Where's my wing-woman?

Yesterday I didn’t take a nap so I could try and go to bed at a normal Spanish time but it didn’t seem to work. I went to bed a little after 1am and didn't wake up until just now (12:30). Yikes.

Last night I went out to the bar…by myself. Now, in the U.S. I consider myself fairly independent and don’t have a problem going and getting something to eat by myself or going to a movie solo…but going to a bar has usually been where I drew the line. It was so nerve wracking. I grabbed a beer and tried to work up the courage to approach the group of people my age. I knew if I gave up it would set the tone for the rest of my trip. I would feel uncomfortable, and they would know that I was here and didn’t approach them, so they probably wouldn’t approach me. It totally reminded me of going up to someone you don't know at a bar and trying to get them to dance with you, or asking them out on a date, except I was just trying to find friends. Finally, I went for it. Antonio and Jose Manuel were right next to me, so I just told them I was new in town and needed suggestions about what to do here. They laughed, and I assured them I knew it was a small town. Apparently La Mezquita (the bar/restaurant where I was at) is the best place for a Friday night. I slowly got introduced to a few more of their friends (Ramona and Diego), and we shared good laughs over certain occasions when I didn’t have the slightest idea what they were saying. At one point I just said, “Ask me again in 8 months. I’ll understand by then.” Luckily they were very nice. It was awkward, but they took me in. They invited me to come with them to the next bar, Menphys. It was an Egyptian style bar. We chilled on bar stools, played darts and attempted conversation (which was more difficult here because of the loud music). Maria and Jose Miguel joined us there. Maria is 18 and still at ‘el instituto” (the high school) but she seemed the most concerned about making me feel comfortable. She seemed to understand most that I was there alone and needed friends. She also offered me a ride at the end of the night so I wouldn’t have to walk alone. It’s really not far of a walk from my point of view, but I accepted anyways. She said we could get coffee the next day at 4. I excitedly agreed. I feel like that made the night a success. There’s hope that tonight’s slightly awkward interaction will lead to more hang-out times and friends. Oh, and they also told me that not so many people go out on Friday nights. Saturday night is the best night and the only night that the discoteca is open. They are going tonight and I plan on going as well.