Hanging out with 13th Century Documents-

(most interesting man in the world)


Look ma--no Gloves!
First off--to get a sense of who Serafin de Tapia (my history teacher) is--look at his resounding endorsement of Dos Equis beer: (go to minute 1.30)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PVwG1t-NVAA&feature=player_embedded#

Second: I have just spend two days in two archives in Avila, manhandling and playing with the original documents from much of Spanish history including:

• the ledger book from a 14th century lawyer detailing various business deals including those of Jews selling and buying property from the church
• Several church documents explaining ordinances related to Jews and their treatment (remarkably these were generally favorable)
• 
• and the real kicker:
• 1492 The only remaining expulsion order of all Jews in Spain signed by the 'Reyes Catolicos' Ferdinand and Isabella

In the picture note the complete lack of gloves. Also be aware that we were probably the only people in the history of the document to get to see it in a private room, without cameras, where we easily could have stolen it. All because Serafin de Tapia is the most interesting man in the world.