Gold and Glamour

Contrary to our previous lye ins, today we got up early. Raring to tackle the day head on, we took the subway to the centre of town.

We arrived and headed straight to buy tickets in the grand theatre. These tickets having been sold out on our last visit, we were determined to get a set this time around. We successfully picked up tourist tickets, which were three times the price of a ticket if you were a local. 

With an hour to the tour, we visited a diner opposite. The place sold the most delicious croissants and the staff were very friendly.

We ate and headed back to the theatre for our tour. We entered the foyer with a group of Americans. The hall was very grand and boasted expensive materials and luxurious paintings and architecture.  There were statues around the place and lots of glass boxes containing the opera costumes from back in the day. We were taken around, where we were told of the materials, costs and uses of each area. The entire place was like a palace, surrounded in gold.

We entered the main seating area, where there was a beautiful view of the stage/place. There was a grand stage with a very large opera box. Above us way into the ceiling was a grand chandellier surrounded by a water colour painting. Both were seperated by a gold rim which could seat 15 musicians. On the corners of the ground tier was what appeared to be grids. We were told these were for the widows to watch a show where they were not to be seen by the public.

The place before restoration could host 3000 individuals and can now host 2700. The tickets varied in price back in the day with a sjngle ticket costing around five months pay. Going to a show demonstrated wealth and was utilised more for the social aspect as oppose to attending a show. Guests would arrive at least 1 1/2 hours before the show to gather and there would also be two 1 1/2 hours intervals. 

The guide took us briefly to the princes box, which was located directly next to the side of the stage. We were told that this was so that everyone could see him. The guide went on to tell us of the room acoustics. Because of the architectural build the sound in the building was amazing, with there being no need to use microphones in performances. He demonstrated this by singing us an opera song.

As the tour came to an end, we received notice that our intrrviewee could not make it and so we were free for the afternoon.

We decided to head back to the house and spend some time with our host. We ate some pizza and indulged in conversation before saying our goodbyes and heading to our next dedtination.

This one was a little further away in palermo where we walked over 15 blocks after exiting the subway to get to. Having finally arrived we entered the flat. It was a very nice studio flat, very modern and clean.

We unloaded our things before going for a drink with our new host in the local area. 

Tired and looking forward to bed.
Buenos noches Buenos aires