Dinner, Creepers, and the TexasTango

Yesterday after moving into the room the Walkers took us out for dinner in the artisan market. The menu was incredibly difficult to understand because it was entirely in Spanish with no pictures. It was kind of scary to randomly trying to pick a dish that we would like from the menu. I finally made a decision but, then they ran out so I decided to get a Chivito which was a vocabulary word. According to our vocabulary list it was a meat sandwich. Instead I received a steak, with ham, bacon, cheese, and a partially cooked egg on top of a bed of lettuce, beets, potatoes, onions, carrots and a plate of fries. Overall it was good but, people who were around me were surprised as well by its appearance.

So some of you may be wondering why this post includes creepers…well it seems for some reason in every country I have gone I have met people who wanted to take a picture of me, followed me, stared really hard, or….did some other stuff. Uruguay is no exception. I met my first creeper today. While sitting eating dinner a man walked by with a camera tucked beneath his arm pit and took a picture. I didn't notice him at first cause his creeper skills were so pro. He took it to another level with the whole walking straight ahead, hiding it beneath his bulging jacket, backwards…but…he ruined it with his flash which blinded mea and let the people on my side of the table he was taking a picture. He then left the building only to return in 15 minutes later with a manila envelope, proceeded to walk by us again, spoke to the waitress and showed her what was in the envelopes. He then walked by us again and sat down at a small table and began to look through what appeared to be photos. Throughout the duration of dinner he walked by about 6 times. Although everyone got a good laugh after we got home and were out of danger. Honestly, I'm annoyed. I am annoyed I can't enjoy a decent meal without people staring at me. I am annoyed that he took a picture and didn't even ask. And am annoyed I felt scared and threatened by this guy I don't even know on my second day in Uruguay. There are days I seriously hate looking different and other days I love it. This was a day I hated it. Everyone keeps laughing and saying it's no big deal, but see when its happens over and over and over it doesn't become a fun first and only time in your lifetime cultural experience. It follows me around the globe. Well, I suppose in a few days I will begin to see the humor as well but until then. I'm stoic.

The evening improved as the night went on. Brandon and Lindsey demonstrated some amazing dance moves with the help of Tanner a student from LBC who played the fiddle like a pro. They all had some hardcore skills and kept us entertained for quite a while check it out!