Study of Colombian Culture

After many cultural studies, it's shocking that I have yet to make one regarding my heritage country of Colombia. It maybe cause I already know so much about it, just like American or Venezuelan culture. It's part of my upbringing and has always been a part of our family gatherings. But to be quite honest aside from the food, the language, and the soccer team there is still so much to learn about the history and culture of Colombia. I've made a few posts regarding Colombia's Soccer team, Colombian Soccer and Simon Bolivar Spanish Wars of Independence), however not a proper study on their culture and history. The country often gets a bad reputation for it's drug cartels, crime, and political insurgency. However it is also rich with culture and passion, devout Catholicism, unique diversity of mixed races, great coffee and great cuisine. 

I've always intended to make this cultural study, but I guess I've been waiting for something to inspire me. Well that time has finally come as I read the iconic work of literature by Gabriel Garcia Marquez, 100 Years of Solitude. I decided to take on this book, a few months ago during my Euro Trip in Stavanger, Norway. One night at a bar I had a long conversation with an American who would not stop raving about the writings of Marquez. So after finishing a few other books I bought both of his most famous novels, 100 Years of Solitude and Love in a Time of Cholera. I'm about half way thru the book and can honestly say I have mixed feelings but will later share a full review in a separate post. I first stumbled upon the significance of Gabriel Garcia Marquez when I went thru a literature phase in 2019. I discovered that his two books  are considered among the greatest works of literature. Having won the Noble Prize he is truly the pride of Colombia and often considered the greatest Latin American author aside Pablo Neruda or Jorge Luis Borges. 

In 100 Years of Solitude, Marquez has clearly captured the essence of Colombian culture. I've come to understand that Colombia culture is quite similar to Venezuelan culture. My grandma was born in Colombia and my mom was born in Colombia, and she later moved to Venezuela as a young kid. I visited Venezuela a few times as a kid, the last time being in 1999 and had a very good time but have still yet to visit Colombia. I am a huge fan of their soccer team, the coffee, the food, the beautiful women, the climate, and the geography. But I still have so much to learn regarding their history, art, architecture, and other cultural items. So here I will finally make a full study of Colombian culture, a nation that is very much on my bucket list. 

Colombian History

It is believed that present day Colombia was inhabited by indigenous people as far back as 15,000 years ago. This is many thousands of years after North America and Central America considering they journeyed southward from the Beringia bridge (Russia and Canada). The land of Colombia was essentially the doorway into the bulk of land that would become known as South America. The region of Colombia was inhabited along the Magdalena River by many various indigenous tribes such as the Muisca, Tibito, Wayuu, and Zenu. By around 10,000 BC the location of present day Bogota became a busy region of trade and civilization. 

From 5000-1000 BC these tribes spread throughout the land of Colombia improving their tools, hunting, farming, and political systems. One of the most organized tribes of this time was the Muisca Confederation, who had a tribe that rivaled the system of the Incas. However there never was a military dominant power in the Colombian Region such as the Incas of Peru or the Aztecs and Mayans in Mexico. For the most part there were 87 indigenous tribes in Colombia that lived rather peacefully until the Spanish discovery in 1499.

Just like the Native Americans were conquered in the north it was the same scenario for the Central and Southern ingenious tribes. The British in North America were at least a bit more civil than the Spanish conquistadors of Latin America. The most significant Spanish conquest of the pre-Colombian age occurred in 1538 where Gonzalo de Quesada conquered the Muisca warriors of Tisquesusa. From this point on the capital city of Bogota was founded by the Spanish and they became obsessed with legends of a golden city known as El Dorado. From this point on Colombia became a colony of the Spanish Empire, just as most of South America was. from 1717-1822, they were a part of the Viceroyalty of New Granada which included Colombia, Ecuador, Venezuela, and Panama. 

Following in the footsteps of the United States, the South American fight for independence officially began with a declaration of independence in 1810. The revolution was led by Simon Bolivar who initiated military campaigns all throughout the region of New Granada. His first major victory came at the Battle of Boyaca in 1819, where he was able to liberate the Colombian region. He then led successful campaigns in Venezuela, Panama, Bolivia, Ecuador, and Peru. By defeating the Spanish Empire he established a new state known as Gran Colombia in 1821. 

The region of Gran Colombia quickly became a rising world power however did not last long due to differences between revolutionary leaders Bolivar and Francisco de Paula Santander. By 1831 the state broke up into smaller states, Venezuela, Ecuador, and Colombia and Panama became the Republic of New Granada. Santander known as the "Man of the Laws" was the nation's first president from 1832-1837. Following the deaths of Bolivar and Santander, Colombia became divided by their political ideologies. Bolivar's party were known as the Conservatives and favored a centralized government in accordance with the Catholic Church. While Santander's party was the liberals which wanted a smaller government and seperated from the church. 

After years of civil dispute, in 1863 the Republic of New Granada restructured it's government to become known as the United States of Colombia. This was later replaced in 1886 to it's present day Republic of Colombia. However the civil conflict continued to escalate and reached a boiling point during the Thousand Years War from 1899-1902 (between the Conservatives and the Liberals). It was the bloodiest war in Colombian history, resulting in over 150,000 deaths. The Conservatives managed to sustain their control of the government, however the civil war led to great economic losses for Colombia as well as the separation of Panama. 

Despite the conservative victory, the political tension resumed well into the 20th century. After the assassination of prominent liberal leader Jorge Eliecer Gaitan in 1948 a new civil war ensued known as La Violencia. The led to rioting in the streets of Bogota, as well as a ten year long conflict that resulted in 200,000 Colombian deaths. By 1956 a truce was agreed upon by both sides and they established the National Front as a way to rotate the presidency every four years. This system lasted for four presidencies from 1958-1974, however continued Communist insurgency led to it's demise. Supported by Cuba and Russia many Colombian guerilla organizations were established during the 70s such as the 19th of April Movement, the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), and the National Liberation Army (ELN). 

Aside from it's ongoing guerilla movements, Colombia suffered another major problem in the 1970s with the boom of drug trafficking. Drug cartels had established all throughout Colombia to produce, distribute, and sell illegal drugs such as marijuana and cocaine. These drug lords became very powerful throughout Colombia, and used violence and terrorism as a means to push back against the government. One of the most famous of these drug lords was Pablo Escobar, who had become one of the richest men in the world from the 1980s-1990s thru his Medellin Cartel. By the 2000s the drug lords and the guerilla organizations had lost much of their influence, however they still remain in tact to this day. Colombia currently has a functioning democratic government, but is still a work in progress amidst much political tension and crime. 

Colombian Folklore

I believe a culture is best understood thru it's folklore whether that be an ancient myth, song, tale, or legend. The folklore of Colombia is shared with much of the upper region of South America as well as Latin America. For me the first one that jumps out is the tale of El Dorado. This legend of a city of gold and treasure first emerged from the Muisca tribes near Bogota. The Spanish conquistadors went on many missions in search for this lost city of gold. The tale expanded from a king, to a city, to a lost empire and it's location was searched all throughout Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, and Guyana. The mysterious treasure was of course never found after countless expeditions. 

