Jose brings an unusual combination of theoretical knowledge and practice to his walks, which he has led in Philadelphia and in the New York Metropolitan Museum of Art, as well as in Rome, Naples, and Florence. A professional fine artist with an art studio in Rome near the Church of Santa Maria sopra Minerva and a graduate in classical studies of St. John's College in Annapolis, Maryland, Jose knows how to read the almost forgotten languages of Greek and Roman mythology embedded in the art and architecture of Rome. His studies of Plato's dialogue, TIMAEUS, for example, open up dimensions of Raphael's School of Athens fresco and of Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel ceiling frescoes otherwise unsuspected by visitors to these two sites. In addition, his own native Cuban background and master's degree in Spanish literature from the University of Delaware in Newark give his walks a flair and sense of humor that can be most welcome elements. Jose also studied fresco painting, history, and restoration at the Spinelli Institute of Art and Art Restoration, in Florence, but his St. John's College "Great Books" education earned him a rich 20-year-plus teaching career at the University of Miami, first in the English Department (specializing in Composition), followed by art history and freehand drawing in the School of Architecture. During the summers, this docent has taught "plein-air" drawing for the Rome Art Program directed by artist Carole Robb. Jose holds the official Italian tour guide license for Italy, issued in Rome (Province of Lazio) in 2017.