Last Dance - Setting Me Free

Early morning. Stormy and dark. Pouring rain. A quiet upstairs dance studio overlooking the hills. Dancing with Jorge. A really nice ending to prepare me for the next step.

My last private lesson is over and now I have been set free to test my skills in Buenos Aires. Scary and intimidating. Jorge was able to impart his knowledge of the people, area, culture and traditions upon me before I left - including how to ward off unwanted advances, procuring a taxi, the rules in making eye contact and how to make friends (apparently if you say "Bush is an idiot" everyone will love you).

It is also summer in Argentina, so Jorge advised me the weather would be warm but it would rain quite often. I told him that this type of weather was very bad for my hair. He agreed and understood - claiming that he had to move to California to grow the hair he has today. Too funny. "Buy lots of product" - that was his advice on keeping my hair in line. Frizz Ease here I come!

Cramming Rosetta Stone Spanish like a crazy person. I figure as long as I can say "I'm hungry" and "Take me now or lose me forever" I should be just fine.

Buenos Aires or Bust - TOP SECRET MISSION

I am well aware that a normal person would not need to travel to another continent to read a book. Unfortunately I'm not the best "life manager" when I am in L.A., so I am escaping to B.A. to rest, recoup and DANCE! I will be spending the month of March in Buenos Aires, Argentina while also working my day job - a job that doesn't know I'm leaving the country. It has to be our little secret, ok?

How does this happen, you may ask?

I was given a book for my birthday in December called The 4-Hour Work Week, which asks readers why we save money and vacationing until retirement at which time we are too old and decrepit to enjoy it. There are many great things about this book and I highly recommed it. (Of course, in true Monica fashion, I was only able to read this book while on vacation in Hawaii with family - see above reference to LA Life MisManagment Monica.)

I learned Argentine tango in 2008, fell in love with it and planned to take a week vacation to Buenos Aires this year. In looking into hotels for Argentina I quickly learned it would cost less to rent an apartment for the month. Having a case of the winter blues and a job where I am able work remote I decided, last minute, to make the trip.

I asked my manager if I could work remote for the month of March, providing as little information as possible but highlighting the recovery of my mental health as a benefit (not a lie). He agreed.

SO NOW WHAT?
I don't speak Spanish so bought Rosetta Stone and am trying to absorb as much Spanish as possible in 10 days. My tango teacher is from Buenos Aires so will be recommending dance teachers and milongas. I will be taking private spanish and private tango lessons while there and also working my day job. I had hoped my friend would be able to come out and join me for a week but with last minute planning it hasn't worked out. I'm going solo.... Stay tuned!