Tardiness

One thing I wish I was is more confident.

One some levels I pride myself on being extraordinarily confident. In finding various programs and opportunities for my gap year, networking and asking around become like a second nature. I had at least twenty ideas of what I was going to do, slowly narrowing it down. Funnily enough I'm still working on the next piece anyways.

But an experience I had yesterday was a bit of a wake up call. I was waiting at a bar where one of my best friends here works, for another friend to meet up with me. She was late. (Side note: this friend is German... my sense of stereotypes was very befuddled, since she is ALWAYS late).

I chatted a little with one of the british bartenders, who was extraordinarily nice. We bonded over gun violence in our respective cities (Minneapolis, Birmingham) and drinking age laws. Other than that, I took a post by the door and said nothing. So I was a little nervous, speaking good enough french and understanding most things, but surrounded by people I don't know and succumbing a little to negative thoughts.

I think I should go home.

It's not worth it.

I'm so boooored.

Everyone is staring at me, do I have something on my nose? (This is a valid fear. I have had things on my face for HOURS without knowing it. Once I ordered train tickets from the station with chocolate smeared across my chin. Was told a full 40 minutes later by some buddies. Sad day.)

Everyone was staring at me, because I was a pretty funny sight. A young student age woman standing stiffly by the door in a packed and jovial bar, speaking to no one.

Was finally rescued by some Colombian guys, who invited me to sit with them while we waited for our respectively late friends. Our friends showed up two minutes later, together. Turns out my friend got lost and asked for directions from their friend.

The rest of the evening wasn't too eventful. I discovered I'm not much of a nightclub person mostly because I prefer dances with a partner. I'll stick with salsa, merengue, bachata, le rock and swing. Not random gyrating movements.

I had to leave the club early with said German friend so she could catch a bus and me so I could get walked home by a friend who was getting off work. I ended up staying at the bar where he worked and chatting with the owners and fellow bartenders.

Moral of the histoire: Be willing to go out on a limb and chat with people you don't know. Dont be the awkward blonde girl sitting on the corner without friends.