Baile Baile Baile!

Ay di mi! Un gran fin de semana! 

But first let me tell you about my week: 

I registered for a dance class at IUNA (the arts conservatory) I am taking a modern dance class three times a week! Lucky me! Classes at FLACSO are really nice. The professors are cool, the language is getting easier to understand, and the subject matter intrigues me. This is such a perfect fit. The traveling to get to class part is different but I am getting more confident day by day. The trick really is when using public transportation is don't make yourself stand out. For example: speaking English. If you want to get mugged, speak loudly and obnoxiously in English. Also, don't loose track of your things (purses, backpacks). Unfortunately not everywhere is like Holland, MI where everyone wants to help you out. Here it is watch yourself or get mugged. I am not trying to say that BA is super dangerous and one should lock their doors and never leave, but I am saying be smart. 

So to the fun part, us FLACITOS had a day trip to Tigre (a province outside the city) for a day trip with our wonderful staff. It was such a great break from the city. We took a boat en el Rio to a resort like are with a restaurant and a pileta (pool). We spent the day swimming, tanning (burning), drinking maté and eating carne en la parilla (barbeque really popular en Argentina). It was lovely. They really know how to relax. No rush, just enjoying time spent together. I have also come to the realization that I love not using my cellphone. It has been wonderful having conversations face to face. Really getting to know the person and not hiding behind a device. Taking the time to enjoy life's gifts and God's creation of the human he created as image of himself. Perfecto! 

Despues, I quickly got ready for a Tango show that Cheri's host mom and Clay's host dad (they are in a relationship...... the parents) were dancing in. They were divine! Just beautiful movement that enticed the audience. The voices here are so pure, the music so real. Nothing like auto-tune or special effects. Just raw and pure art. We need more of that in the States. Real talent. Raw talent. After we all decided to eat dinner outside at a restaurant en San Telmo at 11:30 at night. That is how the world works here. Dinner is late and a grand occasion. The waiter never asks if you want the bill and they never hurry you. You have to ask for it and you can spend as much time as you want there. We drank wine (don't worry amigos, I am 21) and shared pizza. So relaxing. We were given free admittance to a dance club in San Telmo called ReyCastro (I know....... what a name......) At first it was 70s wedding music and we danced like goofy Americans but later it turned into REGGATONE Salsa!!!! Now earlier, I was ordering a drink and was talked to by a Porteño. We conversed in Spanish for a bit until I reunited with my friends. All of sudden, when the Reggatone began, I was whirled around and began to Salsa with my new friend. I picked up quickly and he was said he was impressed that I could move like a Latina (AHHHHHHHHHHHH YESSSSSSSS). 

The next day, Clay and I walked around Parque Centario (close to our houses) and scoped out some Ferrias in search of maté. We later shared some maté and got helado at my secret lovers heladeria. (BTW I have an admirer there. Every day when I walk pass, he waves or says "Hola" we have a friendship or in his case a crush). That night was the Tamborela show which is all drums and played by ALL WOMEN! GO GIRLS! It was the best music show I have ever been too! So raw, and modern dance was done to a few numbers! So much purity in their voices and music! The end became a giant dance party in the plaza where we were watching. We were pulled out into the plaza and danced the "Carnival" baile y ritmo con porteños! What an amazing concert. Nothing can compare. Nothing. You could feel so much passion. It was in their souls, it was running in their blood. I could feel emotions emerging from body and the music took me away. Around 12 (midnight) we ate dinner in the plaza of San Telmo and after tried to venture to Palermo. Those darn collectivos. But we made it and were hit with tiredness. What a long day. I ended up getting home at 5 am. YIKES. 

So next weekend, some friends and I have booked a trip to URUGUAY for the weekend after classes to explore Colonia and Montevideo. I was told it is GORGEOUS there and I am ready for another adventure. 

God is good, and I thank him everyday that I can feel so alive. 

Vamos a hablar luego... Necesito hacer mi tarea. 

Chau amigos!