Chiqué

I woke up eeeaaaarrrrlllyyy this morning to work on this translation that I hope will end someday, talked with a client, ate lunch, wasted time, thought about how lucky I am, and then decided to dance at Chiqué, the afternoon milonga which used to be in Club Español but now is in Casa Galicia, really close to where I’m staying this month. I went early. I remember it being my favorite milonga so I was really excited. But ya know? There’s nothing like Club Español - just soooooo….. ahhhh. In any event, I had a good time, recognized people from last year, danced a lot. I was a little bummed because the floor was super slippery so I couldn’t fully relax. I was also a little bummed because I’ve decided I don’t really like going to milongas alone. I like having someone to talk to when I’m not dancing. Beh, oh well. There’s not much I can do.

Just when I was feeling all low on this milonga, a Pugliese tanda began to play. I chose to sit this one out and watch the couples dance. I admired shoes and very quietly hummed along to the music. It’s nice to be down here where people actually dance to the music when it’s Pugliese. In cities elsewhere in the world, I find it painful to watch a crowd dance to Pugliese. I don’t know why it’s so hard for people to just listen to the music. So, I enjoyed this moment.

At one point while La Mariposa was playing, a couple danced by - tranquilly, perfectly in tune with the music. She was completely surrendered to him, and his feelings for her in that moment were evident on his face. He was really, truly taking care of her and she was letting him, trusting him. And did I mention that he was listening to the music?? And not taking big dramatic steps?? And they were… and he… and she…. and it was….. and…… !!!!!! I was moved, and soon I realized that I had been grinning while watching them. As they made their way around the floor, I thought “THAT is exactly why I came to Buenos Aires. Just to see that. In this moment.” It was beautiful.

Now I smell like men’s cologne. And it’s still light out.