Love in Buenos Aires
I had always thought of Argentina, and Buenos Aires in particular, as a romantic place to visit. Maybe it was a book I had read as a youth or a photo I had seen in a magazine somewhere; but the thought stuck in my head through the years and I finally decided to visit the city. Little did I know, I would meet the woman of my dreams there.The city is famous for Tango, a dance that is the embodiment of love, desire, unbridled passion, and graceful movements between a man and woman. Every Sunday, there is a street market that comes alive in the San Telmo district; the district where Tango was born among poor hard working immigrants who desired an escape from the daily grind of life. Musicians play and sing and dancers sway to the lively Tango beat at every corner.
It was noon as I strolled down Florida street in downtown Buenos Aires. The street is confined to walking, no cars allowed, and lined with shops selling a plethora of leather goods. The multitude of Latin American and European shoppers filled the wide Avenue with a charming sense of relaxed purpose to their strides. As the sunshine massaged my shoulders, I decided to eat at a little cafe with outdoor seating.
It's funny how love can find a person in the most unexpected ways. The most unexpected times. Mind you, I wasn't searching for love in the place I had thought to be full of romance, but it found me in the eyes of the lone American I was to meet in that country.
I had started the morning drinking espresso with some fellow German students at my school, followed by two hours of Spanish lessons, so when I overheard her at the next table speaking English, my curiosity was aroused. Of course, I ordered in English and that aroused her curiosity enough to turn towards me and ask if I was American. From that moment, I knew I would marry this woman that fate had so graciously introduced.
We went to dinner at a new restaurant in the Palermo Hollywood district, famous for its Bohemian atmosphere. The llomo (filet Mignon) is the best I had ever eaten anywhere in the world, so I knew it was a good starting point for my courtship. With a medium bodied merlot, the mood was set for the rest of the night. An espresso and good conversation followed under a full moon.
After returning to the states, I had to wonder, "Would I meet the woman of my dreams again? Or was that night in Buenos Aires a dream in itself?" As fate would have it, we did meet again--in the state of Florida; the same name as the street upon which we had met each other in Buenos Aires. Coincidence or fate? Maybe you can decide. But remember, love can find a person in the most unexpected ways. The most unexpected times.
--article and photo contributed by Tommy Hayes, Nashville, Tennessee, USA Has traveled to 17 countries and lived in Asia, Europe, and the Caribbean. www.world-joblist.com
Labels: South America
posted by Paris & John @ 6:14 PM
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