There are many Colombian spirits and creatures in their folklore such as the mysterious vampire-like Tunda or the Patasola who seduce and kill men voyaging thru the jungles. Other monstrous creatures include the borano (the pale one), el pollo maligno (the evil chicken), or the hombre caiman (alligator-man). Other spirits include the Moan (that dwells in the forest), La Mojana (shapeshifting mother of the water), and the Madremonte (mother of nature) with her glowing eyes and plants as hair. Many of these creatures and legends are best demonstrated in Colombia's largest festival, the Carnival de Barranquilla. 

Colombian Literature

The inspiration of Colombian culture for me was derived from reading the works of Gabriel Garcia Marquez. He is without question the most famous Colombian author as well as the most famous Latin American author. His two greatest works are 100 Years of Solitude and Love in a Time of Cholera that later garnished him with a Nobel Prize in 1982. He incorporated an original style of magical-realism, which had a real setting with subtle magical elements. Much of his inspiration came from his home town of Aracataca, which was the basis of his fictional town known as Maconda. Marquez embraced the leftist/anti-imperial views of the 1950s/1960s while also embracing Colombia's history, culture, and it's geography. Some common themes in his books are that of isolation, violence (as demonstrated in Colombia's civil wars), and the imaginary location of Maconda. 

Colombian Architecture and Sites

There aren't too many architectural sites that jump out at me for Colombia, aside from one; Las Lajas Shrine. I've often seen this beautiful cathedral in pictures and it appears like something right out of a fairy tale. It's built on a mountain and a bridge, sitting in a canyon that is overlooking a river. It was completed in 1949 and remains one of Colombia's most iconic Catholic churches. Another iconic church with quite unique architecture is the Jesus of Nazareth Church in Medellin. The cities of Cartagena and Medillin are loaded with old cultural architecture. Famous geographical sites include the colorful Cano Cristales, La Tatacoa Desert, and the underground Salt Cathedral of Zipaquira located in the mines.  

Colombian Art

One of the most famous Colombian artists is Fernando Botero. He has a trademark style in his paintings and sculptors which often depict human figures in an obese form. This is often done as a humorous satirical sense or sometimes a critical sense. His painting that I am most familiar is the assassination of Pablo Escobar. He is many art and sculptors located in his hometown of Medellin, as wall as all around the world in prominent plazas in Paris, Barcelona, and New York City. Another significant painter who arose during Colmbia's artistic renaissance in the 1950s was Alejandro Obregon. He was a painter, muralist, engraver, sculptor known for his abstract/cubism style often depicting the cruel violence of the civil wars. Many of his murals are scattered throughout Colombia, notably in the city of Baranquilla. 

Colombia Sports

I became a huge fun of Colombia's soccer team at the 2014 World Cup, where James Rodriguez carried them into the quarterfinals. With the support of other stars like Radamel Falcao, Juan Cuadrado, and David Ospina they have recently become a were rounded team. They made it to the Round of 16 at the 2018 World Cup but lost to England. Unfortaunyl they just missed qualifications for the 2022 World Cup. One of their most iconic soccer stars is Carlos Valderamma, well known for his large blonde afro. While soccer is by far their most popular sport they've also had some global success in the sports of cycling and boxing. One of their best Olympic performers is triple-jumper Caterine Ibarguen who won gold at the Rio Olympics in 2016 and silver at the London Olympics 2012. 

Colombian Music

Just like most of South America Colombia is well known for their rhythmic salsa, merengue, and cumbia music. This is dance music carried by heavy drums and elements of jazz and mambo. Another popular genre is the folk music born in the valleys known as Vallento, which has heavy accordion elements. The caja is a popular instrument which is essentially a drum that people sit on while they play.  Colombia also has a wide array of modern popular genres such as rock, jazz, classical, and pop. One of the most famous musicians to come from Colombia, is the pop/rock artist Shakira. With her catchy Latin tunes and hip shaking she has established a very original and popular style. She has many hits including several World Cup songs and even performed at the Super Bowl a few years ago. 

Colombian Cuisine

Having grown up in a Latin house hould I am quite familiar with the common Colombia dishes which are similar to the Venezuelan ones. Some of the staples include arepas, fried plantains (called platanos), empanadas, carne asada, with rice and beans as typical sides. The arepa is like a sandwich in south America made up of maize dough, and served with many varieties of meats, cheese, or veggies. Some common Colombian dishes include carne con coco, arroz con pollo, Bandeja Paisa, mondongo soup, and sancocho soup. Popular desserts include arroz con leche, pan con guava, flan, and majarete. They are of course best known for their rich coffee (and are 3rd in the world in production behind Brazil and Vietnam). The region of Paisa is the center of coffee production often symbolized with their iconic character of Juan Valdez. Other popular drinks include the hard liquor Aguardiente, cholado (fruit and condensed milk), and champus (maize, fruits, and cane sugar). 

Movies set in Colombia

• 
  Encanto (2021): It tells the story of a magical family set in a small village of Colombia. Produced by Walt Disney is has groundbreaking animation with many catchy songs. The film was a huge success and won the Oscar for best animated picture. Upon reading Gabriel Marquez's 100 Years of Solitude, I now believe his book was very much the influence of this film. It pertains to family, culture, yet also written with Marquez's style of magical-realism. It's one of the few popular movies to portray Colombia in a positive light. 

• Maria Full of Grace (2004): Tells the story of a young 17 year old woman who traffics drugs from Bogota to New York City by swallowing wrapped pellets. The lead actress Catalina Sandino Moreno was nominated for an Oscar.
  

• Romancing the Stone (1984): An American movie directed by Robert Zemeckis starring Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner. The story is an adventure film, where a woman journeys to Colombia to save her sister prom a group of pirates searching for treasure. I thought the film was rather dull, however it holds a high approval rating and was even nominated for an Oscar in editing. The film's success opened the door for Zemeckis to take on his even more ambitious project of Back to the Future.

• Blow (2001): Starring Johnny Depp and Penelope Cruz, the story takes place in 1980s America. It is based on the true story of George Jung who becomes a wealthy drug dealer and trafficker. He journeys to Colombia various times to establish a solid smuggling partnership where he eventually meets Pablo Escobar. The film received mixed reviews but I enjoyed it.  

• Colombiana (2011): Starring the sexy Zoe Saldana it pertains to an assassin seeking revenge for the murder of her family. At the young age of nine she witnesses her family killed in Bogota, Colombia then escapes to hide in America. She becomes a deadly killer often leaving a signature orchid at the scene of her crimes. I enjoyed this action film, mostly because of Zoe Saldana, however it is yet again another violence portrayal of Colombia. 

