I never knew any Israeli people before I started dancing salsa. Now that I have met them, I understand why. I could never before stand to be around anybody that direct...I was way too sensitive.

"I don't like it tonight," said Israeli Salsa Mafia Leader. "The band is no good."

We were talking to the club promoter.

"Hey, don't hold back or anything. Tell us what you really think," I joked.

"You don't step back on your one. That is why you have trouble following me."

Be careful what you joke about with Israeli Salsa Mafia Leader.

I used to think they were weird. They were always in a clique, always dancing rueda, always taking over the salsa club....sound familiar? But now that I'm friends with them, I'm like one of the family.

"I'm watching you," said Israeli Salsa Mafia Leader. He always watches my footwork so he can correct me. It's his way of showing that he cares.

Just for today, I can connect with people of different cultures through salsa.