I find the entire story fascinating, as it depicts the adventuresome and dangerous travels of men in a strange land. The book is written in a very descriptive, engaging tones that fully describes every aspect of the new and exciting world. Cabeza De Vaca is very humble in his description of things, never acknowledging that a large portion of their success is due to him. He tells the story with an energetic tone to it, that keeps the reader listening. It's a very personal, first-hand account of a historical story. It's no longer a list of facts in an encyclopedia because it comes alive through the eyes of a witness.
Cabeza De Vaca remembers everything in vivid, particular descriptions, which is very impressive to say the least. That Cabeza De Vaca had an extraordinary gift of memory is definitely worth noting in this essay. If it weren't for his memory, we wouldn't have such a excellent, full memoir of this time period in history and the explorer's experiences. It's also admirable, that he never credits himself or is prideful of his wisdom in their difficult circumstances. Through hunger, disease, and danger from the tribes, he always keeps even-keeled and rational. It's rather interesting that the captain has less foresight and basic street sense than De Vaca, who is only a crew-member of the expedition.
De Vaca remains contrite, by simply making realistic suggestions to the leader of the expedition without being a condescending know it all. He keeps abreast of their situation and had educated, intelligent ideas to make things easier. As for my favorite parts of the tale, I must say I find some of the things the explorers do amusing. A funny example is the fact that they have a problem finding drinking water, when it says it's raining incessantly! Instead they drink salt water and some of them end up dying from it! This ignorance and stupidity is laughable to say the least. It seems so simple to the average person, but not even an option to them!
Also, I found it rather strange that they went naked on purpose when they were going to be in the hot sun for many days. They for some odd reason, removed all their clothes as did the Indian tribes men. They didn't think that they might need some protection for their skin, so they didn't get burnt in the heat! It's also very weird many of the customs and ideas of that Indian tribeman the Spainards discover. They killed off many of the women, to help increase the population! Obviously this is an asinine act to follow, as you can't have children without women! In addition, the Indians knew that the Spaniards were associated with other explorers who'd murdered many of them. But they still worshipped and revered the foreigners, coming to them to be healed and doctored to for their diseases.
Cabaza De Vaca and his peers were looked up as Gods, on a pedestal. Although the explorers protested this treatment, The Indians insisted that they were most definitely worth praise and continued to follow the Spaniard men wherever they went, protecting them and helping them plant and find food.
In conclusion, I've greatly enjoyed this thorough, informative book so far and look forward to reading more in the future.
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