Fridays start at a nice leisurely pace since class usually begins about an hour later than usual. Today's Argentine Life & Culture topic was presented by Liria Evangelista from last week's Argentine world view and economic crisis lecture. An authentic porteno (one from Buenos Aires), she spoke of tango not just as a genre or dance craze, but as an attitude towards life held by the people of Buenos Aires..." tango is a relationship to reality..."
From the origin and development of tango in 1880 by the poor immigrants living in the crowded conventillos (tenements), through tango's golden age from 1920 - 1950, then it's decade of decline and finally it's rise again from dormancy, Liria's narrative brought us closer to understanding the spirit of tango and how it is tied to the history and ideologies and most importantly, the people of Buenos Aires.
And...BREAK! It's an hour break for lunch before we head to a dance studio for a tango lesson! A fellow SD City College student (Jacob, you're the best!) recommends a fabulous spot a few blocks down from Expanish that sells choripan (grilled Argentine chorizo in bread) for a student friendly price. Yumalicious with the chimichurri, it is a filling and affordable meal...it's my new favorite place to eat!
Tango class was...magical, exhilarating and enchanting. Knowing the dance meant more than just learning eight count choreography, I found myself closing my eyes and letting the music saturate my senses as my dance partner whisked me across the dance floor...
Walking home with two other students from the group, we spied a protest march taking place in the street. The weather had also turned into a strange humid heat and the desire for helado (ice cream) was strong. Miraculously we found a heladeria (ice cream parlor) where I tried dulce de leche con nueces (caramelized milk flavor with walnuts).
Photos
Left: Students in a protest march
Right top: Would you like some liquor with your ice cream?
Right bottom: Kate, Jacob, Sean, and I striking a tango pose at the dance studio
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