So now that the main task of organizing the basic furnishings for our new place is mostly done, I thought I would try to check out the local health club to see about organizing some kind of exercise routine. It's located only a few blocks from our apartment and Roy has already been a member there for the last few years. As Roy had given them a heads up that I may wish to also join, it's a relatively simple matter to make the arrangements. That was the easy part. Then the hard part, I've decided that I would try a "Salsa" dance class. I've never actually taken any Salsa dancing but thought perhaps my Jazzercise experience might at least give me a credible start.
I arrived my usual "Canadian" early to class and of course they were running their usual "Tunisian" late. This was not necessarily a good thing. Because I was so "early", I was then able to watch their traditional aerobics class which runs prior to the Salsa one I was hoping to try. Oh dear god, nothing could prepare someone for what I saw. Imagine a room full of people, kinda of like the current Zumba classes that have become so popular in Calgary lately, all dancing some complicated, fast paced Arabic dancing and everyone (even the guys) performing beautifully! I mean, they could take their class as a show on the road in Canada and people would buy tickets! I'm now thinking, how can I quietly get out of here and pretend like I was never there. There is no way that I could ever learn to dance like that! I'm looking desperately for at least one person who might be on the same learning curve as me, and nope .... they all look amazing. Then Jamel's wife, Samia and her two girls see me .... it is great to see them but oh no, now I have to follow through on this Salsa thing since my graceful exit is no longer a possibility.
We have a good visit and then very soon my new Salsa class starts up. I decide to make sure I'm at the very back, in a corner and just do my best. No such luck, there are only about 6 people in this class, so am very much visible. The class starts and phew, I am actually able to follow not too badly. I guess I picked the right class to start off with after-all.
Samia & Jamel have invited me to diner tomorrow evening, I will try to arrange to get Samia and/or her girls to show me some of those aerobic class moves. Perhaps this will be a new goal for the time here. To be able to get through, credibly, one of those classes! Hmm, can a white, scottish-canadian learn some Arabic dancing ....?
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