I was tired after my tour and had eaten dinner in town so that I could stay home for the rest of the evening. However … I was walking down the main street on my way home when I saw a sandwich board on the sidewalk outside a bar announcing a milonga at 10 pm! I groaned inwardly because I really was tired, but of course I was curious.

A young woman from the bar told me the milonga was only held on Wednesdays and I should definitely come. I kind of thought I wouldn’t, but as I walked along I realized that if I didn’t go, later I would be sorry I hadn’t. Decision made, I hurried home and got changed. I didn’t wear actual tango clothes, as it looked like a casual kind of place, but I did take my tango shoes of course.

I took a taxi and arrived about 10.15 pm. It was a simple bar, with a small space at the end for dancing — mirrors all around made it look a little larger! There were a few people at the tables, and two young men took pity on me and invited me to join them. They told me there was no table service and if I wanted a drink I would have to get it at the bar. I changed into my shoes and headed over.

I asked for a glass of red wine. After conferring with her boss, the bartender said she couldn’t open a bottle(!) I asked for a glass of champagne. Another conference brought the news that they had small bottles, so I settled for that. In Buenos Aires milongas, I get a glass of champagne for 100 pesos including tip. Here, it was only slightly more than a glass for 225 pesos before the tip! Bariloche is expensive.

Anyway, I took my champagne back to the table and sat down. Before I could even pour my glass, I looked up to find a young man inviting me to dance. Most of the people there were young, and I wasn’t sure I would be asked to dance, but this young man was in charge of the music and it was nice of him to take a chance. He was a great dancer, so he showcased me and I had several lovely tandas in the hour I stayed.

All in all, I’m glad I sampled the tango in Bariloche!