La Bamba Bam Bam

Brazilian cultural icons seem to have a legislative ban of some form in Argentina, to be shot on sight or at least imprisoned to be later deportated. For two countries with a close geographical and historical connection (although its like two kids growing up across the street with different families, despite the same neighborhood and a shared birth year they never form a real bond), there couldn't be more of a difference between the social psyche of their citizens. You could spend a day in both Buenos Aires and Rio, and not long after having one of those cliche 'I'm a smart traveler' moments, where you look towards the tallest building/touristy landmark, and emote loudly using only your inner-monologue, 'Argentina and Brazil are really fuckin' different! Who knew!'. You then go on to discover that the national dance in Brazil is Samba, but wait, a day ago you learned in Argentina its the tango, a fact you immediately memorise, for when the inevitable "so what was different about Argentina and Brazil" question dribbles from your co-worker's mouth by the watercooler, you can reply with your new-found knowledge, impressing the pants off the barely 20something secretary, rewarded with a fake smile and a nervous sideways stare. The countries differences obvious to even the awkward travelers.

Which is why I enjoy La Bamba. I can't be sure of the homeland of everyone in the band, but its an authentic Brazilian event, multiple beats of drum and bass inside a large warehouse, with rasta-black guys doing their wildest flipping and banging of whatever mix of the bongo's and upside-down garbage bin their instrument is. The music is also catchy, easy to dance to, plus a dedicated section for shirtless gay guys exists, kept in the obstructed view area where no one would be anyway. Only issues are the embarrassingly long beer line, and the unique monetary inflation that seems 50 basis points stronger on the week to week alcohol prices than elsewhere. Either way, a great street style event. Another point, or point subtraction depending on your opinion is many foreigners also go there, as high as 20%. Some people think that detracts from the cultural experience. Me? I'll keep it simple, if you're interested in hooking up with some girl and possibly having some of that 'we're both traveling so let's lower our standards and fuck' sex, then La Bamba is your (and my) place. And what's that, you possess beginner level Spanish plus intermediate knowledge of the city's nightlife on any given night? You can spend the whole night talking about BsAs itself, and they'll eat it all up, and even start demanding that you show them where to go. Goldmine. Only issue being fending off Argie guys when parts of your flock start getting separated from the pack (I'll have more to say about Argie guys in future updates,they deserve a three part series, frankly, but for now, let's just say they are aggressive and shameless).

I should probably be searching for something of a more cool, underground style cultural event shit to do instead of attending the same gringa-orgy every Monday, but what am I, some kind of faggot?! Nuh-uh, I'm Mr Hetero, and not the deeply insecure overly compensating kind, but the 'bro, how much do you luv the vagina?' beer-funneling kind. You know, that other type of cliche traveler.