I was in B.A. two years ago, for the second time. There are many good reasons for going to this great, faded, safe, European city, with excellent food and reasonable prices, but for us the reason is Argentine Tango... the dance that is the vertical expression of a horizontal desire. We go a couple of times a week to learn and try out what we've learnt, and it's great.

If you don't believe me check out a dancer called Natash Poberaj on Utube, and, despite the grainy pictures, you'll see what I mean. Legs up to her armpits and when she moves around, over, on and beside her partner you can hear the air crackle.

Unlike here in T.O. where the air crackles for a different reason...static generated by the cold dry air as the temp goes down to -15C again. All I can think, as I go round the streets with Maggie, the Aussie/Lab cross that's a bit deaf now and thinks she's a husky, is that in B.A. the temperature is in the 70's, the sky is an elegant blue, the coffee bars are full of people at 0100 who stay up till 0730 and then go to work, and the milongas are hopping. Two dances, a beer, a slice of pizza and then tango in close embrace for another hour or so.

Do I wish I was there? To see the widest street in the world, with the third largest opera house in the world at one end? To go to Cafe Ideal and watch the hundred year old waiters glide between the tangoistas. What do you think?

John, would-be-tangoista, Bart.