In Quest of El Dorado

In this vivid travel memoir the author retraces the historic Spanish hunt for the legendary city of gold, weaving together centuries of ambition with his own modern voyages. Starting in Madrid and sailing from Cadiz, he and his wife trace the routes of Columbus, Balboa, and Coronado, landing in places like Puerto Rico, Haiti, Cuba, New Orleans, Santa Fe, and Panama. Their observations compare the old‑world thirst for riches with contemporary motivations that still drive people toward the Americas. Along the way, the narrative paints the landscape and the cultures they encounter with a keen, observant eye.

Interlaced with personal anecdotes—carrying a young Spanish girl on his shoulders, sharing a dance in Jemez, and confronting the lingering shadows of conquest—the book offers both a geographical tour and a reflection on power, empire, and the enduring allure of fortune. The author's tone is inquisitive rather than judgmental, allowing readers to feel the excitement of discovery while pondering its costs. Listeners are invited to join an odyssey that feels as much about inner curiosity as about distant horizons.