Day Thirteen

The antique seltzer bottles are a big hit at the San Telmo Sunday Fair.




So is dancing. Let me share with the blog what I wrote to a friend when asked if locals cared about tango.

What I believe is that there is a strong community interest in tango. Some who live it, some who can take it or leave it, some who resent the tourist attraction to it, as if that defines the city. My local friends, who have been living here for about two years, have not gone once to see it. I met an artist last night (bought one of her works) who clearly respects that slice of BA but is put off by all the chatchkas (sp?) that are sold with a tango theme. Does get stupid because there is so much of it.

I've had a bit of an accommodation to the culture - so sophisticated, the people are so fit and attractive, yet my pocket was picked on the subway and yesterday just before noon in front of a museum next to a boulevard a man ripped my watch off my wrist and sped away with his accomplice on a scooter. So when I went to the dance lesson I wanted to take pictures. I could not figure out what to do about my fanny pack with the camera, so I just watched. It does not - NOT! - warm one to tango to watch amateurs trying to learn. Beyond that my exposure to it is during the day in San Telmo and La Boca where it is nothing more than a hustle to get tourists to buy music or pay for photos.

What I want is to go (without camera) to a sleepy bar very late at night where people in love are dancing with each other. Effortlessly, focused on each other. Still a few days left to make that happen.

Location:BA