For the first time in 3 weeks, I experienced the night life in Argentina. I could consider it the morning life as well. It was Annie’s last night in Rosario so of course we had to let her go out with a bang. We all decided that we should go to a Boliche (dance club). Annie and Emily had experienced the Boliche on the previous Thursday, and recommended that it was a must. So we all decided to go and have our last moments of fun in Rosario with Annie.
When I initially told my host mom and sister that I was going to a Boliche, they said, “Okay we will see you tomorrow.” I asked them why and they said that the boliche doesn’t open until 2am and then they don’t even close till about 7am. This idea seemed crazy to me but I had to go. I would see how tired I got as the night went on.
My first surprise was the cost to get in. It was only 20 pesos, but I got in for cheaper because I was 21 and a girl in line gave me a V.I.P pass. So it was only 10 pesos for me. Then I checked my coat and that was 10 pesos as well. So it was a total of 20 pesos, which is around $5. It amazed me at how cheap it was.
The Boliche was wild and so were the people in it. I know that it was a dance club and all but if you could have seen what some of the girls were wearing. It was crazy! They had dresses on that were so short I didn’t know how they were going to be able to dance without their bottoms falling out. I was wearing jeans and a dress shirt so I initially felt out of place. But once we all got in and started dancing it didn’t matter. I don’t even think anyone noticed what I was wearing. We were all dancing and having fun.
Throughout the night/morning, some things got a little strange. Some of the guys thought that they could touch you wherever they wanted, and of course that was not okay with me. I would walk through the club and guys would pounce and you and grab your arm and pull you towards them. At first it was okay cause I was there to dance after all. But when I was trying to look for my friends, that’s when it got annoying. It was a little more contact dancing than I am used to. But I am in another country, and I have to embrace different cultural ways of doing things. That is why I am here, to experience new things. So besides a couple of differences, my whole night was a blast. I ended up returning home at 7am. So my host mom was right. I swear the time flew in the club. I didn’t even realize how early it was. All in all, I had the time of my life. I love to dance and it was nice to let loose and have some fun with my friends. I definitely want to go back a couple more times before I leave.
Melissa
This was definitely an interesting cultural experience. The dance clubs are such an integral part of the lives of young people in Argentina and the U.S. doesn’t have anything quite like them with their 2 a.m.-7 a.m. hours. Why do you think the young men are so assertive with women on the dance floor? Is it just the culture of the dance club where everyone is dancing with everyone or is it something else?
I’m glad you’re having so much fun getting out into the social life of Rosario. When I was your age I went to London and Paris, but I was so nervous that I really didn’t meet anyone. I was definitely a tourist and not a traveler. I have learned that spending time with the people of an area is the only real way to get an authentic experience within a foreign country. Enjoy! 🙂