Calgary 2007: fun-filled weekend!

hey all,

wowee, i've had a fun, busy past few days. seems that my time here in Calgary is winding down, and as it is, my calendar is getting fuller by the day! so let's start on Friday.

Ranchman's
i decided that before i leave Calgary, i had to do a very Calgarian thing...and since it wasn't going to the Calgary Stampede, i had to learn how to two-step...or as i call it, "country dance." so, i got a group of people to go to a local country club where i learned how to two-step, and had a fun nite with some wonderful people. one of the guys, Mike, has danced for years, and is really good! so, needless to say, he was our teacher for the evening:

[L-R: Courtney, Mel, Mike, Brandon, Sarah]

[me and my blondies!]

[Mike, patiently showing Courtney just how to two-step!]

[Sarah and Brandon...trying to two step]

[line dancing..i couldn't do it..too many steps involved!]

all in all, it was a positive experience, but i don't think i'll be returning again in the near future. i had to do it...i did it...done :)

Fiestaval

On Saturday, Mel and I found our way to Fiestaval, Calgary's Latin American festival. it was incredible! i felt for a moment or two like i was actually walking the streets of Quito, or Rio de Janeiro again. Fiestaval consisted of a market style set up of little jewelry stands, food stands, MUSIC, DANCING, and other ornamental things for sale. Mel was determined to get me to speak spanish, and she was successful when we came across a woman from Peru. i have to admit, it was exhilirating to be in this environment again. Mel had to leave part way, so i spent the remaining 3 hours wandering on my own, found a little grassy area, drank my guava juice, and just enjoyed the music...there was samba, flamenco, afro-cuban jazz, reggaton and more. Axé Capoeira made their way to the festival as well and performed. it was definitely one of the highlights during my time here in Calgary. because i can't just show you pics from the day, i made a few videos...watch, listen and enjoy!

[axé capoeira]

[samba]

[flamenco..note the muscians in the back, and the one guy playing...A BOX!]

[MMM, spanish paella! i was full tho, so i couldn't devour this seafood rice dish]

[cutesy little stands, just like in South America!]

Sun and Salsa Festival
by far, this is one of the most creative festivals i've been to. the idea is that you buy a bag of nacho chips...money goes to charity....then there are stands set up all along the streets with different types of salsa! from regular spicy, to mild organic, wild berry salsa, and a mango salsa, the choices were endless. a good 7-10 blocks were blocked off for this event...and interspersed the streets were musical performances, capoeira (again!), contests, magic shows, and of course, cute little stands that sold ...cute little things. i walked around in the blistering heat for a good 2 hours before being salsa-ed out!