Bull, no bull

Marla, Raya and I decided to explore Old Town since none of us have done this before, and because it  has changed so much since we were kids.  Specifically our plan was to end the evening at the Stampede for dance lessons and bull riding.  

We started at the Edge, which has outdoor seating and a daily happy hour until 6.  

After a quick dinner at Rosa's Cantina we stopped for pictures in front of the location of what used to be my mom's plant shop in Butterfield Square.  

The old windmill marks the spot of Butterfield Square, a sight that reminds me of my childhood.  

We made it!  

The Stampede has a 5$ entrance fee and costs 3$ for dance lessons.  Drinks are 2.50$ until 7pm.  

What a deal.

We took a picture with our dance instructor whose words 'and now we're sailors' (which described part of a dance routine) are burned into our brains.

One thing that was clear before we arrived at the Stampede was that we would be riding the bull.  It cost 5$ for two rides and was definitely a highlight of the night.  

Raya's friend Jennifer, who really wants to be referred to as a honorary Braun sister, joined us at the Stampede.  She is a Stampede frequenter; it was nice to have expert on hand.  

So fun.

The Stampede has a maximum capacity of just under 1,000.  It did get crowed by the end of the night but since the place is so huge it is not overwhelming.  

I had no idea how many different line dances there are.  It was so fun to watch, my favorite dances involving stomping.  

At the end of the night all the women sat in the middle of the dance floor and the men danced around them; the same was repeated for the men.  According to the honorary Braun sister this is atypical.   

What a fun night.  The Stampede was way cooler, and way countrier that I ever would have imagined.  I can't wait to go back with Fred so we can take some dance lessons.