A World of Street Performers: A Photo Essay by Samuel Jeffery
Since I’m off “working” in the Galapagos with Gecko’s Adventures I’ve decided to open up a space for a guest post. Samuel Jeffery is a traveller plain and simple. Although he may be fairly new to the travel blogging/writing/photographing scene he is no stranger to travel itself. He has been on the road for six years now, and basically does whatever he can to keep his itchy feet moving. Moreover, Samuel is a really good guy, and at the end of the day that’s what matters most. So with great honour I’m going to open the floor to Nomadic Samuel.
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When defining the ‘magic moments’ of travel experiences one often has a myriad of possibilities to consider. For some it’s the famous tourist attractions and for others it’s meaningful interaction with locals. In particular, I’m often most impressed with performers delighting audiences with their mesmerizing talents. The entertainment often isn’t confined to one particular area and may include tourist attractions, landmarks, stadiums, palaces or directly on the street.
The following photos essay is a visual collection of some of the most vivid memories I had during my nearly two year backpacking expedition across South America, The Far East, South East Asia and the Subcontinent. One will experience the diversity in culture of each region; however, one thing remains constant throughout – the passion & willingness of the individual performers to entertain the crowd.
A passionate Chinese comrade performers for an audience on the street – Guilin, China.
This smiling local plays guitar and flute while flashing off his infectious smile – Cuzco, Peru
A Thai boy break-dances on the street for an audience of both foreigners and Thais – Khao San Road: Bangkok, Thailand.
A Korean equestrian performer reaches for red ribbon as the boy cheers her on – Korea Folk Village: Yongin, South Korea.
A man dressed up as the equivalent of Spider Man turned Argentine fan boldly poses for the camera – Buenos Aires, Argentina.
A Thai man plays drums during a rock concert held just outside the Chatuchak Market – Bangkok, Thailand.
A Korean man performs an impressive stunt on a tightrope – Korean Folk Village: Yongin, South Korea.
A boy dazzles spectators with an indescribable performance with swords and knives – Chiang Mai, Thailand.
A lady elegantly manoeuvres across the public square and fountain area of Millennium Park – Chicago, Illinois.
A Korean man leaps onto a galloping horse during an equestrian performance – Korean Folk Village: Yongin, South Korea.
These performers had some of most elaborate and bizarre costumes during the Fiesta del Gran Poder – La Paz, Bolivia.
A Korean boy flashes an authentic smile as he performs for a large audience – Folk Village: Yongin, South Korea.
A snake charmer plays his musical instrument – Jaipur, India.
Samuel Jeffery is the wizard behind the curtain pulling the strings of NomadicSamuel.com, a travel blog that is miles away from ordinary; dripping with sarcasm. As a long term vagabond (6 consecutive years on the road) Samuel is sharing his photos, videos & quirky travel stories, along with photography tips, interviews, esl tips, reviews and general travel advice as a way to vicariously experiences what it is like to backpack or to plan your own journey of a lifetime.
I had no idea street performing could be so dangerous! Lovely photos, Samuel.
Christy @ Technosyncratic recently posted..Prague, Grog, and Gorgeous Views
Great photos – love the second one and the one of the woman in Chicago’s Millennium Park!
Globetrottergirls recently posted..Ottawa UnLOCKed: Finding the key to conquering Canada’s Capital City
Great photos as usual, Samuel. These are so full of color and life! I think my favorite might be the man on the tightrope.
Amanda recently posted..Grand Canyon Smackdown: North Rim vs. South Rim
that by has knives and swords in his mouth? that i would love to see
Zablon Mukuba recently posted..Wild life conservation projects in Kenya
@Christy: It certainly can be! One couldn’t pay me enough money to attempt some of the things I’ve seen done before
@Globetrottergirls: Thanks! Were you at Millennium park before? I can’t wait to go back again someday soon.
@Amanda: Thanks Amanda! The guy on the tightrope was quite the performer.
@Zablon: He sure did! Don’t attempt at home
Nomadic Samuel recently posted..Faces of Asia | Part 6 | Travel Video
Wonderful photographs! You have a great eye for detail and catching people’s expressions, Samuel!
