Diary from the salsaweekend in Bovallstrand 26 - 28 of November 1999



friday 26th

We were about 20 people gathering at Shell carpark in Gothenburg to enter the bus which would take us to Bovallstrand  in Bohuslän.For all of us who hadn´t been at the previous salsaweekend, the expectation were high because we´ve heard so much about it.After two hours in the bus we arrived to the school where we were supposed to dance and sleep. We were all in a good mood, eventhough a little bit tired, because we,ve heard nice salsamusic all the way up here.When we got to the school ,the first thing we had was a lovely soup. The people in the kitchen were just marvellous, we had some very nice eatingexperience during this weekend. After the meal we put our sleepingbags and airbeds on the floor in a classroom, changed into trainingclothes and then off we went. The first class started. Now we got to know Robert and Dawn from London and Wilson and Katarina from Stockholm. The first hour Robert and Dawn took care of us, and we were introduced to a style that we didn´t know. The second hour Wilson and Katarina showed us how they dance in Stockholm. Those two hours flew away as i thought they would. After a nice shower we were served dinner. It was chicken with a spicy sauce. Then it was party!!!! We were dancing all night long, at least some of us did, me myself went to bed at 1.30. I just couldn´t keep my eyes open.Att this moment Wilson and Katarina left us for Stockholm again.

Saturday 27th

I woke up with a lovely scent in my nose.Newly-baked bread!!!! I jumped to my feet (the other ones thought  I looked more like a zombie) After a lovely breakfast we hit the "dancefloor" again. Robert and Dawn took care of us in a very professional and humourus way and we all enjoyed their classes so much!! They´ve got a totally different way of dancing then we are used to and you really got inspired to learn more.After this class we had lunch. Some pasta with an indescribably nice sauce. That was just what we needed after two hours of hard work. Then we could do what we wanted for an hour and, me and some others went down to Bovallstrand "city".(it is a fishingvillage) It´s so beautiful even in the winter,really soothing for your soul. It was about to bee 2.30 and we had to be back for our next class. The laughs were as usual many. We all feltthat Robert and Dawn really put their life and soul into this. These two hours just passed and suddenly the class was over. Now we got some food again. Sandwiches with cheese or liverpaste. Some rest , and then another two hours dancing. After this my legs could kill me. They were really aching and my feet were a bit sore. The dinner was excellent as usual. We had loin of pork and potatoes.After finishing dinner the party started again. At first there were no dancing. (I think every leg in that room was aching a bit) But it didn´t take long before the dancefloor was full again. Robert and Dawn showed us one last dance. They had to go back to London early the next morning,not to miss their classes in London sunday afternoon. I think everyone thanked them personally for this fantastic weekend. I´m not lying when I say that everyone was as entusiastic as I was. We were goingon until approx. 2 o´clock that night and then we fell into bed. Totally exhausted.

Sunday 28th

I had some difficulties getting up this morning. My legs were really stiff. But I did make it to the shower this morning aswell. The breakfast were very nice, this morning they´ve added Rica a la Malta. (Somethimg we swedes love to eat at christmastime). I really enjoyed it. After finishing breakfast we had 1,5 hours training again. We all tried to remember what Robert and Dawn had thought us. The sadest part of the weekend were now to come. We had to pack all our stuff and eat a last lunch with the "salsagang" before the bus took us home again. How sad!!!! We had a last lovely meal which was a perfect ending of a perfect weekend.On the bus to Gothenburg most of us were sleeping, I think, I was anyway. We said goodbye to each other at Shell again and promised to return next salsaweekend, which will take place in April??!! I can hardly wait. And we all hope to see Robert and Dawn again.

Best regards Ragnhild