• 
  Loving Pablo (2017): Starring Javier Bardem as Pablo Escobar and Penelope Cruz as the TV  journalist Virginia Vallejo. The movie pertains to the romantic relationship the two had during the 1980s. I have yet to see the film, but enjoy both actors and they obviously have a great screen dynamic since they are married in real life. 
  

• Escobar: Paradise Lost (2014): This time Benecio del Toro portrays the iconic drug lord Pablo Escobar. The film pertains to young romance and the complications that arise to association with Escobar. I saw this film and can honestly say I was not very drawn in by it. 

• Narcos (2015-2017): Without question the penultimate portrayal of Pablo Escobar and his Medellin Cartel. Produced by Netflix, the drama series consists of three seasons and 30 episodes. It was a very well done show, mostly set in Colombia with great writing and acting. The lead role of Escobar was played by Wagner Moura, who was nominated for a Golden Globe for his portrayal. 

Book Review: Love in the Time of Cholera

I began my first phase of Colombian culture appreciation in the summer of 2022 when I took on the classic novel, 100 Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez. I actually had no knowledge of the works of Marquez until I made a deep study on literature in 2019. I came to understand that he had two novels regarded as masterful works of literature; 100 Years of Solitude and Love in the Time of Cholera. I was all the more encouraged to see a Colombian author included with some of the all time great writers such as Dickens, Jane Austen, Mark Twain, Steinbeck to name a few. 

However that summer when I read 100 Years of Solitude, I was not as inspired as I had hoped to be. I actually found it to be one of the more challenging books I had ever read and found myself very lost with what exactly was going on. It's a book about about a family set in a fictional town in Colombia that spans 100 years thru their generations. If ever there was a book that captured this ideal of magical realism it is this one. It provides a realistic setting, with many elements of subtle fantasy and magical occurrences throughout the book. I wrote a review here, and for the most part gave it a rather disappointing assessment. However maybe someday I might give it a 2nd read through given that it is considered such a treasure of Colombian culture.

When I knew I would be visiting Colombia for the first time, I planned to take my 2nd plunge into the study of Colombian culture. As per usual when it comes to my phases I not only need some good television and movie content but also a book pertaining to Colombia. There was really only one that jumped out at me and that was Marquez's other novel, Love in the Time of Cholera. I was honestly a little hesitant to take on this book, having been so disappointed with 100 Years of Solitude. However thankfully I had bought it two years ago and it was just sitting on my bookshelf waiting to be read. And so I embarked on the journey just a week before we flew out to Medellin. I had hoped to finish it while in Colombia, but there never really was much any spare time to finish. I did however finish it this morning and can honestly say it was a good book, far more comprehensive then 100 Years of Solitude. 

The Premise

The story is set during the 1920s in a small unnamed town in Colombia, likely near the Caribbean coast along the Magdelena River (maybe on the outskirts of Barranquilla). It begins by recounting the life of Dr. Juvenal Urbino who is a well respected practitioner in the town. He is a man of routine and makes daily house visits throughout town treating his patients mostly of cholera. It is his wife of over 50 years, Fermina Diaz that keeps him in line, who lives a solitary domestic life. At the age of 80 Dr. Juvenal Urbino falls from a ladder and dies while trying to catch a parrot in the house. His wife Fermina is devastated by the loss, but she is then visited by an acquaintance from her youth, Florentino Ariza, who has waited all his life for this moment.

The story then backtracks some 50 years when Fermina and Florentino first met. Florentino is no doubt a hopeless romantic and is stricken by love when he sees Fermina. So he writes poetry to her everyday and eventually finds the courage to ask for her courtship. Fermina accepts and the two even plan to marry until Fermina's father intervenes. Fermina's father deems Florentino unworthy of his daughters, and he takes her away from town for 2 years. During this time Fermina and Florentino still maintain correspondence, but when they finally reunite Fermina realizes she no longer loves him. Florentino must then go on with the heartbreak while Fermina's life moves in another direction. 

Fermina is then courted by the well-respected young doctor Dr. Juvenal Urbino, who is able to win the favor of Fermina's father and quickly asks for her hand in marriage. Not out of love but more out of financial stability Fermina agrees and the two get married. Throughout their marriage they do share some special moments such as a trip to Europe. However for the most part their love lacks passion and is one of domestic necessity, raising children while sharing the same household together. It seems they often disagree and fight more than anything, and it is later revealed that Urbino has a brief affair with a Jamaican patient. This further distances Fermina however she stays true to him until his death. 

Meanwhile Florentino goes on thru life as an eligible bachelor who manages a riverboat company with his uncle. Unlike the stable relationship of Fermina, he has many various love affairs with different women throughout his life. This includes the woman he first has sex with Rosalba, his secretary Leona Cassina who becomes his true best friend, Sara Noriega a fellow poetry enthusiast, and later in the book as he gets much older he dates a young teenager named America Vicuna. However throughout all these affairs of passionate sex, he continues to keep an eye on Fermina, longing for the day she might be free once again. 

Eventually this day does come towards the end of the book, after the funeral of Dr. Juvenal Urbino. Both Fermina and Florentino are elders at this point in their 70s but slowly begin to reacquaint themselves. Florentino confesses that he has never stopped loving her since they were young. Fermina eventually welcomes his visits and even invites her children to meet him. They later decide to take a romantic boat ride along the Magdelena River where they share many intimate moments. Upon Fermina's wishes, Florentino is able to convince the captain (who works for him) to remove all other passengers and cargo so he can have more privacy with Fermina. They are able to do so by hoisting the yellow flag of cholera up-and-down the river in what the two hope to be an endless journey together. 

The Review

I was honestly hooked after the first chapter of this book. Similar to 100 Years of Solitude I found the writing to be loaded with backstory detail, however this time it was easier to tie together with the events unfolding in the book. The opening chapter took me for quite the surprise when it recounts the happy life and marriage of Dr. Juvenal Urbina and Fermina. This to me seemed like the happy ending story, and that the chapters to follow would be a detailed prequel of how they first met and fell in love. But that was not the case, when Fermina was visited by Florentino after Urbina's funeral. All of a sudden the plot thickened and what seemed like a simple story of domestic marriage became a triangular love affair.

In the first chapter it seemed liked Dr. Juvenal Urbina was going to be the main character of this book, that is until he died and the story then shifted on the perspectives of Florentino and Fermina. From the 2nd chapter onward the story recounts how Florentino and Fermina fell in love during their youth, and then went their separate ways in different trajectories. Fermina lived the typical housewife life with children and good financial stability. She was likely content with her situation and probably did love Dr. Juvenal Urbina, but more so in a platonic way. Meanwhile Florentino lived the opposite life of freedom and passionate sex, but still with a sense of emptiness. One can only imagine the emotional pain he had to endure for a lifetime, unable to get over Fermina. Although he did not have children, his life was also a good one, with financial success and many love affairs.

