My Spanish is slowly developing, I’m discovering very cool Spanish music (elecro-flamenco, classic tango and reggaeton) and I find myself getting more attached to Buenos Aires. For the first time in a long time I have also found myself over my head in work as Rob and I try and raise a huge chunk of cash to fund a business venture that will allow us to own the rights to a technology that will take advantage of the huge price discrepancy between the British pound and the Canadian dollar. So I’ll soon be getting paid in Pounds which is close to about 6 times the value of the Argentine peso. So my money will go a very long way. I plan on retiring in February, maybe sooner.
My retirement post will come in February, for now I want to talk to you about tango. The other night Sam, myself and a couple other people from our Spanish school went to “Michelangelo”, which is a stunningly beautiful old building located in San Telmo (the same neighborhood, that president bush’s daughter got robbed in a couple days ago). We were welcomed at our ride, by a host who helped Sam out of the car, and guided us to the stone archway entrance. At the dimly lit front entrance we were guided behind long draping curtains into a quite room, with live tango music. We were pampered beyond belief. Campaign, hors d’oeuvres, music, breathtaking surroundings, and a small live tango show. We had it all. Below is a picture of the small room we waited for the show in.
After this teaser, we made our way upstairs for dinner. I won’t bore you with our meal details, but I will tell you this: Steak is very good here and I eat way to much of it. In fact, I have a ponch now. Awesome.
The video above (which I could only see using internet explorer, not firefox) is a small clip I took of the show (notice the live tango orchestra in the background!). Tango originated here in brothels and was a way for sex worker and client to get to know each other. However, as time passed it turned into a hobby for high society. My guess is that it’s probably the only element of prostitution to do so. That is unless, high heals originated in brothels as well. High heals are pretty popular now as well. Anyways, getting off topic.
So the greatest thing about introducing me to tango is the fact, that after watching the show I decided to skip the lessons and try the most advanced moves on Sam right away. Turns out, that’s not a good idea, outright dangerous. Remember, the move from the clip above at the end where the guy picks of the girl and then drops her inches from the ground. Well I pretty much did the same thing with Sammy (emphasis on “pretty much”). I’ll let you imagine the outcome. She doesn’t want to tango with me anymore. I need to find a new partner.
Actually finding a tango (milonga) partner is a pretty funny process. At tango dances the boys stand on one side of the room, the girls on the other. If (as a man) you look over to the other side of the room and see a girl looking at you, you’re supposed to be a macho man and look away. But after you look back, if she is still looking at you, that’s your invitation to go and ask her to tango. Quite the process.
Chau.
Labels: buenos Aires Tango
Keep the updates coming Ster!
They're a great distraction from my studies. I love the funny stories. B.A. sounds fabulous. I hope I can get over there to visit.
Ster:3
Care: 3
Howdie Zurlin!!! What a great laugh I just had reading of your lessons and 'make believe' speaking of the language Spanish. LOL, you are too funny and amazing how I can truly see you doing such light hearted funnies. The dancing, please rest your feet and let you lady down! Poor girl. LOL
The last picture, the homes in La Boca, this area seems to have such a similar aire to it, structurally, as Louisiana. Then the historical buildings, the very old ones with the etchings. Great pics btw, the etching even shows up well.
You sound so entusiastic. Enjoying life are you??? I am soooo happy to know this, I can hear it in your writing. Don't ever bother trying out 'not' enjoying life, it's no fun on that side. Continue to send on these woderful blogs please Zerlin. They put a great smile on my face to read how well you are. Hello to Sam from me, and tell her to watch her nose when dancing with you ok. Be well. Cece.