some birthday presents
What a weekend to recover from!
Friday my home was host to a gathering of friends, complete with homemade pizza (thank you Miss Tango for making the crusts!), bread with tapenade, Mediterranean rice salad that was missing lemon but was still good, three kinds of cake including a cheesecake from Miss Tango, and exquisite Tiramisu brought by one of my friends who is a chef.
As I looked around, I was overwhelmed to realize that I’ve gotten to know this many people in just seven months time. As I relaxed into the evening, I enjoyed sitting back and watching everybody interact as though they’d all known each other forever. It felt good.
Saturday saw me at Cachirulo, dancing tango among my milonguero friends and of course partaking in the customary birthday dance, an experience that showed me just how kind and generous everyone is at my favorite milonga. Lots of positivity and support and well-wishes from everyone for my birthday. The hosts even got me a birthday cake, which is also customary.
A highlight of the evening was when a visiting couple, I think Colombian, with whom I shared some of my birthday cake came up to me to wish me feliz cumpleaños, and the woman, moved that I’d share with her said something about my name and her daughter, it was hard to understand as the music was so loud. I think I have her daughter’s name. Anyway, she took her necklace off of her neck and gave it to me. What a sweet gesture!
This weekend served to remind me that I am never alone, that I am surrounded by good people who want the best for me, wherever I go. Thank you everybody who participated in celebrating my birthday! I am truly blessed.
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9 users responded in this post
Aww, sounds like you had an amazing time! Isn’t that one of the biggest obstacles to overcome when moving abroad, how to make friends and not end up being all alone in the new country? Sounds like you know how!
Oh dear, a belated very happy birthday to you!!!
Tina,
It is not surprising at all that you have surrounded yourself with friends already. You are a shining light.
E
Tina, I’m so happy you had a wonderful birthday weekend. The truth is, we’re all blessed to know each other. We’re blessed to have each other’s company. It’s hard moving to a new country and starting from scratch but when you meet extraordinary people everything is worth it…everything becomes easier, friendlier, and so much better. It’s great having a beautiful group of friends
Awww, this was too sweet. It’s so nice to hear that you had a good birthday week-end.
Family and friends are usually surprised and worried that I move to other countries “alone” with such ease.
…to them, I explain your concluding thoughts; We are never alone and where ever I’ve been, I’ve found an amazing group of people, foreigners and natives alike, who’ve made my stays abroad such pleasant ones.
Your cheerful post reminded me of that again. You’re so cool
Hey Chica, feliz cumpleanos otra ves. nice blog; im the boy with the spanish-maori name. very mysterious. hope to catch up again before i exit BsAs. chau!
Wow! That *was* a magnificent birthday! How special. I love the story of the necklace…
So nice to meet more of your friends. I learned that Pip and I share a love of baking!
E. and I had a wonderful time. Thank you.
Happy birthday Tina! I send you Umbria-scented hugs.
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