Madrid
CHAPTER PREFACE
A CHARACTER’S ACCOUNT OF MADRID:
“Madrid is the capital of Spain and oh, what a city. Vibrant, crowded, circular, the city has a movement of its own. People in the streets at all times of the day, weekday or weekend, day or night.
Though it’s international, it does really feel more Spanish, for example, than other parts of Spain like Barcelona (which feels distinctly Catalan) or Basque country, which feels Basque.
Tortillas in the morning, siestas during the day, vermut happy hours in the evening, followed by delicious tapas, and dancing on the streets in to the later hours will remain beautiful memories. Madrid is also home to the Prado museum with its Goyas, the marvelous Retiro park, the huge pride parade, and massive, five-story clubs. It really does have something for everyone.
But perhaps my favorite part was just picnicking outside with hundreds of people at sunset at Templo Debod. That was my favorite part of the city that encompassed all of the wackiness and wonderfulness, and of course, the friendliness and openness of all of the Madrid locals.”
ON THE WALL:
(ACTUAL BOOK TEXT)
EVOLVE
Last night, I dreamt that I was human. I cried tears to taste the salt of the earth. I balanced on two legs and ran as fast as I could. I spoke languages I didn’t know. I laughed and sang loudly, struck every key of piano.
I felt goosebumps. I tried to eat snow. I wore clothing and acted out roles. I was too cool for school, but I got a job. I fell in love. I built a home. I even grew old. I took my family to the circus and went to the fortune teller. I made a wish to live another eternity. I made a wish to evolve.
BEHIND THE TEXT
A collaboration with Tato Repetto at his bar, Gorila, in Malasaña, an artsy neighborhood in Madrid.
The piece is a reflection of the name of the bar, but also a reflection from any non-human entity, be it animal, plant, or machine.
Many think AI is the next evolution of human intelligence, but can it be a true evolution without the other parts of what makes us inherently human? This invites the reader to consider what it means to be human.