Recuerdos Urbanos (PDF Download)
Craig Davis Arzac
Translation: Craig Davis Pinson

Translator’s note:

Recuerdos Urbanos is a short text my late father Craig Davis Arzac wrote around 2010, recalling some of his favorite spots as a kid growing up in Mexico City in the ‘50s and ‘60s. Even though it had been published, I actually hadn’t read it until after his passing. Hearing his voice in the writing was very moving in that context. I approached creating an English translation as a dialogue between him and I, and a tribute to his memory. This conversational method became a necessity after attempting a literal translation, which failed to capture the spirit and intention of his words. I realized my task was to ‘improvise’ around the outlines of his text in order to summon up the subtle magic and tenderness of his brief memoir. I believe he would approve of this more free approach, and would find enjoyment in seeing how his memories find a new life in another language through my interpretations.