some countries are just sexier than others

I'm proud of being Portuguese. I think we have the most charming European capital, the best grilled fish, and enough coast for any beach lover. I have to admit, though, that Argentina -- with its pin stripe suited "chorros" and leggy ladies -- is much sexier.

Portuguese traditional dancing involves several couples, usually sweaty-looking in their frumpy skirts and long-sleeved shirts, skipping and twirling to the one-two-THREE of an accordian, various string and precussion instruments, and the somewhat whiney voices of elderly females. My parents did it, I've done it, my kids, if I ever have any, will probably be subjected to it too. It's the rhythm of our culture and we like it.

As everyone knows, the national dance of Argentina is the tango. Last week Julia and I watched a tango show in the atmospheric basement of Cafe Tortoni, the oldest coffee joints in town (over 150 years in the biz). Taken on its own, tango is sensual -- enlaced legs, curved backs, brushing lips -- but compared with other national dances, it's downright hot.

The show was fabulous -- three couples, rotating wardrobes, dancing that was acrobatic, theatrical, entertaining. The musicians were as gorgeous as the dancers. Piano, accordion, double bass, set to often nostalgic and always romantic poetry. In my Latin American Politics class we read an article that talked about Peron's charisma -- apparantly he often borrowed the images and poetry of tango in his speaches, giving him that common touch that made him so appealing to the masses. It makes a lot more sense now...

We've seen it in the street, in our hostel, in formal, choreographed shows. I can't help thinking that if I had tango in my veins instead of marchas, I'd be a little swankier.

I guess some countries are just sexier than others. ...

PS Sorry about the lack of photos, but not all internet cafes are camera friendly. I will edit these entries and add my bs as photos as soon as I can. Check back!