My Best Posts – Mateo de Colón

Zealot: The Life and Times of Jesus of Nazareth

Ever since I studied abroad in Toledo, Spain in 1997 I’ve been fascinated by history. Toledo itself is historic being founded by the Romans, overrun by the Visigoths, transformed by the Moors and conquered by the Christians. Now, the entire place is a relic, full of priceless churches that serve as monuments to the historical…… Continue reading Zealot: The Life and Times of Jesus of Nazareth

The Hobbit – Lord of the Rings

I read these books in high school and they left such an impression on me that just like Bilbo, I decided to walk out my front door, leave my Midwestern town and go on an adventure. Then something Tookish woke up inside him, and he wished to go and see the great mountains, and hear…… Continue reading The Hobbit – Lord of the Rings

Lapham’s Quarterly – Memory

This is one of my favorites. I am fascinated by the passage of time and as this blog is a testament, to preserving memories. For me, memories are not only remembering what happened, but the feelings, emotions, environment and mindset at the time are all part of it. Where I think most people look back…… Continue reading Lapham’s Quarterly – Memory

My Versace Belt

I’ve worn the same belt for over 20 years. In October 2019, I finally decided that the wear on it was enough and it was time to consider buying a new belt. This was no easy decision as I am fascinated with time and highly value items that are sentimental, things that are part of…… Continue reading My Versace Belt

The Tale of Genji – Genjimonogatari

I first read the Tale of Genji when I was studying in Japan around 2002. It is Japan’s most famous work and was written a millennia ago. I find that one can gain a much deeper understanding of a culture by reading these famous works written long ago. Within them are ancient pieces of DNA…… Continue reading The Tale of Genji – Genjimonogatari

Travels in Asia and Africa – 1325-1354 – Ibn Battúa

I heard about this book from Reddit and knew right away that I wanted to read it. I love history and traveling and here is a first hand account from a well traveled (for the times) man from over 600 years ago. This is unlike a history book. History books are the past seen through…… Continue reading Travels in Asia and Africa – 1325-1354 – Ibn Battúa

The Alchemist

I read the Alchemist for the first time around 1996, almost a decade after it was originally published. Like many books I’ve read long ago I had forgotten most of it. It was a chance encounter seeing it featured as a book to digitally borrow from my library app and I listened to it during…… Continue reading The Alchemist

Oculus VR, Experiences, Mindsets and Gratefulness

It is 5:45 AM on December 27th, 2018. I woke up at 3:00 AM and so just decided to get up. I’ve been playing with my Oculus Go that I gifted myself for Christmas and it is fabulous. It is the same as my Samsung Gear VR but that used my Samsung S6 and always…… Continue reading Oculus VR, Experiences, Mindsets and Gratefulness