The Incas’ gold was eventually their downfall. The Spanish conquistadors carried some 180 tons of it off to Europe, but what the raiders left behind can still be seen today at the Gold Museum in Bogota, Colombia: intricate artworks, like this jolly Inca figure.
Culture clash
Soccer’s fine, but in Mexico and Bhutan, and on the Philippines, many people find other traditional sports even more exciting.
WILD AND WESTERN
Charros, Mexico’s cowboys, demonstrate their prowess with horses before huge audiences. Their charreada, a mix of different equestrian sports, is similar to the U.S. rodeo – and a bone of contention among animal rights activists.
BOW AND ARROW
The local soccer ground is to Germany what the archery range is to Bhutan: Every village, however small, has one, and everyone turns up at competitions. A hit from 140 meters away is celebrated with a traditional victory dance.
CUT AND THRUST
Arnis, better known as Filipino Martial Arts, is the national sport of the Philippines. Not only are hands and feet allowed as weapons, but in some contests also sticks, knives, daggers and swords.
The owners of the Feast India Company restaurant in Kanpur, in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, are huge fans of US film director Wes Anderson – and it shows. Their surreal The Pink Zebra project was realized by New Delhi architects Renesā.
Alice Mann, London, England
© Alice MannMarching to music is a sport in some South African schools, and Keisha is a third-year drum majorette in Cape Town. I was touched by the pride in her face.