An Evening at the Opera

Gioachino Rossini via wiki

Unimaginably incredible.

Truly, that is the best description my brain can come up with.

Attending an opera is something I've wanted to do for a long time. It has always seemed like something very few people have the opportunity to do. How many people do you run into that say, 'I'm thinking about catching an opera this weekend. Want to come?' Pretty much never, unless you and I are living very different lives. Operas are something that have existed in works of fiction and the past, in my mind; movies, books, tv, centuries old entertainment. This weekend it became a reality thanks to L and her appreciation for adventure and culture.

The adventure started with dj L providing an EDM fueled 2 hour drive to Kansas City, Missouri, The City of Fountains. Almost constantly on repeat was Concrete Angel and Eyes, because they're amazing songs.

Upon arrival in KC, it was a quick change into our opera finest. I was in navy with The Thunder around my neck. L was stunning, (as she always manages to be) in an LBD. There was a vote taken regarding dresses and shoes, and I must say, I have good taste based on the number of compliments she received from women. From the 9ish year old on the elevator who said (to the best of my memory), "you're really pretty" to the ladies at dinner and then the opera.

 The Webster House via KC Crossroads

For our dinning pleasure, we headed to The Webster House. If you are going to see an opera or symphony or anything at The Kauffman Center in KC, GO TO THIS PLACE. First, it really is a beautiful old school house in the heart of Kansas City. Second, the downstairs is an antique, gift, and interior design shop that I would have enjoyed perusing if we had a bit more time. The restaurant is on the second floor. The kitchen is on display for all to see at the rear of the largest dining room with smaller rooms off to the sides. We were in one of the smaller rooms. The setting was very comfortable. It seemed they had all the tables arranged to not have anyone being forced to look at someone at another table. It really felt as if we were dining in someone's home. L had the Pan Seared Salmon accompanied by grilled leek, fingerling potato, tarragon and three mustard sauce. I couldn't pass up the Grilled Beef Tenderloin with mashed potato, mushroom ragu, foi truffle butter and port wine sauce. Amazing. Both dishes were amazing.

Also, this needs its own paragraph, our server was amazing. The odd mix between there whenever you need them but not there too much, she had it. The ability to be involved in the meal but not being a 3rd person with us. Providing personal bits of information on the dishes that isn't just some overly worded preplanned response. Trouble is, I don't remember her name. She even gave us an update on the time. I didn't ask her to, I completely even forgot to mention to her that we were going to the opera. I think she actually took note of it right at the beginning of dinner and made sure we wouldn't be late. Great job.

via The Kauffman Center

The Kauffman Center was a block from The Webster House. Like I said, perfect location. As we entered, I think L and I both mustered up something as descriptive as, WOW. Wait, let me back up. Earlier in the evening, L and I had a conversation about what people would be wearing. The Kauffman Center doesn't have a dress code. They say, come in what is comfortable. Now, comfortable has many different meanings. We wondered, will people be in jeans? Maybe. Full on ball gowns? Most certainly. Flip flops? Surely not. More on this latter. As we formed up with the other spectators outside the building, everyone looked amazing. I find a certain enjoyment being dressed up and around others that are also dressed up. It isn't often I see men in tuxes (ones they OWN) and women in ball gowns. And by, isn't often, I pretty much mean never. Everyone around us looked great. It added a sense of excitement. I believe it is a sign of respect and appreciation for the event. Let's face it, most nice clothes aren't as comfy as pajamas. So, if you are willing to go through the trouble of dressing up, you must have some level of interest and caring in what you are attending. As we are walking in, I am admiring what people are wearing, and L is seeing the posters for other performances, making a list of what we are to see next.

Brandmeyer Great Hall via The Kauffman Center

We enter into the Brandmeyer Great Hall. What an incredible space. It functions as the lobby of the two venues in The Kauffman Center. Operas take place in Muriel Kauffman Theatre and symphonies are housed in Helzberg Hall. We are then ushered into the theatre.

My picture doesn't do the place justice.

We took our seats, orchestra section, row P, seats 107 and 108. I don't think there is a bad seat in the house. We were slightly left of center and much closer than I was expecting. It really is amazing how so many people can actually be so close to the stage. We marveled at the people and sights around us. We could see peeks of the orchestra down in the pit. The orchestra began to quietly tune, the last few seats were filled, people settled into their chairs, the lights went down and the orchestra opened with a roar of room filling sound. L and I were both completely amazed. Maybe me more than her but our smiles said it was incredible. I thought, how is it possible for those people to be playing down in that hole and the sound seeming as if it is all around me. I would like to know what the song was. I have heard it before and I bet you have too. The orchestra lulled, the curtain went up, the stage lights lit up shinning upon, the opening night of The Barber of Seville by Gioachino Rossini. And I will say that Figaro is one singing barber!

How can one person, standing on a stage, with an orchestra playing, fill a huge space with so much sound? I have no idea. The balance between the orchestra and the singers was perfect. And those singers were so very impressive. They managed to sing and perform a production in Italian yet translate all of their words into actions and emotions that, even I, was able to understand. For those worried about not understanding, Muriel Kauffman Theatre is there to help you. They have what is called, The Figaro Simultext system. On the seat-back in front of you is a small screen that displays a translation of what is being sung or said. You could turn it on or off and the screens had a special filter so you could only see yours and not be distracted by your neighbor's. I turned mine on and was using it at the beginning, but found myself using it less and less as I was sucked into the performance. L probably only looked at it once and was also able to follow the story perfectly. It really is a good idea, so don't worry about the language. You'll understand the story, or you can read the dialog. Towards the end of the first act was my favorite scene of the whole opera. After a lot of discussion, and causing a lot of commotion, the police arrived. Things went down hill from there and an all out brawl started. This was done in slow motion and even the skeleton was in on the action. All of the audience was laughing and the entire stage was covered in humorous occurrences. Everywhere you looked there was a new bit of comedy. And with that, act I was at an end, and my bladder was really happy.

