#streetart Archives

In the Beginning…

Upon arriving to Lima, Peru, I was excited to venture into and explore a new city! I knew nothing about the people except that they are Spanish (like myself) and they know how to make really yummy food (again, like myself)!

Lima has some of the world’s top chefs and Michelin star restaurants (i.e Central, Maido, and Astrid & Gaston) that will blow your mind! Peru is known for their incredible national seafood dish – Cebiche or Ceviche, and their Pisco Sours. Delicioso! Oh, and, of course, Machu Picchu, but that’s in the city of Cusco and another story for later.

My Inspiration

I went on a free-walking tour and discovered something that I had not even realized until then. After taking in all of the marvelous, story-filled, vibrant colorful street art of Lima, our tour guide took us into a little art gallery and showed us one of his favorite pieces of art.

It was by a Peruvian artist (his name is unknown) who painted his self-portrait but divided it into four panels that represented each of his Peruvian ethnicities – Spanish, African, French, & Japanese. I immediately became enthralled and a burst of energy came through me. I was so inspired, that this masterpiece confirmed that I was on the right track to fulfilling my true purpose in this world. It compelled me to continue on with my own journey. To put on my oxygen mask first before helping others, so to speak.

My Why, My Power

The reason why I was so moved and captivated was because “my why” was revealed through this portrait, as a reminder. You see, this portrait reminded me that my why has to do with who I am. Who am I? My why is me. My why is you. My why is all of humanity. My why is the knowledge and understanding of who I am and where I came from – my roots, my ancestral history, where I am today and where I’ll be tomorrow. By understanding my family history, I can move forward from the past to the present for the future.

This is where the concept of ‘putting on your oxygen mask first before helping others put on theirs’ comes into play. This reminder is counterintuitive. It’s in our nature to help others before helping ourselves. In order to help others, you have to take care of yourself first. By knowing and understanding who I am, I can ensure that I have the ability to give the best part of myself to others.

Roots

As a Puerto Rican with mixed ethnicities of European descent (Spanish, French, British), African, American Indian, and Asian, especially within my own family, I can relate a lot to the Peruvian people ethnically.

Peru is a multi-ethnic country formed by the combination of different groups over five centuries including Spanish, African, French & Italian, Japanese & Chinese, Portuguese and Germans and British. Because of this, they identify with their citizenship as Peruvian and not their ethnicity.

So next time you visit Peru, don’t ask to take your picture with a ‘real’ Peruvian. Know that they are all Peruvians.

What is your ‘Why”? I would love to hear what your reasons are for your ‘Whys’! Please comment below.

All the pictures were taken with YI Technology Mirrorless camera

City Life

With its uneven sidewalks, screeching buses & European architecture (French & Roman influence), you are immediately thrusted into the throws of the hustle and bustle of Argentinian life in this cosmopolitan city of Buenos Aires. Most Argentines get by on little sleep and rely on mate to power them through the day. Most take advantage of the mid-day siestas and late, late night dinners, which most restaurants don’t open until 8pm or 9pm.

Food Scene

Once its time for dinner, you have a choice of a wide variety of cuisines, beginning with world famous grass fed steak, (where they will offer up any cut you can imagine!), sushi, tamales and tons of pasta and pizza, thanks to Argentina’s proud Italian heritage. One particular restaurant, La Cabrera, will even give you 40% off the entire meal if you arrive between 6:30pm – 8pm. Perfect for those hungry Americans who prefer an earlier dinner!

Argentine Politics

This melting pot country, also known as the “Paris of South America”, became the first country in Latin America to legalize same-sex marriage in 2010. It was the second country in the Americas to do so, and the tenth in the world, making it a world leader in the recognition of gay rights.

For a little thrill, visit the ‘City of the Dead’, in ‘El Cementario de la Recoleta’, where you will find the crypt of Eva Maria Duarte de Perón, otherwise known as, Evita, the oh, so beloved wife of Argentine President, Juan Perón and First Lady of Argentina from 1946 until her untimely death in 1952. There’s even an entire museum dedicated to her – Evita Museum

Street Art

Oh and by the way, the street art scene is unreal! As in, don’t overlook all of the amazing graffiti art as you walk down the street to grab your café lattes (or how the locals say it – “café con leche”). This is where you will need to bring out your nifty compacted YI M1 Mirrorless Camera by YI Technologies to capture the bright, vibrant colors of the street art. The best location to shoot street art photography is in El Palermo and La Boca neighborhood, home of the beloved local fútbol (soccer) team – La Boca Juniors.

Cultural Experiences and Must Do’s/See’s

Anyways, with its eclectic mix of culture, Argentina does not disappoint when it comes to cultural activities.

Tango is possibly Argentina’s greatest contribution to the outside world. The steamy dance has been described as ‘making love in the vertical position.’ Watch a tango street performance in Buenos Aires.

MALBA or the Museo de Arte Latinoamericano de Buenos Aires, is Argentina’s premier contemporary art museum, featuring pieces by iconic Latino artists including Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera as well as lesser-known local talents.
And what about fútbol (soccer)? Argentines are passionately devoted to this sport and, if you’re a fan, chanting and stomping alongside other stadium fanatics should definitely be in your plans. Just make sure you capture those raw thrilling moments with the 4K Action Camera by YI Technologies like I did at the La Boca Juniors last match.

Experience the La Boca Junior fan action below.

Everyone should take the opportunity to see at least one of La Boca Juniors (one of 28 different Argentinian teams) matches on a Sunday evening before their season is over. You will definitely get your heart pumping! But more than that, its an experience of a lifetime!

How the Peruvian people reminded me of my ‘Why’