The final chapter of the book, finally reunites Fermina and Florentino as elders free from any constraints. Marquez makes clear in this chapter the undeniable presence of old age where both are physically and mentally aware of their incapacities. However despite their wrinkly skin and frequent naps they still share a powerful bond they had missed for the past 50 years. Here are two people united not by physical beauty but more so a passionate chemistry of wisdom and experience. Its a remarkable conclusion and a very happy ending for these two lovers to reunite at their final years of life. 

As I said in the opening I sincerely enjoyed this book and found the detailed writing to offer great insight into Colombian culture. I could sincerely envision the small Colombian towns, the large family gatherings, and the meals they shared together. I think the three main characters (Dr. Juvenal, Fermina, and Florentino) were all very unique and complex characters, especially Florentino. He was a true romantic, an artist, a poet, an adventurer, and a free-spirited person which was probably not very common in Latin America during the 1920s. I think I could probably most relate to his character as a single free-spirited person myself. 

However one thing I did not like too much about Florentino's character was his love affair with the 14 year old America Vicuna (when he was in his 70s). I think this is a detail Marquez could have left out of the story because it somewhat takes away from the sympathy received towards Florentino. Furthermore when she commits suicide at the end of the book, Florentino simply pushes this upsetting news aside so that he can fully focus on Fermina. I think this is a rather dark and very unnecessary element of the book. Perhaps on the flip side it demonstrates how deep in love Florentino is with Fermina, that he is willing to end the relationship with a beautiful young girl for a much older woman. 

I remember one night whilst visiting my brother in Stavanger, Norway we met an American literature professor at a bar. He was a very interesting person, obviously quite knowledgeable of classic literature and we spent several hours having engaging conversation of our favorite books. And I remember he said this book was his all time favorite. I can now understand what he was describing and how this book is considered a masterpiece classic. I believe it is loaded with so much details that it could also be read again to further appreciate. I think it presents the theme of love in two contrasting ways; platonic vs. passionate, and young love vs old love. The love affair of Florentino and Fermina comes full circle after 50 years and I think that's what especially makes this such a magical story.        

Bucket List: Top 50 Cities to See

Last week I checked off some major cities from my Bucket List (Brussels, Bruges, Rome, Paris, and Barcelona). While I was very satisfied and inspired with the trip, it also reminded me of how big of a world it is that we live in. There's still so much I want to see and explore before I die. I've always said that if I was a millionaire I would spend more money on traveling rather than possessions.

I believe that at the age of 32 I have already seen more cities than the average person of my age. Nonetheless I want to continue traveling to new places as much as I can. So here is my list of top 50 cities and places I hope to see before I die. (I should make note that I don't have much desire to visit Africa, Asia, Australia, the Middle East, or Eastern Europe. This could maybe change at some point but for now my personal preference is places of western Christian civilization)

Top 50 Places to See

50. Moscow, Russia- This is about the only place in the eastern hemisphere I would consider visiting since it such a historic site. I've always enjoyed Russian history and culture, however have often thought of eastern Europe as a bit on the gloomy side. There are some sites in Moscow I would enjoy to see such as the Kremlin, Red Square, and Saint Basil's Cathedral. If I were ever to make a trip to Russia I would also try to see St. Petersburg which is an hour flight from Moscow. 

49. Portland, Oregon - The first thing that comes to mind is the hipster show Portlandia, and the gothic/90's punk sub-culture. However this northwestern region of the United States is one of the few remaining places I have yet to visit and I hear it's very worth the visit. 

48. Taj Mahal (Agra India)- This trip would be primarily to see the monumental Taj Mahal which was built in 1632. The city itself is located inland, and perhaps would be a good chance to take in some Indian culture, especially the food which I've always enjoyed.  

47. Dubrovnik, Croatia- It is a beautiful seaport sitting along the Adriatic Sea, a hub of classic architecture and a beautiful view along the coastline. This Croatian city could perhaps be packaged with a trip to Italy. 
46. Turin, Italy- It is the 4th largest city in Italy filled with great history and art. They were also the hosts of the 2006 Winter Olympics. They are home to one of the most successful Italian futbol clubs, Juventus FC. They are also known for the famous Shroud of Turin. 

45. Zurich, Switzerland- It is the largest city in Switzerland, the country known for it's cheese. It is also filled with great medieval history.
44. Copenhagen, Denmark- It is the capital of Denmark, a coastal town filled with classical architecture. It is also very close to the Swedish city of Malmo (which could almost be included on this trip). 

43. Seattle, Washington- When I think of Seattle I think of rain, coffee, and the Seattle Mariners baseball team. I hope I could include this trip with my stop in Portland, covering that northwestern region of America that I have never been to.
42. Oslo, Norway- The reason I would consider Norway is because of the Norweigen friends I made in Costa Rica. I would also like to see their famous fjord valleys, such as the Geriangerfjord.
41. Bogota, Colombia- It is the biggest city in Colombia, and being half Colombian myself I would see this as a personal trip. I'd imagine the culture is very similar to my experience in Maracaibo, Venezuela.
40. Mount Rushmore (South Dakota)- This is one of several destinations on this list that is more for the monumental site rather than the city as a whole. Mount Rushmore is one of the most famous American landmarks and I hope to see it with my own eyes sometime. If only I can find another good reason to make it out to boring South Dakota. 

39. Geneva, Switzerland- It is the headquarters of the United Nations and often is associated as a land of peace and happiness. It appears to be a beautiful city at the tip of Lake Leman, dosed with classical architecture.
38. Porto, Portugal- It is the 2nd largest city in Portugal, a nation I have always been fascinated with due to our family friend Rita and their international futbol team. This is a very old city that sits along the Atlantic coast filled with classical architecture.
37. Milan, Italy- It is the 2nd largest city in Italy, a booming metropolis area of ancient and modern culture. It is also home to two of the most successful clubs in Italian history, AC Milan and Inter Milan.
36. Caracas, Venezuela- I've been to Maracaibo on 3 different occasions throughout my life, yet still have yet to experience Venezuela's largest metropolis. The country is undergoing much political turmoil but perhaps someday I could make a heritage voyage back to the nation where my mother grew up in. I had an incredible time when we visited Maracaibo back in 1999. 

35. Edinburgh, Scotland- It is the 2nd largest city in Scotland yet arguably the more beautiful of the two. This is because it sits within a bay of the North Sea. It is surrounded by incredible old architecture, green landscape, and a beautiful coastal view of the sea.
34. Medellin, Colombia- This would be another personal trip perhaps grouped with Caracas and Bogota as heritage voyage. Medellin is the 2nd biggest city in Colombia, it's where my grandmother (mom's mom) was from, and also the infamous site of Pablo Escobar and his drug cartel. 

33. Panama City, Panama- This place has a personal pull to it, since it was where my parents lived for a couple years after getting married in Venezuela. My understanding is it is a very tropical area with heavy American influence.

