It seems ages since we had our midnight dinner following the Tango lessons. As you might have already guessed, we slept in very late the next day. Somewhere in the late afternoon we went for a stroll in the Palermo neighborhood where galleries, cafes and shops abound. Papas stopped for an ice cream at Freddo’s. Later we had pasta in a corner Parrissa where the waiter drew us a picture of Washington state to show he knew where we lived. Pictionary always helps to bridge language barriers. Charades works too.

Our next day began when a private car arrived to take us on a fashion adventure. The vehicle pretty much fit the description of the type guide books warn about. I guess the thrill of a custom made jacket overruled our senses. A quick 20 minutes and we found ourselves inside the garment factory’s showroom. Upon entry we were greeted by Gisela and Ester who helped papas peruse the merchandise.

There were many choices of leather jackets, slacks and purses. Papas each chose coats that reflected their individual styles. Adjustments to zippers, collars and even color were taken in stride. What really caught the ladies off guard was my papas requests to make me a jacket. They acted like they’d never had such a request. With only a moment’s delay a designer was brought out to review a basic pattern my papa drew. She quickly added a collar with silver studs and velcro snaps. But it was the arrival of the hot pink leather sample that made me squeal.

Before we left the shop we stopped and looked at a jewelry display that included leather and silver wrist bands (or collars to  petite Chihuahuas like me). Much to my surprise the clerk gave it to me as a gift. She must have noticed the special twinkle in my eye. A coat and accessories in one short shopping spree – yippee! The ride back to our hotel on Gallo Ave was uneventful though the car was more dreadful than the earlier one. Luckily we made it home just before a heavy rainstorm confined us indoors for several hours.

Later the same evening we headed out for dinner at Garden Restaurante. One papa feels vacationing in foreign lands requires a meal at a Chinese eatery. Oddly, portenos seemed to have a dislike for Asian cuisine which made it difficult to identify a good place. Fortunately we lucked out and had a delicious meal set in an old world ambience. Like their American counterparts, they appeared to do a brisk take-out business. With full tummies we headed back for a good night’s rest.

Chau,

Stella Luna