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Christopher Columbus: Cabeza De Vaca

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Christopher Columbus: Cabeza De Vaca
Introduction

The introduction of this narrative was quite intriguing to the spirit. I was under the impression that the author was writing about Christopher Columbus. Although the characters in the story are part of the voyage to the New World, it appeared that this was going to be another scenario about Columbus. This was not the case. Moreover, the text highlights an individual that had an unknown name; however, he was a Taino Indian from the Bahamas. He was one of seven whom Christopher Columbus captured and took to explore the New World. What I found that surprised me about the exploration is how many letters and writings was sent back Europe and number of voyages that was made to America.
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His family was a son of the conqueror of the Guanche people of Grand Canary Island. Cabeza de Vaca was granted authorization for Emperor Charles V to march abroad on the adventures to America. The quest to America came with calamities, catastrophe, suffering and death because two of the ships were lost in the hurricane. Cabeza de Vaca was accompanied by Panfilo de Narv`aez on an expedition to Florida. Narv`rez did comply with the directive of Cabeza de Vaca. He made up his rules because it was in search of a port that rumored where he could take possession what is known as Sarasota Bay, on Florida’s west coast according to the narrative. What I have found surprising thus, far is how Narv`aez started out with six hundred men and ended with only a quarter them by the time they reached Florida. This is simply because of his poor leadership skill and being uncooperative during the ten-month expedition with Cabeza de Vaca advice.
The narrative became quite interesting to me the portion in regards to the Malhado way of life. These people love their offspring, family, and customs. They were dedicated, hard workers and respected and valued their customs. For example, whenever a couple gets married, neither the bride’s father nor mother may enter the son-in-law house after the nuptials. Not even their children of the respective couple. I thought this was strange and a bizarre to impose on your loved

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