 32. The Grand Canyon (Arizona)- Similar to Mount Rushmore, this geographical American landmark is somewhat secluded from a major urban area. Las Vegas is about 4 hours away and Phoenix is about 3 hours away. However I think it would be very worth the drive to see this magnificent gorge in the desert.
31. Lisbon, Portugal- This is the largest city in Portugal and perhaps the best place to start my experience of Portugese culture. It is also located on the Atlantic coastline, sitting in the bay of the Rio Tejo. It is a very beautiful city loaded with classical architecture. 

30. Cologne, Germany- It is the 4th biggest city in Germany, and home to one of my favorite cathedrals; the very gothic Cologne Cathedral completed in 1880 it was the tallest standing structure in the world for 4 years until it was surpassed by the Washington Monument.
29. Liverpool, England- The first thing that comes to mind is the home of the Beatles and their futbol club. I can only imagine this city located on the western English coast, by the River Mersey is an iconic center of British culture and architecture.
28. Naples. Italy- It is the 3rd biggest city in Italy, a booming metropolis along the Tyrrhenian Sea. It is the coming together of ancient Roman history and modern Italian culture. It also served as an influential hub for the Renaissance and the Enlightenment. 

27. Havana, Cuba- This is a very colorful city, sitting on the northern bay of the tropical island of Cuba. It is loaded with culture, architecture, and especially history as it was home to Castro's Communist uprising. Just recently for the first time in over 50 years it has opened it's airports to American tourism.
26. Dublin, Ireland- This would also be a heritage voyage to see the ancestors of my other grandmother (dad's mom). I think of Ireland as rolling green pastures, good beer, and a beautiful view from the cliffs of the Irish Sea.
25. Munich, Germany- It is the 3rd biggest city in Germany, sitting high among the Bavarian Alps. It is loaded with historical sites, from the medieval age to it's dark age of WWII. The city is a booming metropolis today that hosted the Olympics in 1972 which oversaw the tragic Munich Massacre of Israelis by Palestine terrorists. The city is also home to one of the most successful clubs in Europe, Bayern Munich. 

24. Versailles, France- This royal city on the outskirts of Paris is most notably known for it's chateau and palace that served as the home of the French monarchy from 1682. It is loaded with incredible art, sculptures, architecture, and landscape. A true must see for any admirer of history and culture. This trip could certainly be included with a longer visit to the incredible city of Paris.
23. New Orleans, Louisiana- This is about one of the last major American cultural cities I have not been to. Located in the southern Gulf of Mexico this city is booming with iconic culture from it's Cajun/Creole food to it's flamboyant Mardi Gras celebrations. I think it would be a great place to party with friends.
22. Prague, Czech Republic- This old medieval city sits at the heart of mainland Europe and happens to be the capital of the Czech Republic. The reason I have this city so high on my list is because Gabriel has given it such high praise. It is home to incredible classic architecture such as the Prague Castle, the Charles Bridge, and the Old Town Square.  

21. Manchester, England- This city would certainly be included on my trip to England as it is home to my favorite futbol team Manchester United. It also happens to be the 3rd largest city in England and is certainly loaded with great British culture. Some other sites to see besides the classic Old Trafford stadium would be the town hall and it's cathedral.
20. Stockholm, Sweden- This would be a heritage voyage to visit the ancestors of my grandfather (dad's dad). The city sits in the northern Scandinavian nations along the Baltic Sea and would surely be different from mainland Europe. The city is a modern city that was host to the 1912 and 1956 Olympics.
19. Madrid, Spain- It is the largest city in Spain, a booming metropolis located at the heart of the nation. It also has historical significance as the home to the Spanish monarchy as well as many notable landmarks such as the Royal Palace of Madrid and the Royal Theater. Of personal interest to me it is home to one of the most successful clubs in Europe, Real Madrid. 

18. Normandy, France- This would be a historical visit to see the site of the most famous invasions in American history, D-Day. It was here that the Allies landed on the beaches of Normandy to repel the Nazi occupation of France during WWII. There is also the monumental site of the Mont Saint-Michel island which has one of the most beautiful monasteries in the world. Both these sites located in the northern region of Normandy (a few hours from Paris) would make for an incredible visit of the French countryside.

17. Buenos Aires, Argentina- It is the largest city in Argentina and the 4th largest city in North, Central, and South America. Argentine culture is heavily influence by European culture and the city known for it's good air is perfectly located on the tropical coastline of the southern Atlantic Ocean. Known for their dancing, good meats, and futbol I think I would very much enjoy this visit to Latin America. 

16. Budapest, Hungary- To be fair I don't know too much about Hungarian culture, and don't have too much interst in visiting eastern Europe. However Budapest is an old medieval city I have heard mentioned many times as a center of incredible art and architecture. I think a visit to this mainland city could be include on a trip to central European sites such as Vienna, Prague, and Munich.
15. Casablanca, Morocco- There are only a few places in Africa and the Middle East I would consider visiting and Casablanca is definitely at the top of the list. This is because of it's Spanish and Portuguese influence. It is also the site of the famous 1942 Humphrey Bogart film and has ever since been associated as a romantic city.
14. Neuschwanstein Castle (Hohenschwangu, Germany)- Located in the southwest region of Bavaria, this incredible monument sits high on a mountaintop like a sight from a fairy tale movie. Built in 1886 as a retreat for King Ludwig II, it has brought tourists from all over the world to look upon the wonder. A trip to this site is only an hour from Munich, and would make for a good German countryside experience. 

13. Vienna, Austria- City of Music is first thing that comes to mind, as it once was the epic center of classical Baroque music. Famed musicians such as Mozart, Beethoven, and Bach all resided in Vienna as frequent performers at the opera houses. The city is loaded with medieval architecture, castles, and gardens as a history of it's own apart from being a center of music. 

12. Pisa, Italy- Home to one of the most famous towers in the world, Pisa is an old historic city with many medieval churches and structures. The leaning tower of Pisa is a part of the Piazza dei Miracoli and is no doubt a must see iconic landmark of Italy.  

11. Berlin, Germany- It is the largest city in Germany and one of the largest cities in Europe. The city is a modern metropolis however also has significant historic sites such as the Reichstag Building and the Bradenburg Gate, which was built in 1791. My greatest fascination with Germany is it's dark history in WWI and WWII that almost saw it's complete ruin at the hands of Hitler and the Nazi party. In the aftermath of WWII the city was divided into an eastern and western portion by a wall. Today the city has reunited into a booming global economy, with a rich culture and a complicated history. 

