A few weeks ago, I had an interesting run-in while out with some Spanish friends.

Our group decided to find a place to dance after drinks at a few bars.  It was Saturday, so the line for the club that we chose was long, taking us a half hour to reach the front.  When we got there, the bouncer waved in the Spaniards but stopped me.

“You’re not allowed in.”

When I asked why, he told me that I wasn’t wearing nice shoes.  It was true –– I was wearing sneakers –– but this also happened to be the weekend of Carnaval, so men dressed as mermaids and groups in Flintstones costumes were waltzing right in.

I learned from the experience that bouncers can be choosy on Fridays and Saturdays because of the huge number of people waiting.  When the next night of clubbing rolled around, I had armed myself with a new pair of shoes and an argument for the bouncer.  The footwear made all the difference –– I got in without a problem.