Laurencio's "Good Air": I turned 21 a month early!!! Mar del Plata

Hello all. Nice to see you guys again, where have you been? Well actually it was my problem; I'm been so busy and little bit too lazy to write weekly blogs (as I told myself). A couple weekends ago, me and my friends (total of 11) took a 6 hour bus trip to Mar del Plata: a beach town in the Province of Buenos Aires. Also, the surrounding area has plenty of beaches. We all happened to go during a national holiday, Dias Feriados that fortunately happen frequently in Argentina. So, I guess it's Play and then Work?! Below is a picture of one of the beaches that we took a quick bus too. As you can see TONS of Argentinians spread out and taking in some sun. But, other beaches contained even more residents. The first day, we ironically went to a beach called Playa Popular (Popular Beach)...we were looking for a tropical getaway (doesn't exist here FYI).

Next is a picture of ME. This was taken on the same beach (just looking towards Mar del Plata , to the north, which in reality isn't visible from here)

Now on to the fun stuff. On my birth certificate, it says that my birthday is on April 1st. I'm not sure how they got that wrong because on February 28th I turned 21! Of course, it was joke which was terribly misunderstood. Everyone on the trip ate at a traditional Argentinian restaurant in Downtown Mar del Plata the night before we would return to Buenos Aires. Some girl with us (I wish I knew who exactly) told the waiter that it was my birthday. I personally despise when restaurants make a HUGE deal out of nothing, celebrating somebody's birthday with loud noises, clapping, and cheering with all the eyes of the other customers focused on you, solely. In the past, this has happened to me, but only for less than a minute and you even get free dessert. This time, in Mar del Plata I told myself: "Evan, no need to worry I'm sure it's just an American way of saying 'Happy Birthday' so don't sweat it." Minutes later, I was back in my relaxed mode with my mind on my awaiting dinner.....then....

Oh, What do you know? A Mariachi band busts in the door!! Not just a three amigos Mariachi band, a full 6 member Mariachi band with the proper attire and the instruments to complement them. "This HAS to be a coincidence" , I told myself. Instants later they march the parade directly in front of me. Still, however I had hope because they were playing traditional Mariachi/Mexican music. "Phewwwww it's almost over, Evan." Next thing I know all eyes are on me as the leader begins to mention "un caballero" or a gentleman seated where I was, who's birthday was that day. It gets worse, they play Happy Birthday with their blaring trumpets while everybody is staring in awe at the scene, some smiling, some having no expression as I have my head down, extremely embarrassed. The whole shin-dig lasted almost 45 minutes. That's right. They came back and presented me with more songs. The leader allowed me to wear his Sombrero...just what I need more attention and embarrassment. If I could have, I would have been out of there in no time.