Meet Fatima who is transforming the age-old cultural skill of carrying her wares upon her head into the modern age; a slight technological glitch perhaps, but there is something about this photograph which really appeals to me. Of course there is no shortage of the more traditional shots to be found in Nicaragua..... 
Or these...
And when I was in Guatemala at Easter, the women from a local textile cooperative even enjoyed giving us a demonstration of the said balancing act, trying to encourage us to acquire the skill. They enjoyed emphasising the cultural difference whereby, if they had something to carry, without thinking, it would automatically go straight to their heads...
I like to think that Fatima may be striking a new note for Nicaragua; a time to look with fresh ideas beyond the traditional images. The country is still perceived by many as being a remote and distant far off place, perhaps still troubled and unstable, perhaps still too under-developed and lacking infrastructure, certainly not at the top of most people's travel wish lists. But I would like to strike a note in the coming posts for its charm and beauty, its grand Colonial architecture, scenic lakes, islands, and volcanoes, tranquil laid-back coast, vibrant markets and artisans, and the friendly welcome given to visitors...... There are many, many reasons to enjoy travelling here...
9 comments:
Travel should be promoted And each land has/have its own beauty.
Great unique remote picture.
I like the idea of carrying things on my head but I'd struggle with just the lifting to get them on my head. It's amazing that women like Fatima can do it with such ease. Lovely shots.
I enjoyed this post very much. Go, Fatima. What a great set of images.
I love the Fatima shot.It shows how tradition can be informed by the modern. I've always admired women who have the skill to carry on their heads, it takes such strong and beautiful posture. I've always heard good things about Nicaraga because so many Americans have gone through Central America from Belize to Costa Rica, looking for cheap real estate.
I had already forgotten that the tradition of carrying wares on one's head is not just an African one, but can be found in several parts of Latin America. Many thanks for this strikingly beautiful reminder.
Greetings from London.
glad you all enjoyed the Fatima shot and post...have entered it into a small photo competition amongst friends under the title "culture" will let you know how I get on!!
glad you all enjoyed the Fatima shot and post...have entered it into a small photo competition amongst friends under the title "culture" will let you know how I get on!!
This seems to be another country where I just have to go... only that there are so many! In the meantime, thanks for this!
Hi Peter - Nicaragua is well woth a visit...
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