less than a week to go

I have less than a week to go before I leave Buenos Aires.

it's been good, but it's time to move on.

I came here to get to know another city.  check.  I can navigate myself around the maze that is the city on buses and subways.  I've walked hundreds of blocks, have been able to give people directions when asked, and offer recommendations too.

I came here to learn some Spanish.  and I can do more than order a glass of wine or an empanada.  I can hold my own in a conversation, I can follow a fast and furious debate, and to an extent I can philosophise about my emotions, my hopes and my dreams.

and of course I came here to learn the tango.  and tango I can.  sure I'm not perfect.  but now when I am asked to dance at a milonga, I don't feel like I have to accept with an apology for being a beginner, I can follow a lot of leads and I haven't fallen over yet.

I still have things to learn.  my guard still goes up when a stranger gets to close in the dance, but I am working on that, and it is much improved.  I have learnt to "seperate" my lower body from my upper body, which is a bizaar concept.  and I can almost always interpret a boleo alto and execute it with some grace.

I am yet to video my efforts.  I have meant to for the last couple of days at class, but I am embarrased to ask.  but today, I promise to try to pluck up the courage.

most importantly of all, I have made some lovely friends, friends that I hope to stay in touch with for a long time.  and I have found some peace within me.  and although I am still not entirely clear on the path that my life will take when I return home in just six weeks, I don't feel so afraid.

I feel like my time away has allowed me to get to know myself again, to find the Laura inside that over the past two years I could not always find.  and you know what?  it's great to get to know her again.  I'd forgotten how much fun she can be!