People: Captured for the Camera in Colombia
In 2012 I was fortunate to travel through the Colombian Andes for the first two months of the year. During this time, I came across many people.
After perusing through thousands of photos that I took during that slow journey, I decided to share the following ones with you:
Feel free to click on the images for a manual slide show.
ENJOY!
In the sleepy little city of San Agustín, traditional life still exists. This man somehow makes his living and gets around being pulled by his horse.
This young girl is selling a tropical fruit called mana, a bland tasting fruit that is orange once it’s peeled. It’s loaded with similar vitamins as carrots and squash. She seemed happy enough to pose after I bought a cup of this odd tasting fruit that was brand new to me.
After flying into Medellín, I spent my first three days of the trip in the upscale district of Poblado. Here, in Colombia’s second biggest city, I remember being so happy to have such easy access to fresh, tropical fruit.
Like all tropical lands, it’s so easy to acquire fresh fruit in the streets. I wonder how many hours a week this micro entrepreneur pushes his cart around the streets of downtown Medellín.
I have no idea why someone would call a little snack shop La Embajada or The Embassy. Maybe the name gives it a subliminal importance, in turn, increasing beer and snack sales.
I spent a while shooting the breeze with this street hawker while drinking a street draft and eating her delicious corn on the cob, and grilled chicken with arepitas or small corn tortillas.
These guys were more than happy to pose for me while preparing massive hot dogs. The streets of Medellín are a haven for street food connoisseurs.
Colombia is a dream for motorcyclists as they can ride 12 months out of the year.
Here I had the wonderful privilege of being put up for three nights in the tiny village of Virjinia, by the same people who took me hiking in Salento. These guys wouldn’t take any handouts. I just insisted that they let me buy the food that we ate.
This photo was taken during a night in Cali. The four of us shared beer and danced salsa for many hours. In Cali, dancing salsa is like drinking water, eating and tying your shoes. Cali is the salsa capital of the world. They had amazing patience for me, the beginner. The middle finger shot is nothing malicious, actually, it has to be the friendliest middle finger I’ve ever received. Capturing the text above wasn’t intentional but I find it to suit the photo. Arte obviously means art while rumba translates to party.
This one features two young women heading into the rain after a shopping excursion. I barely remember taking it somewhere on the streets of Medellín. Considering seven of these 11 photos were taken in Medellín, we can safely assume that it’s a photogenic city.
Which is your favorite photo?
My name is Mike, aka Earthdrifter. I managed to travel on and off between work, from the mid-90s till the mid-00s. At the start of 2011, after a five year exploration hiatus, I eliminated a home base and started traveling indefinitely. Now I combine my love for travel, writing, and improving my personal culture. As I enhance my existence, I hope to help you do the same. 
I loved this small town too, such amazing people.
I miss the fruit stands of Colombia.
STEPHANIE: I hear you. Copious, fresh, exotic fruit is one great benefit about being in or near the tropics.
The last one is a great shot. However, I prefer the one with the teen selling fruit. With the colorful food in front, it’s like she’s saying “eat this healthy stuff, and you’ll be young, happpy, and full of life as I am”.
TUSCAN: That reminds me, the people down in Colombia seem to have great skin. Perhaps it’s because of fresh fruit being ubiquitous, inexpensive and consumed often.
Those corn on the cob are HUGE!!
Were you any good at salsa? I tried in London and was terrible!!!
REBECCA: A few drinks made it more doable for me, and probably enhanced the patience of my teachers. I think it would take some time and serious practice to get good at. But you or I could never be like these Colombians as they’ve been doing it since they were learning how to walk.
People watching is my favorite activity so thanks for the post, feeling like I was there w/you
MARIA: Thanks so much for the compliment. One reason I enjoy spending time in cities is for the people watching diversity on offer.
Jumbo corn on the cob and hot dogs. I cannot help but wonder what was in those dogs… I’m sure you didn’t partake. LOL
SANDRA: I’m a street food fiend so I had to partake. It was the most mammoth dog I’ve ever seen or eaten. Feel free to check it out, partly-eaten, here: http://s1220.beta.photobucket.com/user/earthdrifter/media/AColombianHotDog-Copy.jpg.html
I think the last one ought to be put up in an art gallery.
Thanks for them all!
Love, Mamma
MAMMA: Thanks! I think the last one was is very interesting too.
Enjoyed the great pictures .
VICKY: One thousand thanks!
Great post – always a fan of the people photos. I like the last one especially, with the reflections in the glass.
PRU: Thanks! That last photo was a rare opportunity.