For the mere delivery of a jar of peanut butter and a few facial products I got the grand tour of Buenos Aires. My Spanish speaking skills are way below par, so to say I was overjoyed to hear Caitlin speaking like a native would be an understatement. The arts are alive and well in BA. We were able to see great music almost everywhere we went. My first night there, Caitlin found a tango performance and I found myself being serenaded by an Argentine Bruce Willis. He sang tango music and was accompanied by his very talented band that included an accordion player. The art of accordion playing is probably one of the best-kept secrets in Argentina, along with folk dances.
The folk dance is a complex, emotionally charged art form. I would know, since I experienced a lesson first hand…in Spanish. The steps were not hard, the routine was not hard, what was hard was putting it all together…and being pulled to the men’s side at the last minute. My other male dancers and I commiserated over our poor dance skills. Or at least that’s what I thought they were saying. I got by with a shuffle here and a foot stamp there. I think the instructor was VERY impressed.
The folk dance is a complex, emotionally charged art form. I would know, since I experienced a lesson first hand…in Spanish. The steps were not hard, the routine was not hard, what was hard was putting it all together…and being pulled to the men’s side at the last minute. My other male dancers and I commiserated over our poor dance skills. Or at least that’s what I thought they were saying. I got by with a shuffle here and a foot stamp there. I think the instructor was VERY impressed.
The Bruce Willis look alike from the tango band, Rascasuelos. They were awesome!Another highlight of my private tour was a graffiti tour of the city. I got intimidated by one of the other members of the tour, a Frenchy who I am quite sure is putting together a photography book of the tour. I tried to match him shot for shot. Even though I nearly filled my memory card with pictures, I lost. Hard.
Caitlin and a new friend-obvio!
Sadly, my trip had to come to an end. I wish I could have stayed longer. I think if I could have stayed my Spanish would have improved ten fold and my ride to the airport would have consisted more than just “Que? Si.”
I am so grateful for Caitlin and Amy for opening their apartment to me and letting me invade their lives for a week. Chicas - don’t get to comfortable now that I’m gone because the next vacation week I get I may or may not be knocking at your door. Consider this your warning!
PS – Don’t worry if Caitlin refers to you as “Asia” while speaking with a taxi driver, she calls all the girls that. (side note: "asia" as Mayen referred is really "ella" the Spanish word for "she" with an Argentine acento.)
PS – Don’t worry if Caitlin refers to you as “Asia” while speaking with a taxi driver, she calls all the girls that. (side note: "asia" as Mayen referred is really "ella" the Spanish word for "she" with an Argentine acento.)
We loved having you Mayen!! The same doors are open to everyone else, too :) hint hint!
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