Falling in Love with Tango, Day 5

As I mentioned in my previous post, we were given Guillermo's name by a Honolulu tango enthusiast as someone we should look up in La Boca. We were so glad that we did. One tango lesson, and we're hooked.

Guillermo and his wife, Maria Del Carmen, were gracious and patient teachers who infuse their lessons with a love for tango that is infectious. I only remember 2 out of the 3 steps that we were taught, (the basic and the ocho) but got the bug to keep learning when I got home. 

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After our tango lesson, we went to a dance club, or milonga, at a place recommended by our tour guide from our second day, La Confiteria Ideal.  We just watched, of course, and it was lovely. We noticed that several people, both male and female, of different ages (but fewer younger), came alone and just danced. Of course, the man asks the woman to dance, but it didn't seem to be about "hooking up," but about enjoying dancing tango. Even if a couple came together, it seemed that they danced a lot with other people. Of course, I don't really know these observations to be true. My assumptions. 

We were told by our Saturday tour guide that you shouldn't take pictures of the dancers because many people do come without their spouses and they value their privacy. I have read other blogs that say it's okay. But we did not take any photos. I did take this on the sidewalk outside though. It really helped when I was trying to remember the basic step.

I don't know why I am in love with tango. Calls for more reflection, but it is just amazing to watch, and I never thought that I'd be able to do it. Now that I've taken a lesson, I see that it is within the realm of possibility to learn. 

I really like this article on tango origins, schools, and milongas.

In the evening, we went to Don Julio, also recommended by our tour guide, and other reviewers. It was our most fancy dinner, great atmosphere, and excellent service. It was a full dinner: bread and some salsas, empanada for appetizer, grilled portabellas, steak, and walnut-stuffed figs over ice cream with caramel sauce for desert.  Great meal!