10. Seville, Spain- The first thing that comes to mind is bullfighting, perhaps for it's iconic stadium the Plaza de toros de la Real Maestranza de Caballerina de Sevilla. The city is extremely old and historic, home to some of Spain's most beautiful architecture including the Seville Cathedral and the Plaza de Espana.
9. Machu Pichu (Cuzco, Peru)- This breathtaking site in the Andes mountains is an iconic structure of the Inca civilizations of Latin America. It is considered the Lost City because there is no direct road from Cuzco. Instead it requires trains, buses, or hiking to reach the site above the Sacred Valley. A trip to Machu Pichu would make for the perfect hiking outdoor adventure.
8. London, England- The capital and largest city of the United Kingdom this is a place I would like to spend several days at. I have always been fascinated with British culture and history and would find great joy in touring the famous landmarks of London such as the Parliament building, St. Paul's Cathedral, and the Tower Bridge. The Westminster Abbey would also be a must-see destination as the main coronation site of the English monarchy. 

7. Rio de Janiero, Brazil- It is the 2nd largest city in Brazil yet undoubtedly the most beautiful as it sits on the shoreline of the South Atlantic Ocean. It is a tropical metropolis bursting with colorful culture from it's food, samba dancing, to it's national pastime of futbol. The Christ the Redeemer statue is a modern wonder of the world as it overlooks the harbor in a fairy tale fashion. The city has also recently urbanized as it hosted the 2016 Summer Olympics.   

6. Florence, Italy- This city was home to the Italian Renaissance and houses many notable art and architecture from famous artists such as Leonardo de Vinci. The Florence Cathedral is an awesome sight to see as it was the largest domed structure of it's time. Florence has many art museums including the gallery of the Academy of Florence which houses the most famous sculpture, David by Leonardo de Vinci. 

5. Athens, Greece- So much ancient history and ruins to be seen in Athens, especially the Acropolis which overlooks the city high on top a mountain. I love Greek culture, their history, the mythology, and especially their food. The city has also urbanized since they hosted the 2004 Olympics.
4. Istanbul, Turkey- It is the largest city in Europe and the 7th largest city in the World. It is considered a very historic city that has always been a center for culture. It's most famous landmark is the Hagia Sophia mosque that was built in the year 537. It is located on a bay within the Sea of Marmara. The city is a fusion of European and Asian culture which makes it so unique and beautiful.
3. Cairo, Egypt- It is perhaps one of the most ancient cities still functioning today. It is the capital and largest city in Egypt, a booming center of Islamic art and architecture. Cairo's claim to fame is the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx, which is the only remaining ancient wonder of the world. This historical site is located only 40 minutes away from Cairo's city center and should be on everyone's bucket list.
2. Jerusalem, Israel- This would be a pilgrimage for me to a holy land that saw the birth and death of our lord, Jesus Christ. The town of Bethlehem is about an hour north of the city, where Christ was born. The area of Nazareth is also north of Jerusalem where he grew up. There are also many sites in the northern district of Galilee where Jesus performed his ministry. There are also sites in the southern district of Judea, near Jerusalem where Jesus performed his ministry and was crucified outside the city outskirts on the hill of Golgotha. With proper planning and research I believe all these sites could be seen in a few days. 

1. Venice, Italy- To me this seems like the most beautiful city in the world, because it is essentially an island of riverways. It is a city floating on the water. It was once a booming center during the middle ages and the renaissance which is demonstrated in the city's art and architecture. Other famous sites within the city include the Piazza San Marco, the Grand Canal, and Saint Marc's Basilica. It seems like the perfect destination for a romantic getaway.   

Historical Study: Medellin Cartel

In anticipation of our recent trip to Colombia, I've made a deep dive into Colombian culture and history the past month. Sadly one of Colombia's biggest claims to fame is their history of drug trafficking, much thanks to the infamous drug lord Pablo Escobar. From 1976-1993 Pablo Escobar operated one of the largest and most profitable drug cartels in the world. His organization was based out of the city of Medellin, Colombia. Their specialty was in the production and distribution of cocaine, but they also branched out into other criminal dealings as well. In order to sustain power the Medellin Cartel often used corrupt bribery, violence, and terrorism to keep their operation flowing. It is believed that over 4,000 people were killed in relation to the Medellin Cartel.

There can be no question that Pablo Escobar only cared about money and power. However it does bring into question the character of this man who was able to operate an illegal business for over 20 years. At one point Escobar was the 7th wealthiest person in the world thru his drug trafficking empire that managed 80% of the world's cocaine distribution at one point. His operation was based throughout Colombia but also parts of South America, Central America, the Caribbean, and into America (notably Florida, California, and New York). Also worth noting is that he did pour a lot of his finances into the infrastructure of Medellin and Colombia. Many locals considered him somewhat of a Robin Hood for his contributions to the poor, schools, and building projects. 

I've watched the Netflix show Narcos twice now and find it be one of the best produced television shows about Latin American history. The setting provides a very insightful look into the rise of Escobar and the Medellin Cartel, as well as the sweeping landscape of this beautiful city. One thing I came to understand from the show, was that it was thru American intervention that finally brought Pablo down. There was simply to much money coming from this operation and that considered the higher ups in America. So without further ado I want to understand two aspects to this topic. Who was Pablo Escobar and how did he create such a successful illegal operation that rivaled some of the most famous Mafia organizations. Also who were the other key players of this Medellin Cartel and what was it's operating structure.

The Rise of Pablo Escobar

Quite interestingly Colombia was slow to the cocaine business and first known for it's marijuana trafficking throughout the 1960s. It was actually Chile, Argentina, and Brazil that had become the first major cocaine distributors in South America. When Augosto Pinochet came to power in Chile in 1973, with the backing of the United States, who led a violent campaign against the illegal drug production. This led to many Chilean cocaine traffickers to flee to Colombia and set up a new operation there. While Chile had mastered the art of cocaine production they needed new Colombian smugglers and traffickers to work with.

Pablo Escobar was born in Rionegra, Colombia in 1949 and grew up in the city of Medellin. As a young teenager he quickly turned to a life of crime trading cigarettes, fake lottery tickets, stealing cars, and other smuggling activities. By the early 1970s he had established a network of smuggling trade routes thru Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia. It was the success of his smuggling operation that brought him attention by the Chilean cocaine distributors looking to traffic their product. In 1976 Escobar established the Medellin Cartel with other prominent drug dealers with cocaine as their primary source of trade. 

The Medellin Cartel

While Pablo Escobar was the undisputed leader of the organization he established an alliance of other prominent Colombian drug lords. This included the Ochoa brothers (Jorge Luis, Juan David, and Fabio); Jose Gonzalo Rodriguez Gacha, aka El Mexicano, known for his routes and partnerships in Mexico; and Carlos Lehder, an experienced pilot and drug trafficker. Escobar had much of his family involved in his operation including his brother Roberto as the cartel's accountant. Also there was his right hand man and chief advisor, his cousin Gustavo Gaviria who controlled most of the financial aspects of the organization. It can be disputed that Gustavo was the brains of the operation, however he kept a low profile in contrast to Escobar's natural charisma and leadership qualities.

