Saturday, January 16, 2010

My Inner Latina

I recently read an article called 'Desperately Seeking My Inner Latina' by J.C. Sullivan. I thought a personal quest like that sounded like fun. So where is this curious person hiding? My father is a hard-working Swiss and my mother is a prim and proper English/Canadian/American. I will have to dig very deep to discover any hot-blooded Latina hidden in me.
As Dale and I walk through the parks and plazas, we are always accompanied by walkers, joggers and babies in strollers. Many families picnic together and some sip mate. Maybe a taste of that national brew will launch me to Latina hood? Of course we have sampled wonderful food and wine to no avail. Then I thought maybe the local Malbec wine might have special powers. Not happening....
Today we went to the Evita Peron museum in Buenos Aires. Evita's legacy is one that evokes "passion" in most Argentians. In fact, the very first exhibit in the museum pictured her in two photos: one in black and one in white. Many consider her a Saint for her charity work on behalf of Argentinian women and children. Yet some hate her for her social policies of robbing from the rich to help the poor. Today, we were able to view her clothes along with adjacent photos of her wearing them. She was a stunning and beautiful woman. Perhaps it is time for me to do some "serious" shopping while in Buenos Aires. I hear that Pablo Ramirez is a top Argentinian clothing designer. Maybe I need a new dress for my inner Latina quest? Hmm......
But then it occurred to me that the women I see in the park doing the tango move in ways I did not know possible! Growing up a Free Methodist who didn't dance at all, I realize I am really at a disadvantage here. Maybe I can manage a slow waltz, but when the tango music turns on, I am not prepared to participate. And all Dale wants to do is to immediately take a chair, sit back and watch.
Sometime during my travels to Argentina, I want to experience a ''milonga' or tango salon for locals. Dale says an unequivocal ´no´´. I think my husband is afraid this blonde will suddenly find her "inner Latina" and look like she is having a heart attack as she attempts to dance with the locals. Guess the best I can hope for is to view a formal tango show on stage this trip. Dale bought me a ticket for a show last night. It was such fun and the dance moves we saw....well.... I've decided to leave those to the professionals. Gail

2 comments:

Sherry Krebs said...

This is a great blog!!! I've always wanted to see what it was like down there! PS..Go for the dress Gail and get out on the dance floor...wheeeee

Anonymous said...

Don't you know that tango is the dance of seduction and despair? Besides, I would have to dance in stilettos. But maybe I could join the tango orchestra which almost always includes a piano and a bandoneon......you know an accordion squeeze box. That looks like fun!