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Matt and I spread our cultural wings and attended our first concert in Colombia. A very popular salsa group from Puerto Rico, that has been playing for over 50 years, was performing along with four other popular salsa acts. We attended the concert with a few friends/co-workers of Matt's and my Spanish teacher/friend, Alice. We were given basic information and expectations:

- the concert begins at 8:00 pm , however do not expect to see a live performance until after 10

- even though the concert will begin late, one must show up on time as there is not assigned seats... it's a first come, first serve mentality

- the concert could last until 3 or 4 am

- there will likely not be any seats, expect to sit on the ground

- wear something comfortable, including flats, and put your hair up... it will be very hot

We arrived at the venue and I realized it was an outdoor concert. We proceeded through security, which included purse checks and full pat downs. After security part 1, an employee took our tickets, removed a lighter from his pocket, and placed the flame to the underside of the ticket. Then this happened:

Apparently this is how they tell if a ticket is counterfeit. The underside will not leave a mark, just the top.

We entered the venue and immediately I realized there were tables and chairs... which made me very happy. We sat down and our table was approached by a man offering drinks; rum, scotch, or aquadente. That's all. No beer. No wine. Just liquor. I wasn't prepared for that, but when you are going to be at a concert for the next 8 hours, one in which you will not understand a spoken word or lyric, a few stiff drinks is in your best interest. 

The first act came on between 10:00 and 10:30 pm... right on time.

The first performer was from Cartagena and a crowd pleaser. It was quite fun to people watch, as the group was quite eclectic, people of all ages. But the one thing they share is their love of dance.  When they feel the beat, they are not afraid to stand up and move their hips. It took Matt and I a little bit more rum to move our hips.

{Spanish Teacher Alice}

Theire were two more acts before the main Puerto Rican Salsa group took the stage. Including one who may or may not have been under the influence of some kind of substance and refused to leave the stage. Train wreck. This ended with security approaching the stage and speaking to him asking him to leave... but not before he free styled a song about why he didn't want to leave.  

Finally at about 3:00 am, the act we/they had all been waiting for made it to the stage. I believe Matt and I lasted through 3 songs. At 3:45 am, after over 7 hours, we decided we were salsa-ed out.

Another Colombian Adventure conquered...