One of the keys to success for the Medellin Cartel was their creative methods of illegal distribution. One of their biggest methods to easily distribute their product was thru corrupt bribes of local officials. However they also had other transport methods such as hiding the cocaine in balloon pellets that could be transferred by mules to carry thru international customs. For bigger loads they incorporated smaller private jets to arrive at loading drop zones, which could then be transferred to trucks. The Cartel also used advanced strategies of decoy routes and even misinformation to confuse heightened attention from the authorities. And of course when all else failed and their route was interrupted then violence would take into effect. 

The operation quickly began to thrive and brought about a cocaine boom from the late 1970s to early 1980s, throughout Latin America and into Florida. The cartel was smuggling tons of cocaine worldwide and at it's height was bringing in $200 million a day. However this major boom of profit suddenly concerned the United States government, specifically since Miami had become a new major hub for drug dealings. While the Medellin Cartel was bringing in massive profit, they had to simultaneously establish a paramilitary organization to fight off their various enemies such as the United States, Colombian authorities, other criminal cartels (such as the Cali Cartel), and even guerilla organizations such as M19.

Muerte a Secuestradpres (Death to Kidnappers)

In 1981 the Medellin Cartel established a paramilitary organization to defend their economic interests against their many enemies. This was referred to as Muerta a Secuestradores "Death to Kidnappers". The MAS ushered in a new era of violence throughout Colombia where anyone who tried to bring down the cartel was answered with terror. Escobar used this new form of muscle to assassinate any political or prominent leader who sought to oppose him. Heavy funds from the Medellin cartel were poured into this branch to recruit fighters, weapons, communications, and even propaganda against new waves of Communism brought on by the M19 guerilla groups. Another branch of this organization was the Oficina de Envigado, a collection agency that used violent tactics to settle unpaid debts. 

While Escobar began to pour heavy funds into his military organization he also contributed heavily into the infrastructure of Colombia. This included new building projects of roads, bridges, parks, schools, football stadiums, and health clinics. He quickly became popular with the general public thru these financial contributions and even considered a run for political office. He assassinated various political opponents who sought to bring down his cocaine empire such as Rodrigo Lara and Luis Carlos Galan. By 1984 Escobar was forced to withdraw from the public political life after he was accused of various murders and an arrest warrant was issued against him by the United States.

By the mid to late 1980s Escobar's public image quickly began to decline as he ramped up his acts of terrorism against political opponents. At this point both the United States (DEA and CIA) and Colombian authorities were actively pushing for his arrest. In an effort to stay ahead of them Escobar made unlikely alliances with the M19 terrorist organization and the Cali Cartel. In 1985 Escobar funded the M19's assault on the Supreme Court of Bogota which killed 43 civilians. He also organized the bombing of a domestic flight in 1989 in an effort to assassinate the presidential candidate Cesar Gaviria who was not on the plane. The bombing killed all 107 passengers onboard. Escobar also bombed the Department of Security 9 days later in another failed assassination attempt, that still killed 63 innocent civilians.

The Downfall of the Cartel

By 1991 Escobar decided to surrender to the Colombian authorities on the terms that he could be self-imprisoned. He promised to cease his operations at his new "prison" residence of La Catedral overlooking Medellin. However it did not take long for authorities to realize that Escobar was still managing his cartel and committing crimes. By 1992 Escobar was forced to go into hiding as a national manhunt began for him by the Colombian Search Bloc, the US Authorities, and the Cali Cartel. The Medellin Cartel quickly began to collapse at this point while Escobar hid from the authorities. Escobar had many chances to flee his country at this point, but he proudly chose to stay there hoping to strike a deal that would restore his prominence. 

On December 2nd of 1993, Escobar was located in a residential neighborhood in Medellin with intel provided by the United States secret service. The Colombian Search Bloc carried out the mission to arrest Escobar at the scene, however a gunfight ensued. While trying to escape on the rooftops, Escobar was shot and killed in the head. His death marked the abrupt end to the Medellin Cartel and the quick takeover by the Cali Cartel. Escobar's death was met with mixed reaction, and some 25,000 people attended his funeral. While most saw him as a ruthless violent drug lord, others saw him as a Robin Hood who gave much of his wealth back to the poor.   

Book Review: 100 Years of Solitude

Quite surprisingly I had not heard of Gabriel Garcia Marquez until maybe three years ago when I made a study on the greatest works of literature (Top 100 Classic Novels). It was encouraging to see that this Latin American author from my heritage of Colombia had not one but two novels regarded as masterful works. His two most famous novels 100 Years of Solitude and Love in a Time of Cholera demonstrate Colombian culture and history. The publication of 100 Years of Solitude brought world fame to Marquez and even won him the Nobel Prize. He had introduced a new and original style of magical-realism that incorporated the essence of Latin America. 

So I've had both these books on my read-list since I discovered them, but as usual have been deep into my history books or European classics. It wasn't until my past trip to Europe that I was reminded of these books on my list. It was at a bar in Stavanger, Norway that Andres and I had a few drinks with an American. Normally we try to avoid Americans in Europe but this guy was by far one of the most interesting Americans I've met in a while. He was in his late 20s, living a Bohemian lifestyle in Europe bouncing from job to job. He was working as a professor and well versed in classic literature. He reminded me of Ernest Hemingway portrayed in the film Midnight in Paris. For over an hour we discussed classic literature, but he especially went on about the writings of Marquez. I promised myself that night that I would finally take on these classics works of Colombian literature. 

I read a few more books after my Europe trip then went ahead and bought both of Marquez's famous books on Amazon. I can often be seasonal about my books or movies, and since this one was set in the jungles it seemed like a good summertime book. I started the book a couple weeks ago and quickly realized it was very different from most books I read. While the structure was linear, the plot was all over the place focusing on many characters. As the title suggests it takes place over 100 years so deals with various generations of family members. I can say up front it's not quite what I expected and I wasn't as drawn in as I thought I would be. There were times where I just found it difficult to comprehended what was going on. I'll get more into my review later, but first would like to share the premise of the book. 

The Premise

The book takes place in rural Colombia, most likely in the early 1800s. The setting incorporates a unique blend of fantasy and reality, known as magical realism. At the onset there is no mention of Simon Bolivar's ongoing Spanish Wars of Independence. Instead the book primarily focuses on the Buendia family and their surroundings in rural Colombia. The patriarch of the family is Jose Arcadio Buendia and he leaves the coastal town of Riohacha to establish the fictional town of Maconda. This town is the basis of the book, and represents a utopian society disconnected from the real world. Jose is a headstrong adventurer and is married to his first cousin and equally headstrong woman Ursula. As in many Latin families Ursula becomes the backbone matriarch of the family, and long outlasts her husband.

