"Until the lions have their own historians, tales of hunting will always glorify the hunter." African Proverb
I spent Indigenous Resistance Day AKA "Columbus Day" on Colonizer land, go figure. Many moons ago, when I started my traveling adventures, I said to myself that I wanted to learn about, travel and explore the lands that had been colonized and/or intervened by imperialism first. Besides, everyone goes to Europe, and I thought, “eventually I’ll get there, and why should I continue to fuel their economy anyway?” And now, the opportunity presented itself and I made it to the invader’s land first… the country that invaded and colonized my homeland, El Salvador. I have to admit it, it’s a beautiful country- SPAIN.
First stop: Barcelona. I did not spend enough time there to understand its present political juncture nor its culture. Therefore, I cannot speak on the subject in depth however, from what I perceived is that the Catalans in Spain consider themselves different from the rest of Spain. I got an air of elitism from them; they consider themselves more “European”- their dialect itself is a mixture of Latin, French and Spanish, I was told. I saw one political protest and noticed various flags decorating people’s balconies professing their desired separation from Spain. I definitely want to do my own research and learn more about the issue.
| Parque Emir Mohamed |Jewish, Muslim and Christian symbols meet |
I then traveled to Ibiza, Sevilla and Madrid. My two favorite cities were Sevilla and Madrid. I feel like I got a better understanding of Spanish hx and culture in those two cities. Sevilla was particularly beautiful, its baroque architecture infused by muslim influences really made the city so aesthetically pleasing. It was also interesting to hear guides speak of their history—how Spain itself had been conquered 6x and then how Columbus for example, is an “Explorer”...negative 👎.
In Sevilla, I was surprised to come across Plaza de El Salvador. I was the more surprised when on my way to Madrid from Sevilla on an overnight bus, we passed a small city called Brenes which is known for its oranges. I know that El Salvador was colonized by the Spanish but, never had that association been made so palpable and personal for me. The influence of the Spanish in Salvadoran culture is quite vast and it includes the bull fighting (bulls arn’t killed in El Salvador though and to my dismay, bulls are still killed in Spain!) food, language and my last name!
When we look at the history of colonization and neo-colonization in El Salvador, the actions of Spain and later the US reflect a serious infringement and violation of personal and material rights from which we still feel the consequences of today. For as Galeano put it, “Underdevelopment is a consequence of development,” and I add to this by saying that, it is because there has never been true respect for the individual by those in power. Spain invaded the country and masked its atrocities with the illusion of “civilization.” Thereby stripping the country from its treasures and resources, ultimately seeking to render the country and its people to a mere reminiscence of humanity, well, at least they tried. But, we know, that although El Salvador and Latino America “[son] toda la sobra de lo que se robaron” as Rene from Calle 13 sings, we are also, “un pueblo que respira lucha.” The resilience is palpable.
I for one cannot recognize the political organization in the US as my government for it does not represent me; although it's played its part, neither its past nor present history reflect who I am, what I stand for, my hx, etc. Neither can I identify with a country that continues to perpetuate modern day slavery and war at home and abroad. Yet, I need to accept the fact that I also enjoy the privileges associated with my American passport, and I continue to sustain this unjust government that makes the wars through my tax money. Hence, the contradictions. Thoreau would say that there is a sort of blood shed that accompanies this internal struggle, for the conscious is wounded. And I do agree.
Spain was an interesting experience for me. It was an internal battle within. It’s as if I was fighting being there. In a way, not wanting to like it or enjoy it yet, liking it and enjoying it at the same time. The food was delicious, the locals we spent time with were quite kind and generous; its architecture and culture also intertwined with the Romans, Moors, Visigoths, Romani, made the country more diverse than I had imagined and overall, it was fun. [SPECIAL SHOUT OUT TO ISELA: Girrrrl, it was so much fun with you. There was never a dull moment ! Thank you for being such a trooper and always making me laugh :)!!!] Also, their way of life also took some adjusting for example, the sun does not come up until 8ish, which was so odd to me haha and then they have lunch like at 2ish, dinner around 9ish and they go out at like mid-night! This blog post does not cover everything I experienced here but, I hope you get a glimpse of it 😄.
And so, as I continue my journey and reflect on my travels through Europe thus far. I remind myself also of what Thoreau wrote so perfectly in his piece Civil Disobedience, “I came into this world, not chiefly to make this a good place to live in, but to live in it. A man has not everything to do, but something; and because he cannot do everything, it is not necessary that he should do something wrong.” Let your life be your message. Let your life be principle in action, which makes all the difference. And my ultimate example, Jesus. He demonstrates that love is an action-producing noun. Be light and be merciful, always bearing in mind the well-being of the aggregate whole. Although man will not always recognize it, there is a God in heaven that does. And always, tell your story, it's one and only.
M.A.D.R.I.D
Portal De la Pietat in Gothic Quarter, Barcelona
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