Chambi

Martin Chambi

Martin Chambi was the first internationally respected native Peruvian photographer. He started in the early part of the 20th century after his Dad passed away working in the gold mines in Puno - and area high in the Andes. He started shooting for postcards and became the most famous and sought after photographers - taking pictures of the Andes, the people that live there, dignitaries, politicians, artists and musicians. My favorite are the photos of the musicians and the bizaar parties he would attend.



Today we are leaving for Ica to go see paso horses in the Sol De Oro competition thats been going on for centuries. Mariano, my dads best friend since they were kids, is a Chalan - I guess the word would be cowboy in English.... but thats not really right. He's worked with horses his whole life, his dad did and his grandfather did. He actually looks a little like a horse. He's taking us to a cock fight too, which I'm a little worried about, but they both say its necessary for me to go as its a huge part of Peruvian culture.
We may also go to Nasca! Nasca is an amazing place.... people say that aliens created these markings in the ground, but c'mon. I believe it was just to communicate with the gods.

They're massive, like the size of several football fields. The way to see them is by flying above in a tiny little rickety plane.