Change.

Months ago Abby and I started talking about change. We got talking about traveling and our mutual interest, and that turned into where we have been and where we wanted to go. It started as an unlikely fantasy that always made us smile, and slowly turned into a little ball of possibility that grew as we got deeper into the details. Slowly but surely we started the process. Sometimes without noticing we would refrain from purchasing something because we “didn't really need it,” which was undercover speak for “it will probably just end up in storage in a couple months anyways, so I might as well save the money for a...um...rainy day?”
For about 5 years, one of the destinations on the very top of my list was Buenos Aires, Argentina. As an Argentina tango dancer, the idea of spending any extended period of time in Buenos Aires studying with the masters is scary and exciting. Its something you have to do. One week would never be enough. A month possibly? With the horrible economic climate, can I stomach having to start over in the United States in one month? Give up this dream because of fear? That can not be an option.
As it turned out, Argentina was at the top of Abby's list as well, albeit for very different reasons. The beautiful Patagonia was the magnet. Never mind the rest of the amazing sights within South America.
So we picked a spot and the fantasy grew. Abby's lease was up, so she moved in with me. No need to pay rent in two places, searching for a new place would be terrible and no way she would sign the lease for another twelve months. One step closer. As we embraced for the final time @ 47 Gerry, the spot where it all began, the fantasy grew again. It took roots as a plan.
We began to talk about it, let it out of the cage and into the world. We did research, we scoured our bank accounts, we started making lists...so many lists! A lot goes into moving away. You have to call your bank to inform them of the change, find out the fees, change your address, cancel your utilities, transfer car payments, suspend your cell phone, tie up all the loose ends. Leave nothing outstanding or it will turn into a headache down the line. You have to quit your job, say goodbye, pack all of your belongings into boxes and crates. There goes your life, a few boxes, a couple tears, and a big bag of dreams.
Sometimes those dreams do come true (with some grit, determination and courage, of course). Here we are. Sitting in our adorable apartment in San Telmo, an eclectic, antique area of Buenos Aires. Can you imagine it? This week we begin a Spanish class, next week we travel to Uruguay. The week after that is the Buenos Aires Queer Tango Festival. And then, who knows? That's why we call it an adventure, right? It comes at a price, but that price is not big enough to stop us.