il primo sabato

I left the hostel at around 1PM today with the intention of walking to this giardino pubblico near the Duomo, but instead got distracted by some beautiful boots at Comptoir des Cotonniers and a cute cafe, where I spent a couple of hours reading. On my return through the Piazza della Scala I noticed that tonight was the premiere of Don Giovanni, one of my favorite operas. After further inquiry, I learned there was a biglietteria serale around the corner. I waited, got a discounted ticket, then went for a quick aperativo before attending the opera. The opera was wonderful, although the seat was not, but I understand there's a compromise when you're getting a last minute ticket. The production was very modern one; the set really played up contemporary minimalism, Don Giovanni looked like a cross between Criss Angel and Fabio, Donna Elvira rode in on a white vespa and Zerlina and Masetto seemed to be straight out of "Bye Bye Birdie". The show was absolutely sold out, with people standing for all three and a half hours in the seconda galleria. I loved seeing all the different kinds of people who attended the opera, with everyone from groups of old men who knew all the words by heart, to teenagers to whom this was the equivalent of a movie outing. Here are some pictures from my day:


the duomo at night

the line for last minute tickets at La Scala



aperativi! I pretty much ate that whole bowl of cornichons.

at the bar where i had aperativi. love this tile and the old clock!