It is Sunday morning and there is no pounding around this little tango hotel which normally begins before 8 a.m. Construction on both sides has driven all but two of us away! The building is cold and empty, save for the two of us. Yes, literally cold-no insulation I guess. But my little room has a heater and is quite cozy. It is also away from the street so it is quiet. Yesterday I completed my intensive week with Luciana Valle. It was indeed intensive! The assistants she hired to dance with us were splendid. Chino (his nicname because of his slanty eyes), Nico, QuiQui, Gasgon, Jose, German, Sergio . . .and one or two more I can’t recall just now-each have their special qualities and each are delightful young men. Sergio is clearly the most skilled technician and I discovered, also a pro who will go on tour with a company in October. Nico is the shortest and wears a black beret, has a great sense of humor. he wants to intro me to his dad who volunteers at a church. Says his mama doesn’t believe in God but sometimes prays anyway:-) I told him not to worry, God believes in her! Jose – well! Dancing with Jose is dreamy-and yes, he’s way cute! And has big muscles! But oh, the eyes–actually all these guys have amazing eyes! Anyway, dancing w/Jose is smooth as silk. He just places you where he wants you and there is not much guessing . . .lovely. Chino is my favorite . . . and I am not sure why exactly. He’s good, very good dancer, but not the best–just very good. I just like him, probably because I know he likes me. He told me more than once, “You are a very nice person.” I could adopt this one! When I work with him he is sincere in trying to help me and he is generous with his compliments (that doesn’t hurt!). I will call him to come and practice with me while I am here at Lunallena. There is a floor here for that purpose and yesterday Sussana, from Germany and the only other resident now, showed me how to reserve the space in the book! She also showed me how to purchase a subte ticket for 10 rides–11 pesos! 11 pesos is not quite $3. and each ride costs the same, no matter the distance. The subte is just 4 blocks from here. I can do this!
This afternoon I have reserved a table for Tia and me at Confiteria Ideal for the afternoon milonga. There’s supposed to be a folklorico show. So I am off to the milonga!