Jocelyn Ortez

                                          ​Walking Through History                             

​Ever since I arrived in Spain I feel as if I have been walking through history. Every path that I take is a path that has been taken from years and years back. I place myself in the era in which the buildings were built and imagine myself as either the architect or the person whom the house, palace, church, or building was meant for.

​So far I have spent three days here in Spain, two in Madrid and one in Toledo. I was honestly utterly shocked when I was told that compared to most cities and towns in Spain Madrid was honestly fairly new. Walking around the city I was imagining so much of the history that I already knew had happened on the streets just to find out that Spain had so much more to offer. Going to the Prada museum was amazing as I was able to see the renditions the painters had towards various events that happened in Spain. The two artists who stood out the most to me were El Grego “The Greek” and Goya. These two were both artists who painted not only events, but rather the emotions and often even the darkness behind these events while still making it look magnificent. Even though various painters around the same era painted more accurate depictions of events in Spain, I feel as if El Grego and Goya gave me more of an insight over the instances they painted. They painted to appeal to our emotions and brain rather than just being plain realistic. 

         Toledo was specifically intriguing to me because it's one of the oldest cities in Spain and contains even more history than Madrid. When we first pulled up to Toledo I was awestruck since it was even more enchanting than I ever imagined it. In one street I felt as if I was in Medieval Spain. The next street I felt as if I was in what I imagine Morocco to be like but the next second I would be in Greece because of the bridges and aqueducts. Though, the best was was traveling to France and experiencing a traditional Gothic Cathedral. I quickly realized that Spain has been influenced by many cultures which have made Spain unique and truly captivating. 

         The different cultures that have influenced Spain reminds me of my home. California is what it is due to the impact various immigrants have had to the state. The past few days truly have opened my eyes to how beautiful cities can be and the history that each one of them has. Every step I take is a step millions of other have taken and it's a story they perhap have recounted or held dear to their hearts. I truly can't wait for the day in which the new world is no longer new and people walk down the streets of the US and see such history as I have witnessed the past few days. 

Toledo, Spain

The Gothic Cathedral

I'm the furthest from the camera, enjoying a fish pedicure!