【明報專訊】A piping hot meal was awaiting us as we entered the house in the semi-darkness. In a separate building was the purpose-built traditional kitchen where clay pots were sizzling over basic wood burning stoves, and a pleasant smell stimulated our hunger almost instantly. We met the whole family as they trickled in reservedly — the two sons, a daughter and the parents. Despite the initial shyness from the family and brief awkwardness, I, unlike many other tourists who had stayed over, managed to start a conversation in Spanish. The few shocking looks on their faces soon curved into gleaming smiles and curiosity, as the communication barrier had been broken. Villagers of Luquina actually speak Aymara — the indigenous dialect which had been used for thousands of years; but as Chinese with their many dialects use the common language of Mandarin Chinese, they also understood Spanish. I was then able to find out much more details about their lives and truly submerge myself into their community.