摘要: This essay sets in coincidence two historical junctures – medieval and contemporary. The moment occurs the thirteenth-century reign of Alfonso X Castile-Leon, while contemporary is set Spain during recent war Iraq; both are suffused with colonial/neo-colonial violence tension. brought together by a historian's search for Maria Perez, figure who appears as courtesan satirical lyrics cantigas d'escarnho e mal dizer [songs mockery slander]. conjuncture these moments framed within brief, half-hour train journey from Alcala de Henares to Atocha, southern terminus Madrid: same route chosen terrorists responsible 2004 commuter rail bombings.