Richard Gere was right

"People'a reactions to opera the first time they see it are very dramatic; they either love it or they hate it. If they love it, they will always love it. If they don't, they may learn to appreciate it, but it will never become part of their soul."


Last night, it was hard to use a ticket ordering website because I don't have a Colombian credit card. I therefore headed over to Blockbuster this morning. They have a Tu Boleta stand that is much easier to use. After some confusion about their technology not working correctly, I used the ATM that is also right on the property... and that is the story of my successfully obtaining front row seats to today's 5 PM performance of The Barber of Seville.

After returning my bank card to my apartment, I enjoyed the Bears game at my friend Tim's apartment. We've been watching games together since the season started. I've also been making picks and am pleased to be 8-4 today going into the last two games of the weekend.

My friend Jennifer (from Atlanta) and I then took a taxi to Teatro de Bellas Artes. The Tu Boleta lady had told me the theater was a 45 minute ride and confirmed that one hour was more than enough time. So, we left at 3:35 PM just in case there might be any rain. That really slows traffic here. At 3:47, our taxi passed security and we had arrived! That left some time for going over the mediocre Wikipedia synopsis of the opera over Dunkin Donuts (mine was filled with arrequipe, also known as dulce de leche) and my favorite Juan Valdez Latte ChocoCoco.

The first act opened beautifully. Fiorello had a very good voice, and Figaro was outstanding. It got a bit slow for maybe 20 minutes (the first act was 1 hr 40 min) but was strong ending the act. Trying to follow the occasional Spanish subtitle for that long gets really tiring. Thus the 2000 peso Colombiana downstairs at intermission was  (basically a full bottle of cream soda for $1) was very refreshing. I stopped by the doorman to get some idea where we could arrange for a taxi after the show. Incidentally the picture below was taken at 6:45 PM. Once it gets dark here, it's like midnight until dawn.

Returning to our seats, the older couple sitting next to us asked how I like the opera so far. "Me gustan la voz de cada actor, y tambien la musica de la orquestra." They were so friendly! Act two's opening was hilarious! Also after one scene that seemed important to follow, I was able to completely let loose of the translations. The music really did get that powerful. There's a love duet between Count Almaviva and Rosina that was absolutely cathartic (right around "Alfine eccoci qua.") It brought tears to my eyes that were released later during the wedding scene and in the bows. Whoa! I can't imagine seeing opera from seats farther away. I just wouldn't get the same connection with the play. After the show, the couple clarified where each of us was from and commented, "Bienvenidos!" They added something along the lines of we're glad you're here. We welcome Americans. They were delightful!