am, I knew what he meant immediately: I’d seen those beat-up sedans selling underwear or fruit – sometimes, possibly, both – all around. However, when I was out taking these expertly-shot photos, I came across this little beauty, and couldn’t resist. I don’t even know what this guy’s selling, but he and his willy (grow up, kids!) were all about it. And, it’s a willy (a bit of maturity, thanks, guys). It deserves a full frontal as well…
5. The Stool.
With my Australian eyes, I look at a stool, and think, “nice thing to sit on while at the bar.” This resourceful Colombian looked at the same stool, and thought “that’s a shop.” Sometimes, the right point of view is all you need.
I could’ve added more, but that would go against the whole concept of a “Top 5,” now wouldn’t it? What other ones do you think I’ve got in mind?