Upon it's establishment the town is very disconnected only visited by traveling gypsies. The leader of these Gypsies is an interesting man named Melquaides who introduces new scientific discoveries to Jose Arcadio Buendia. In turn the patriarch becomes obsessed with inventions and alchemy and further isolates himself from society. Ursual and Jose have three children, Jose Arcadio, Aureliano Buendia, and Amaranta. The eldest son Jose Arcadio runs away from the town, becomes a pirate covered in tattoos, and later returns to marry his adopted sister Rebeca. The second son Aureliano Buendia joins the liberals in the civil war against the conservatives. And the daughter Amaranta never marries but is always bitter towards her adopted sister Rebeca. Much of the early part of the book deals with the Colombian Civil War between liberals and conservatives. While not identifying which particular historical war, Marquez is referencing the various political and violent struggles in the country. 

The city of Maconda is eventually annexed by the Colombian government under the administration of Don Apolinar Moscate. The patriarch Jose Arcadio Buendia allows the government to stay in his town, but demands them to remove their soldiers. Aureliano Buendia first falls for the administrator's young daughter, Remedios but then he later has an affair with the outsider Pilar Ternera. Pilar comes from a different town, is a card-reader, and has love affairs with both brothers Jose Arcadio and Aureliano Buendia.

Aureliano Buendia leaves the town of Maconda to join the liberals in their civil war against the conservatives. He later becomes a well respected colonel and survives many attempts on his life. Throughout his years at war he has 17 children with various women. Meanwhile the son of Jose Arcadio and Pilar, Arcadio becomes a ruthless leader in Maconda as the civil war goes on. He marries the virtuous Santa Sofia de la Piedad and they have three children; Remedios the Beauty, and twins Jose Arcadio II, and Aureliano II. Arcadio is eventually confronted by Ursula for his tyrannical methods, and he is later executed by the Conservative army. Col Aureliano returns to sign a peace treaty in Maconda where he faces execution but is saved by his pirate brother Jose Arcadio. Days later Jose Arcadio is mysteriously murdered, maybe by Rebecca or maybe by the conservatives. Col Aureliano spends the remainder of his days in isolated solitude just as his father did. 

At this point the book shifts to it's third act, where a railroad has arrived in Maconda bringing in new technologies and foreign settlers. Some of these settlers include American businessmen who seek to establish a banana plantation near the town. The business booms for a while and brings new wealth to Maconda, however eventually a strike ensues. This leads to a massacre of the plantation workers, a reference to the historical Banana Massacre of 1928 that killed hundreds. The only survivor of the massacre is Jose Arcadio II, and the town of Maconda is forever scarred. Jose Arcadio II later dies at the exact same moment his twin brother does. 

Aureliano II marries the beautiful Fernanda del Carpio and they have three children; Amaranta Ursula, Jose Arcadio, and Renata Remedios. However Aureliano later has an affair with Petra Cortes, and their lovemaking mysteriously causes the livestock to reproduce at an excelled rate. At this point a major deluge of rainfall comes upon the town of Maconda for four years. The matriarch Ursula, who is now over 100 years old, survives the rainstorm but dies shortly after. Her great-great-grand daughter Amaranta Usula travels to Europe and marries a Belgian aviator Gaston. 

However once again their is an incestious affair in the family when Amaranta Ursula falls for her nephew Aureliano Babilonia (the son of Renata Remedios and Marucios Babilonia). They have a child, named Aureliano, but Amaranta Ursula dies during the birth. Their son Aureliano is born with a pigtail due to the incest and dies shortly after devoured by ants. The death of his lover and his son send Aureliano Babilonia into a grief stricken solitude. He spends the remainder of his days studying the texts of Melquaides , which metaphorically details the rise and fall of the Buendia family. Aureliano Babilonia later dies as the last of the Buendia line that also brings an end to the town of Maconda. 

Book Review

As I alluded to in my introduction I have rather mixed feelings about this book by Gabriel Garcia Marquez. I applaud the book for it's original use of magical-realism that creates a very subtle bit of fantasy in a very real world. I also think there are some deep underlying themes which I want to elaborate on. However I ultimately feel there is just too much going on in a 400 page book. There are too many characters and the time of 100 years is rushed and crammed into this overloaded soap opera. I think the book would have been much better suited as a series, or even a dramatic epic in the likes of Les Miserables or War and Peace (that have over 1000 pages). 

Another problem I have with the book is the similar names which make it difficult to associate whose who. Upon studying the family tree that spans 7 generations it appears all the characters are either named Jose, Ursula, Aureliano, or Amaranta. I found this very hard and confusing to follow and would often have to revert back to the family tree. While I understand it might be a vital element of a family lineage, a think a simple suffix would have been a lot easier to follow. Also I don't understand why Marquez found it necessary to include so much incest in his book. I don't think this is at all a characteristic that reflects on the devout religious society of Latin America. 

Now I'll try to point on the positives of this book, which was it's underlying themes and representations of Colombian history and culture. For starters, Marquez creates a beautiful fantasy setting in the town of Maconda. I pictured this as a village deep in the jungle secluded from the rest of society. I think this idea of Maconda represents a greater theme Marquez alludes to which is solitude. While the town is isolated from the real world, the characters also go thru their own personal times of loneliness. Examples include the patriarch Jose Arcadio Buendia who separates himself from the family to study his scientific curiosities. Then there is the Colonel Buendia who isolates himself to write poetry and craft golden fish. Even Remedios the Beauty who is desired by many men chooses a life of freedom and wisdom. I believe it's not quite clear whether Marquez is encouraging solitude or not, but his use of love and the destruction of Maconda could support the latter. 

Gabriel Garcia Marquez makes many references to Colombian history throughout this book. While he doesn't outright label them, it is unmistakable that he is using Colombia history as a backdrop of the somewhat fantasy setting. For example there are the Roma gypsies often voyaging thru Maconda in the book, including Melquiades. This is a real reference to the thousands of Romani people who escaped slavery from Europe and settled in Colombia. Another major historical reference in the book's plot is to the Thousand Days War which occurred in Colombia from 1899-1902. Many of the characters in the book partake in the rebellious war of liberals against conservatives. There is also the historical Banana Massacre of 1928 which makes up a good portion of the book. These are all real events of Colombia's history in which Marquez implements in his fantasy setting. 

I think the ultimate appeal of the book is Marquez's original creation of magical-realism. It's not a fantasy book like Lord of the Rings, however it's also not a real life drama like War and Peace. The magical element is actually a subtle part of the plot and especially adds to the poetry of Marquez's writing. Such examples include Remedios the Beauty ascending into heaven or the boom of livestock reproduction amidst the love of Petra and Aureliano II. Marquez really does drop some poetic elements to this book such as Santa Sofia, "who had the rare virtue of never existing until the opportune moment". Or the twins being exchanged at birth and at death. Or Ursula's out of body experience upon her death. It's ultimately a very unique book and although I wasn't blown away with it I did enjoy the originality of it all. I can see why it is considered such a masterpiece of world literature, and maybe some day I'll give it a 2nd run.