The first one has so much power!!
trvl8dintern recently posted..5 Lessons Learned from Leaping to Spain
Samuel, fantastic photos which simply come alive and leap out of the screen (aah!) – great compilation/story! Brendan, thanks for hosting!
fotoeins | Henry recently posted..Good eats in Germany
Wow those are amazing pictures! Makes me want to pack my bag and go travelling again!
Always good stuff from Nomadic Samuel.
Stephen recently posted..Disaster in Cinque Terre and How You Can Help
These are amazing photographs. You certainly have seen some of the best from what it looks like in the photos. Not your average performers.
Natalie recently posted..Photo Post – Up Close and Personal
OMG i see some of Samuel’s wacky photo collection hehe
you’ll never know what to expect once you scroll down hehe 
Micamyx|Senyorita recently posted..Good Morning, It’s Snowing in Cardiff!
Chilfren with knives scare me.
Raymond @ Man On The Lam recently posted..Tickle Me Happy
Excellent photo essay. Especially like the equestian performers. Great action shots.
Sophie recently posted..The Covered Bridge of Soelden
Great collection! So diverse and interesting. And beautiful photos as always, Samuel.
Stephanie – The Travel Chica recently posted..My Biggest Fear: Dental Work in the Third World
These are amazing!!!
dtravelsround recently posted..Escape of the Week: I amsterdam
I love street performances – awsesome pic!
Andrea recently posted..How Could This Have Happened?
My favorite has to be the man performing a stunt on the tight rope. The photo captures the expression and action in that moment so perfectly!
Rachael Sena recently posted..5 Lessons Learned from Leaping to Spain
Another great collection Sam!
Cam recently posted..Our Greatest Adventure has Finally Started!
The Korean horse photo is incredible!
James Cook recently posted..Midweek Snapshot – New Zealand – December 2010
Great photo collection here. I admit, I’m a sucker for street performers and artists. I’ll drop the bulk of my budgeted spending money tipping them.
Maria recently posted..When a Stranger Calls
These look great!
Erica recently posted..More Chocolate and Waterfalls in Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica
Jenna: Thanks Jenna!
trvl8dintern: That performance was totally random & one of the reasons why I enjoyed travel so much.
Henry: Thanks! I’m pleased to have the opportunity to share them here.
Claire: I think you’re on to something. Best wishes hitting the road again soon.
Stephen: Thanks Stephen
Natalie: Thank you! I’ve been fortunate to see a lot of great performers.
Mica: LOL, you know how random my galleries can be.
Ray: LOL, definitely.
Sophie: Thank you!
Steph: Thanks for saying that
Dtravels: Thank you
Andrea: SP are some of my favourite travel moments.
Rachael: He was so fun to watch. I made sure to put my camera down at times
Cam: Cheers mate!
James: Thanks!
Maria: I’m a big sucker for them as well.
Erica: Thanks!
Nomadic Samuel recently posted..Tram at Night | Hong Kong, China | Travel Photo
Fantastic. Love how from each photo you can immediately set the scene! Cheers
A beautiful series of faces! The first two are my favorites.
Fantastic display of photos and what a great idea for an essay. The world is vibrant and full of life! Amazing.
What a brilliant idea–I would have never thought of a photo essay for this, but street entertainers can be one of the most fun things to see when traveling! The first pic is amazing.
Emily @ Maiden Voyage recently posted..Exploring Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Chinese Garden in Vancouver
awesome pictures! love how you captured all these special moments!
Yvonne recently posted..5 Things You Need To Know About Geocaching
@Cole: Thanks! I try my best to capture details when I can.
@Camels & Chocolate: Those are my two favourites as well
@Deb: Thanks Deb! I completely agree with you. Maybe that’s why we have such an itch to explore it.
@Emily: I agree with you. Street performances are definitely highlights of any journey I’ve had.
@Yvonne: Thank you! I love taking candid shots like these.
Nomadic Samuel recently posted..Teach English in Taiwan | Bamboo Butterfly
AMAZING AMAZING photos. Love this post and the photo of the Korean man attempting to jump on that horse.
cheryl recently posted..Street Art in Amsterdam.
I love the photos, probably even more so because of the fact that I love watching street performers. I’ve often come across some amazing shows simply by chance and hope that I continue to do so on my next big adventure coming up this December.
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