On my way to Ollantaytambo (I get such a kick out of that name!) the morning I went to Machu Picchu and just after I got "oops, there's a problem" #2,473, composing myself yet once again.....I saw this group of three Peruvian senoras selling water at a small, make-shift stand they had set up at the crack of dawn. Feeling slightly dehydrated, I decided to stock up on some agua for the long day ahead. As I approached them and saw them closely, I fell in love with their faces immediately. Poor, simple, hard-working, sweet and graceful. I decided to risk asking them if I could take their picture. (Note: I've found in my travels around the world that this request can go either way- some people absoultely refuse and are insulted - whereas others are delighted!) Fortunately, the latter was the case with these three. Not only did they eagerly agree, but in addition they asked for "uno momento", they scrambled around and pulled out these brightly colored hats and heavily-embroidered skirts, allowing me to snap this priceless picture. Little did I know that they were fully-prepared with PROPS and were ready to strike this pose as my own personal, professional Peruvian peasant models. A delightful surprise and in a snapshot, you can see the beauty, the soul and the spirit of the people here in Peru.
Lovely. We have some Peruvian items from when my in-laws lived there. My favorite is our Peruvian Nativity set -- the characters are wearing bowler hats -- a little different than those in your photo. I believe they are Amayran. We watched an AMAZING movie last night -- "Tetro" -- which was filmed in Buenos Aires. Lots of South America coming my way these days. It must be a sign that I need to visit! :)
ReplyDeleteVery nice photo and how nice of them to be there just when you needed them - a bright spot in the day!
ReplyDeleteGreat Pic :o) They do look like sweet souls. Was the water safe for you to drink? That was my one downfall in Africa. I forgot to say no ice in a drink order once and that was all she wrote for a couple of days. So how are you doing with your spanish overall? Amanda says Yeah and thank you for the postcards! Continued success on the trip!
ReplyDeleteA
Was the water spiked?
ReplyDeleteAnn: I must admit that I did catch a case of what I'll politely refer to as "Pachacuti's Revenge" on my last day in Cusco. It must be inevitable when you travel like this- even when one is vigilant about every single thing consumed (as I've tried to be). I knew the rule about 'no ice'. I suspect it was the sushi I sampled on the train from Ollantaytambo...my first sushi EVER ironically. It's now on my NEVER list. RE: the Espanol, I'm still at the "un poquito" stage but getting really good at art of pantomime. Marty: You must think the title of this blog is "Latin America Comedy Hour", right? Still, your humor is appreciated and typical for you, bro. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteYou have an amazing talent to bring forth the spirit of the people you photograph. You would not have needed the props.
ReplyDeleteNow why on earth would you eat Sushi in Peru....especially on the train to Ollantaytambo...actually why would you eat anything on that train?
ReplyDeleteYou must try in when you return....it is really quite good. Don't forget Pisco Sours.