Feeding the Soul: Vin Santos and Bandoneón

To say that it was a religious experience would really be overstating my first encounter with Vin Santo, the Tuscan dessert wine that was recommended to me when I asked about local drinks. It wasn't bad, though, and I could see enjoying a) something I might not have to bend down to take off the shelf (so to speak) or b) in the Tuscan tradition - cantucci e vin santo - which means with some hazelnut biscotti that you dip in the wine to soften it.
The glass that I had came from our friendly neighborhood winery, and so was Vin Santo San Fabiano, bottled personally by our friendly neighborhood Count. (okay, that's probably not true, but it makes for better reading, and there really is a count, apparently, although I haven't personally been inside yet. I've heard he wears a cape. I'll let you know...)
The wine, which is pressed from dried grapes, has the distinct flavor of dried apricots, and its color is something akin to the blush of aforesaid fruit. Not too sweet this one, and a hint of burnt toast that probably compliments those biscotti.

Now the bandoneón, on the other hand, was Moving.

We had a private concert from Helena Rüegg, acclaimed tango bandoneónista. The bandoneón is similar in appearance to the accordion and sounds (as it should) like a portable organ. It is, the soul of the tango. It made me want to get up and dance, fo' sho.

But you know what they say...


I mean,
It Takes Two To Tango.

(yeah, I went there)


((care to dance?))


So aside from some newly embedded bruises (our cabaret piece is going to rock), classes are going pretty well. It's been a long week - 8 hours of classes yesterday culminated in a "Creative Process" class which basically meant Let's All Cry A Lot; while we think about how shitty this life is and how many times you get knocked over and get back up.

afterwards we all needed a drink.

...or they did homework and I needed a drink whatever anyway...

JK, yo, JK.

But in case you're not L-ing O L yet, not to worry:
Because we all ended up in the hallway for our Runway Walk It Off Party.
That's right, I showed up at our movement teacher's door in high heels and a strapless dress to invite him to join.

Just trying to be neighborly.