Italo Calvino begins his novel “Invisible Cities” by introducing the relationship between Kublai Khan, an actual Mongol empire, and Marco Polo, a historical Italian traveller. Between the years, 1271 to 1295, Marco Polo made his journey along the Silk Road through Asia, and became a confidant to Emperor Kublai Khan. This excerpt seems to be Marco Polo’s impressions of various cities that he visited, as related to Kublai Khan.
The narrator of the text suggests, in an introduction and conclusion written in italics, that he is an emperor similar to Kublai Khan when he writes “In the lives of emperors there is a moment which follows pride in the boundless extension of the territories we have conquered…” (5). The use of the word “we” marks the narrator as an emperor. He speaks of an emperor’s “sense of emptiness” and “desperation” (5). He seems to be wondering whether an emperor can really know and understand his empire once it has become so vast. He writes about Marco Polo’s importance and dedication to Kublai Khan. Although both Polo and Khan are from different places and cultures, and do not share the same language, emperor Kublai Khan trusts and values Polo’s information. In between this introduction and conclusion, the reader is given a listing of the cities that Marco Polo visited and his impression of each city.
Traveller Marco Polo discusses his sensory impression: what he sees, smells, tastes and feels within each city. Although Marco Polo’s sensory interpretation of each city may be relevant to some, his conclusions about each city are based on his individual mindset. Each individual visitor to any city will base their opinion of that city on their own personal outlook, interests and values. As a visitor to any city, I concentrate on the art element of the city. I view the city with an artist’s eye as each city holds different and unique artistic elements. From my experience, each city has a different interpretation of art and values art differently. In Costa Rica and Barbados, both countries value their nature and beaches over art. However, European countries such as England and Spain, take part in exposing their people to artwork through museums and buildings. They take pride in their past creations and share their passion with tourists and the locals of their country. There is surely an economic difference (created by colonization) between Costa Rica and Barbados and European countries, but my individual enjoyment of a country seems to be based upon the availability of and an appreciation of the location’s art. Others would disagree with my opinions. If a visitor values nature and outdoor sports, they may not choose to visit a European city, as the city is limited in nature’s outdoors scenes and experiences.
After reading “Invisible Cities”, I am curious about my response and reaction to Berlin. Will I have sensory reaction to the city that are similar to Polo’s, or will my reactions be individual to my own values? I think that the reading will not define my experience in Berlin as it is through another’s differing travel eyes. From reading and hearing others’ travel experiences in Berlin, the art scene is evolving. It is my understanding that Germany values contemporary art. While I am not a fan of contemporary art, I wonder if my opinions of contemporary art will change. My opinions of contemporary art are based on American artists’ work. I am interested to find out whether European artists’ viewpoints on contemporary art are different.