Tuesday, May 09, 2006

back in the day

Today's soundtrack:
Sex in the City: Season One

Miguelito tells me this is the Puerta del Sol in Toledo, but I'm not too sure. Then again, who I am to doubt a Spaniard? Regardless, the idea of wandering through Spanish cities and towns is all too alluring right now. The architecture of Toledo is the mix of Islam and Catholicism, of Moors and Spaniards. See how nicely it flows together? How they seem to be alternate expressions of the same idea? Look at the archway itself: a typical Moorish design. Above the arch, in that circle, is a triangle consisting of Christian figures. The row of arches above the puerta also has a Moorish influence. This puerta, in the ancient wall surrounding a city famous for its three faiths. Okay, granted that Spain isn't exactly the poster country for religious toleration ("no one every expects the Spanish Inquisition"), but it's interesting that, at various points in the history of the world, Christianity, Islam, and Judaism have co-existed relatively peacefully. Yes, relatively. I know no point in time was perfect, but the fact that this world has become so incredibly intolerant actually makes me wish for the good ol' days of 13th century Spain (before the Reconquista, claro).

The boys are burning incense upstairs. Somehow, I don't think it's for Buddhist devotional services.

1 comment:

  1. Religious tolerance? Hmm, it sounds like something that might be incense induced.

    Cool photos, I like the nacho sandwich one. ;)

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