Operatic Observations

1.    I attended my first opera this evening. I saw Norma at the Hungarian State Opera House. I bought my ticket for 500 ft… or €1.82… or $2.50 Cdn!

2.    I’ve become used to the fact that in Europe when they say “second floor”, they mean the third level. This is due to their labelling ground floor as zero. However, when I found my seat tonight, I counted ground floor, and then one, two, three balconies to where I was seated. New heights for a “second floor” ticket.

"Second floor" in the beautiful Hungarian State Opera House.

3.    As it turns out, a ticket worth $2.50 will get you in the door of the beautiful Opera House. It will certainly get you within earshot of the singers. However, it will only afford you a view of about half the stage… NOT that I am complaining.

My view.

4.    Speaking of “within earshot”, no microphones? These singers have pipes.

5.    Judging solely from this event, opera singers seem to have a very different average body type than ballet dancers… or even concert musicians for that matter.

6.    To the lady sitting in front of me: unwrapping hard candies during any show is annoying, but if you must do it, then at least have the common sense to wait until there is a crescendo.

7.    So, the opera was in Italian. I do not know if it is common practice to include sub-titles. This opera was sub-titled. However, as would be expected, it was sub-titled in Hungarian, and the language – with its 17 extra letters – leaves me feeling a bit baffled. I did read the English synopsis, so had a general idea of what was going on.

8.    Despite not always being clear of the story, and despite only being able to see half of the stage, I still thoroughly enjoyed myself. I could hear the music – orchestra and singers – perfectly, and that seems to be the most important part.

9.    I did not understand a word sung, but it is true that you can emote with the singers. It was pretty neat, and I would visit the Opera again… though only after I save some money, since I may never find a deal like this one again!

I arrived “home” to find that I’m currently the only one in my hostel, and it is quite odd, as well as a funny coincidence for my final night in a hostel (for this trip, at any rate). I suddenly remember how odd it was to go home after I travelled last time and finally be sleeping in a bedroom by myself. I can use tonight as preparation. At least no one is snoring.

Still sleeping on a top bunk, despite the 7 other empty beds in the room.

Copenhagen tomorrow; one more time.

Sending love from Hungary!