SIXCIA DEVINE

It’s great when you think about the idea of being in love.
The emotional roller coaster of sensations is just so
overwhelming. Everything and every moment is filled
with hope. Suddenly, the blasted economy, the leak in
your ceiling, the below zero temperatures, and all the
troubles and tribulations of your world have a solution. Then
you read your bank statement. Reality slaps you up side your
head and a little voice whispers “Happy Valentines Day”.

I don’t want to cheapen Valentine’s Day with anything as
vulgar as money. But there is still something to demonstrating
that you know good value and have good taste – even if it
isn’t expensive. So here is the idea: Put together a romance
package – a romance language (sounds sensual, shows you’re
not afraid to learn new things), a spicy dinner (ignites the
appetites), and some Latin dancing (you dance arm-in-arm
with your partner, but they are quick enough to get the blood
moving). And, don’t be afraid to surprise your significant
other a few days before to take advantage of all Providence
has to offer. Details follow…

Everything sounds sensual in Spanish – the rolling “r”s; the
flow and cadence. Let’s face it, your goal here isn’t fluent
Spanish. Just practice enough that a few phrases sound good.
Here are a few you can mumble to your sweetheart as you
venture off into the night. (Don’t forget to roll the “r”s and
don’t stop between the words.)

You are the love of my life
Tu eres el amor de mi vida
(Tu heris hell amor d me veeda)
I love you with all my heart
Te creo con todo mi corazon
(Tay kay-row con toe-doe me cora-zone)
Give me kiss
Dame un beso
(Dah meh un bay-so)
I love your lips
Me encantan tus labios
(May n-con-tan tuz la-bee-os)
You’re a fabulous person
¡Eres una persona fabulosa!
(Erays una pir-zona fa-boo-low-sa)
I adore you
Te adoro
(Tay ha-doro)
A rose for a rose
Una rosa para una rosa
(Una roza parah una roza)

In Spanish you would say, with a puppy dog look and a slight
pucker of the lips, Tu eres el amor de mi vida, eres lo major
que me ha pasado en mi vida…the message is the same one
you want to communicate in English, but the words are different.
The literal translations of the phrases are different;

however, the meaning is the same. The pronunciation of the
words, the rolling of the “r”, the vowels and emphasizes on
certain letters make the language so delicious. And, you have
made an effort – a gesture that makes this time unique. And,
you get all that for 15 minutes of practice with no traffic, no
shopping, no wrapping (well, the wrapping is up to you).

Play a game to get past the words and reveal the message.
Buy a pocket Spanish/English dictionary, create your own
language immersion experience, and speak only Spanish for
the evening. It lets you explore meanings you might have
skimmed past otherwise. It makes you work together.

Add adventure with spice; consider dinning out, and possibly
dancing, at these local hot spots:

FOR DINNER AND DANCING IN ONE LOCATION…
Spice up a Tuesday night at Olives, 108 North Main Street
in Providence. First appetizers first, music and dancing later.
Jeannie Oki, founder of Strictly Salsa is great hostess and
will make you feel MUY Feliz (very happy)! This is a great
night out, especially if you’re looking to great people who
love to shake it!

AUTHENTIC MEXICAN EXPERIENCE
Don Jose Tequila on Federal Hill. The tequilas and margaritas are
authentic. Ask Jorge, the manager, to tell you about his special
line of tequilas and tequila tasting events. The atmosphere is
cozy and romantic. His staff is all bilingual so practice rolling
your “r”s with the native speakers.

ITALIAN FOOD WITH DOMINICAN MUSIC
Mediterraneo Restaurant just re-launched Merengue on
Saturday nights. The DJ plays excellent music for those of
you listen to meringue. This a great place for people who
are just starting to learn how to dance Spanish music. The
meringue dance is a nice simple swaying of the hips with
twist and twirls. (Salsa is three steps on four beats.)
Hope you have a Valentine’s Day to remember.