Italians, Belly dancing, and another Birthday

This past weekend we enjoyed a visit from Josh's sister Callie for her Birthday. We celebrated in typical San Antonio fashion by going to dinner at Stefanias Country Italian to eat decadent Italian delights and listen to smooth jazzy tunes from St. Vincent and the Grenadines (the jazz band that played at our wedding). Stefanias is our favorite Italian place in SA. It is right down the street from us on a cozy corner lot. The inside is small and intimate with one of a kind atmosphere. Soft lighting, small tables, weird Mexican art haphazardly hung on the walls, delicious bread, great wine/beer selection, what more could you want?

Belly dancing of course.

This is a shot of Callie at the downtown location.

We have experienced this odd quirk before so we knew what we were getting into, the best part is watching other people (i.e. Callie) see it for the first time. Here's what happens.

The band takes a break.

The lights dim.

A red spotlight floods the stage.

Crazy music starts streaming from the speakers around the room, the beat so strong you can feel the rhythm in your bones.

Just as you are about to 1. lean over and ask the person next to you what is going on or 2. jump out of your seat and start moving to the beat (depending on how many glasses of wine you have consumed) your eyes are visually assaulted by a middle aged woman in full belly dancing garb with a not so slim belly completely exposed in all its glory. She is dancing her heart away, filling the small room with her presence, belly moving at an ungodly speed.

Avert your eyes! Dont make eye contact! She might think you want an up close and personal glimpse!

The room is mostly full of Redeemer folk here to support the band.  This wily dancer targets the gentlemen in the room and the poor guys from Redeemer are turning scarlet and staring into their lasagna as she sticks her gyrating tummy in their faces hoping for a tip (which you are supposed to tuck in her belt). Everyone is feeling extremely awkward as we try to pretend this is not happening, continue normal conversation, stifle nervous giggles, and pray that it will all be over soon.

The song stops.

You breath a sigh of relief, the spectacle is finished. Finally.

Then the another song starts and she is back in full swing.

Ooooh boy.

After about 15 minutes/eternity she is done, the grenadines start up again, and everything returns to normal. What an adventure, so awkward in the moment, so hilarious after the fact.

You might wonder what a person is to do if they happen to get the belly dancing bug while dining at Stefanias. Don't worry! The management has covered every detail. Little colorful fliers have been placed on every table advertising belly dancing classes at a studio right across the street! How convenient...

We went home from this unique dining experience and had some tasty desserts to top off the celebration.

What a happy day:)