So, what's a typical Friday or Saturday night out like?

The thing I love about foreign countries and big cities is the use of public spaces.  I love that homes are for sleeping and cooking while parks and plazas draw people out in droves.  Chances are your piso (apartment) isn't huge, so you don't necessarily throw dinner parties or fiestas---you go out.  And, unless you are sick or for some reason needing solace, you are crazy to be sitting at home when the world is buzzing around you.  (I think this also is tied to cultural trends of conformity and community versus individuality and independence).

That being said, Friday and Saturday nights out definitely have a solid routine.  Everyone starts off at the Malecon (the commercialized waterfront).  When businesses shut down, people are out walking, chatting, eating, drinking.  People perch on the curb, benches, or in the open aired restaurants which all overlook the water.  The social experience for someone age 16-35, of course, begins with a stop by the liquor store (La Pirata is our liquor store of choice) for your favorite brew.  And, because no one necessarily wants to be chugging from the same bottle or sharing the same mixer, cups are always provided free of charge.  Yippee!

So, once equipped with said beverage (ours is coña which is for another post), you nestle in somewhere comfortable, which in our case is a bench in the middle of the Malecon which directly overlooks the water such that there are sea lions orcking right below you...or right next to you.  The booze is opened, drinks are mixed, and stories are shared.  Round about 11:00pm, we head for the bar which is, as everyone knows, Iguana Rock.  Iguana Rock is sports bar meets college bar meets gringo bar where locals and foreigners come to play pool and share a beer.  It's guaranteed that anyone you want to hang out with will be there.  You can't go in without seeing at least someone you know.  If you're in the mood, you can hit the small dance floor which is equipped with a tropical Hawaiian breeze machine which spritzes coconut scented mist and boasts a disco ball.  (Yes, it is as glamourific as it sounds.)

Once everyone is adequately boozed and the conversation winds down, you know time it is?  That's right....it's La Isla time, yo, which is to say---it's clubbin' time.  For the low cost of $1 (or free if you can play the gringa-card or know the doorman) you can enter into yet another disco paradise which is an expanded version of Iguana's dance floor.  This magical land is fog machine meets disco ball meets lazer light show meets fist-pumping action.  Your dance pants had BETTER be on because tonight, tonight's gonna be a good, good night.  Go big or go home.  That's the magic of La Isla.  Once you're in.....you're IN.  And, you're not going home until the sun comes up.....or the bar closes at 2am anyway.