And so to Verona for a short stay and to attend the famous Verona Arena Opera Festival. This was a warm Italian evening of much glamour and ceremony, and probably too many Prosecco's (sparkling white).The lead soprano was no spring chicken (as I am told is often in Italy!!!) but she sang like a butterfly and her vocal performance dominated the evening and the stage. Superb.It was a very expensive ticket (181 Euros) but I am glad that I finally got here for a performance.My seat was great, I could see the orchestra and the stage was quite close (4 rows.
My stay at the Catholic Hostel for the Protection of Young Women (my financial pennance for the extravagance of the Opera ticket!) was pretty crook, but there was clean sheets and a hot shower - so I guess I cannot complain too loudly for 27 Euros - and also located in the middle of the oldest historic part of Verona (next door to the very old Duomo), the neighborhood was 12th century and so was the hostel.I was up in the attic, where the only redeeming feature was the little odd attic windows which, when flung wide open, allowed the swiss breezes to flow down the mountains and into my room. Thank God for them, because there was no airconditioning and the whole of Verona was pretty warm for my short stay - 30's or higher.But when the bells rang (frequently), my whole room shook. Cracks all over the place, hate to be there in an earthquake!I was the only English speaking guest, but I met a lovely teenager from Urzbekistan studying Opera at the University of Padua. She sang me some aria's from Romeo and Juliet and from Madame B, her favourite opera. She was thrilled to meet someone from Australia! Her name was Kamila, and she is determined that one day I will hear her sing as Madame B on the big stage at Verona.
All over now. Leaving Verona this morning for Milan, and thank you again, John, this is very nice business class lounge! My first decent computer for a while, so i will try and download some pics. However, the food looks good, so we will see what wins!
Back to work and much dieting.
Note: The pcs I have tried will not download anything! Its seems security has been a big issue and hotels, lodgings and airport lounges forbid downloading of your pics etc. Most want you to haul your own laptop.I may have to consider this next trip!
Cheerio, hoping for a smooth flight home on Cathay via London and Hong Kong.
Marcelle
