HAPPINESS IS FOUND ONLY IN EL DORADO—
WHICH NO ONE YET HAS BEEN ABLE TO REACH
Past the unknown beyond, and just a little further down the road, lie impossible lands of extraordinary wealth outside the boundaries of human comprehension. Such oft-told lands are the setting for our “Seven Golden Cities in Seven Golden Days Tour,” an enlightening and surreal experience. On the first day, be at awe, as you enter through the forbidden pass and therein behold the golden temples and roads of the fabled, lost city of El Dorado. Day two and three, peruse the markets of Paititi and City of the Caesars viewing fleeces of the finest oro and trinkets of the same. On day four, swim the shimmering, gilded rivers flowing from Lake Parime, at Manoa. Later, on day five, stroll across the beaches of Antilia with a king’s ransom scattered over the sands. Day six, thrill at the taste of exotic wines poured into cups of gold that grow from the trees of Quivira. Afterwards, spend your seventh and final day, (pun intended) at Cibola, racing from hoards of golden-clad warriors, as they hurl their glittering arrows in your direction. Most likely, all in an effort to recover the gold you have surely been hoarding during your week. You may then conclude your visit, by either making good on your escape or by preparing to be sacrifice upon an alter, of gold undoubtedly, to the ravenous Quetzalcoatl.
A SINGLE STEP
El Dorado rests deep within the Andes, and is home to a fabulous chief for whom the city is named. The chief customarily smears himself in gold dust and, taking with him a number of jewels and treasures, paddles a canoe to the center of a mountain lake. The chief will then toss this loot overboard to appease the god or creature that dwells therein. Afterwards, the chief, himself, causally dives in to bathe, thus depositing his gold covering into the waters. This practice is held regularly, and its occurrence is determined by the position of the stars. It is usually followed by much music and rejoicing, and it is a splendid sight to see for those few privileged outsiders.
JOURNEY
Despite the abundance of gold in El Dorado, its significance by no means grows diminished. The grand purpose of the metal is illustrated as much in those areas wherein gold is absent as where it is present. While gold covers the temples, streets and city walls, it is generally not to be found in the interiors of Doradan homes. When entering, you will find that such are simple in design with furnishings constructed of wood, stone and clay. The only hint of gold within is to the lining on windowsills and doorways. This holds a deep significance, as gold is a metal traditionally associated with the sun, hence with light.
Due to El Dorado's placement in the narrow, rocky valleys of the Andes, the area receives little in the way of direct sunlight. Consequently, it is not regarded as sunrise until the sun passes over Sierra de la Plata, at approximately 12:00 p.m. Likewise, sunset over the adjacent range occurs at approximately 1:00 p.m. It is a thing of legends that where there is fortune to be found there is also danger to be had. For in El Dorado, being a place of perpetual twilight, it is made especially prone to innumerable terrible things of myth what lurk in the veil of night. Only during the Hour of Light, within this Valley of the Shadow, can food and other such necessities be gathered outside the city's walls. For as the darkness grows, so does the danger in El Dorado.
EXPLORE
Still, there is considerable safety within the walls of El Dorado and any being of shadow, who might chance to enter, cannot pass over the gilded roads and gold-lined thresholds, as the suggestion to light would drive the entity back into the darkness. Gold equals safety in El Dorado, hence its concentration increases tenfold towards the heart of the city. At its center, towering well above the adjacent structures, is the House of the Sun. This temple is strategically placed and serves both a practical and spiritual purpose. At its apex is an opened structure from where light can be caught and redirected. This spire is illuminated during the Hour of Light. Easily discernible from outside El Dorado's gate, this tower signals excursionists when it is safe to venture off. The temple is the only completely gold building in El Dorado from its floors, to its walls, ceiling and roof. Moreover, it is one of the most artistically impressive. Lavishly embellished it is with countless motifs and sculptures. Just south of the House of the Sun is the main square. At the square, you may visit local shops where various kinds of wares may be purchased. Now, how to purchase them and what must pass for currency in El Dorado is something different altogether.
LIVE TO TELL THE TALE
The question as to why El Dorado has never been found has plagued the minds of curiosity seekers for centuries. However, the real question is not why El Dorado has not been found, but why has no one been able to live long enough to tell of it? Well, remember that passing mention about those things that go bump in the night? If not than one need only take a short stroll outside the confines of El Dorado to spark one's memory. There, on the ground, lie strewn the bones of conquistadors and treasure hunters in testament to the city's existence.
For the creatures that dwell within the Valley of the Shadow, outside the gates of El Dorado, are none other than those sort of terrible beings that infest the nightmares of travelers and explorers. For instance, one may be met by cynocephali, human-bodied dog-headed brutes, which are apt to sink their teeth into those who elect to lose themselves in the darkened, mountain jungles. Should one manage to escape their fangs, he or she is not out of the woods yet (literally). One may, likewise, be battered by meandering Patagonian giants and tossed into the air by one hard thwack of a powerful club. Troublesome still, is the increasingly possibility of being step upon by monopods, who jump down from up high splattering travelers with their single giant foot. Monopods are especially prone to dark areas, as they customarily hold their foot to block the sun from their eyes. On the other hand, one might still be captured by Blemmyes, curious folk with their heads on their chests rather than above their shoulders, even if escape from all else is yet possible.
OTHER AREAS OF INTEREST
When in the area, it is well worth it to check out El Gran Moxo, a peculiar island that sits in the middle of a vast lake. At the center of El Gran Moxo, one will find a beacon of light, akin to a small moon, that sits atop a tower illuminating the area. Likewise, for the culinary inclined, a considerable amount of spices may be gathered at La Canela, the Valley of Cinnamon. Lastly, for those who prefer a neutral sheen over the glitter of gold, an excursion to Sierra de la Plata, the Silver Mountains, is definitely for you.
GUIDES
- The Coasts of Illusion: A Study of Travel Tales by Clark B. Firestone
- “El Dorado” (poem) by Edgar Allan Poe
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