Monday, October 1st was a much anticipated day for us here: this was the day we were to return to Milan to attend a performance of La Boheme, at the renown theater La Scala. Even better, a group of Houston travelers including our dear friends Jim and Patricia Allen were also to be in Milan and we were looking forward to meeting them there.
The thought of attending an opera performance came to us nearly a year ago, when we realized that our time in northern Italy would coincide with the La Scala season. When we learned that La Boheme (Laura’s favorite opera) was scheduled, we were ecstatic! Individual tickets would not go on sale until months later, in July, and we marked the calendar and scheduled iPhone reminders to make sure we remembered to order them. What we didn’t think about was that July27 came 7 hours earlier in Milan than it did in Michigan, and by the time Laura logged on to purchase the tickets, there were only about 30 seats left! We snagged the two best available, and crossed our fingers that they would be decent seats. We had another near disaster waiting for the tickets to arrive in Houston (the fine print of the purchase order stated that tickets would be mailed no less than 3 weeks prior to performance, but we planned to leave Houston 5 weeks prior…those tickets arrived in the mail the Saturday before Labor Day, the last possible delivery day before our Tuesday departure!
Our “night at the opera” was picture perfect. The evening was mild and we met the Allen party for a wonderful pre-performance dinner, al fresco. La Scala was gorgeous on every level and it was truly profound to experience Puccini in a venue so rich with operatic history. Oh, and our seats ended up being great! In the morning, we met the Allen’s for hugs and coffee and a bit of people watching in the Piazza del Duomo.
You just can not use that title and not include a shot of Groucho!!
My own resident soprano looking damn chic. Love her.
The Teatro La Scala from our seats. Even I had goose bumps. Pretty darn cool place to be.
Let the music begin.
Opening act of La Boheme…Mimi and Rudolfo are about to sing what Laura believes is the most beautiful love song ever written.
Every opera needs a horse on stage! Look closely, this scene is staged with a second story. Wow!
Delivery Italian style.
Where is the espresso?? And brioche??
Piazza del Duomo scenery.
Little kids + pigeons! They are made for each other.
This lady had a sidewalk stand sewing names or sayings onto aprons and bibs.
There is a story in the wheel and I don’t think it ended well.
Tre migliori amici (three best friends). One barber. Apparently.
Bravo! (is that the right language?)
Mike, keep those images of doorknobs, funky latches ect. coming. I love archetectural details!
Mom says “You go, girl!” You have a big responsibility – you’re doing it for the rest of us, too!”
Wow, great to hear from you Mom! I will assume this responsibility and fulfill it with all the gusto I have…that means having enough fun for 5 people, right?? I’m on it!!
Love you guys, xxxxoooo
Absolutely stunning! Love the pictures. Laura does look very chic, as always. Miss you guys!
Mindy,
Glad that you are in touch. We have had lots of fun so far as you can ell from the previous blog posts. We hope all is well back in Houston.
Michael and Laura
WOW! That is the most amazing Opera House I have ever seen! you look sooo nice in that dress aunt Laura!! We miss you! oh yeah, and Cakepan too 😉 Hope you and uncle Mike are having a great time! I’m going to the Opera next sunday to see The Barber of Sivile, idk if i even spelled that right, any way have a GREAT time! it sure looks like ya are!
xxooxxoo
Michael,
About that 1892??????? Get serious! More envious. Beautiful. There is life after Winchester.
Gene61
Gene,
I absolutely agree with you about life after Winchester. I try to squeeze in about an hour a day trying to catch rifles for the research but beyond that not much. I am too busy taking photos, running around the country and having a great time with my wife as we explore new places. It would be fun to find just a few guns over here that would otherwise go unaccounted for. Look back through all the entries in the blog and enjoy the trip. Keep in touch
Michael
La Scala! I think I just died. I’m so glad yall are having a fun time! It’s so wonderful of you to share your experience. =] (Even if it makes some of us green with envy.)