 Woodley as Basilio (top) and Burdette as Bartolo via The Kansas City Star

Act II was much shorter. Yet my favorite singer had considerable performance time. Don Basilio, played by Arthur Woodley, is a wicked man that is trying to see to it Rosina marries the wrong man. He had such an incredible voice. He sang with such power I think he shook the theatre. When he first opened up, L and I looked at each other, astonished. I'm still not sure if these people are real people or some sort of singing robots. When the curtain closed, I wanted more. I think I could have listened for another 3 hours if they would have asked us to stay so they could perform again.

As we left, L and I noticed a few things. Remember when I was telling you about the dress code? L nudged me and did a discreet point and head nod. Yep, sure enough, jeans and FLIPPY FLOPPIES. You see it all, because right in front of those people was a man in a tux and a woman in a ball gown.

The next morning we had brunch on The Plaza at Gram and Dun. I recommend trying the place out. Very delicious and also a great staff.

And that was our evening at the opera. Completely impressed by everything and a life experience I'll never forget. L and I will be back, we'll be looking to see you there.

I Rocked the Parkway

I ran the Rock the Parkway half marathon, or pikermi, over the weekend. Going into this block of training I wanted to run another personal record. The PR didn't happen but it was a good time. Well, I ran a time I was happy with and I enjoyed the race.

It was warmer than I was expecting. Probably around 70 degrees. Also, it rained the night before so the humidity was high and the roads were wet and slick. I was expecting a relatively flat course and that didn't happen either.

As the race started I did my best to hold back my pace. I have difficulty not being caught up in the moment of the start and running too fast. At mile one I realized I needed to slow down. I watched the clock for the first few miles and settled into a good rhythm.

I made a decision to skip the first aid station, as I was feeling good. Also, skipped the second. This doesn't really save much time but it does cut down on the stress of grabbing a cup, fighting the people, and trying to maintain pace. I've run plenty of 13 milers without water so I knew I could skip a few.

Around half way I started trying to turn things up. Somewhere in here is when another runner passed me. At this point in races I generally am not passed. That happens plenty at the beginning but towards the end I try to pick people off. After picking up the pace and passing this lady things were looking good. Until she passed me again. Turned things up again and got in front of her.

Mile 10 presented all of us with a big climb. About a half mile of an unrelenting ever increasing elevation. I'm a decent hill climber. I thought for sure this would put a gap between me and my chosen opponent. Not the case, this lady was a challenge but it's always fun to have someone to race.

Mile 11 I started pushing harder, mile 12 even harder. Next thing I notice, lady is in front of me AGAIN, and hauling the mail like I couldn't believe. Never caught her even with my 6:51 pace.

Last 0.1 of a mile I gave it my all for a 5:55 pace but was about 10 feet too slow.

Race ended with an official chip time of 1:41:49.7

And here is the data from the race.

Ole DC

I went to our nations capital this weekend. Turns out it was Easter, didn't plan on that but hey, that's what happens when you don't look at a calendar.

I flew. I like to fly. I think it is fun to be in the air. You can meet interesting people. The people watching is great! I like airplanes in general.
These pictures show my major annoyances with people in airports. ATTENTION PEOPLE: you will get on the airplane, please remain calm. Why after the first, "boarding for flight 1129 to wherever will begin shortly" do people jump up from their comfortable seats, cram around the ticket counter, and spill into the hallway of the terminal? This is Delta people you have a boarding zone. it is printed on your boarding pass. you won't get on the plane in a zone that is before yours. you are blocking the way for others to get buy. you are making it difficult for people to walk through the airport. why is this so hard to figure out???? The other annoyance is the giant carry-ons people bring. I know half didn't fit in the little box. Just check your damn bag, there is a big area below our seats that is designed to hold all our stuff. And then you don't have to trip people as you roll your bag through the airport!!

After I arrived bro and I went to meet some of his friends for happy hour. We went to this cool bar called Galaxy Hut. It had a hog feeder in the back that was cut so you could sit inside like a little room. Really neat place. Sorry, no pictures. I don't take pictures of bro's friends without permission, it is DC after all.

At a burger joint, BGR, they had this soda machine. It was a cooperative effort between Coke and Ferrari. It was fun.

The trees were amazing. Bro said these are magnolia trees. Maybe he's right, I don't know. They were every where. I missed the cherry blossoms.

Because it was Easter, bro suggested we go to the Easter Eve service at Georgetown. As he said, "it starts out with a bonfire and they're real live Jesuits, it's actually pretty cool." He was right, but I'm not sure if there is another service with fake dead Jesuits.
The little courtyard was pretty. The petals on the ground made it look like it had snowed pink snow.
The chapel was smaller than I was expecting. It was interesting. I'd never done the whole Catholic routine before. They actually baptized and confirmed some adults. I've always joked about Catholic services with all the stand, sit, stand, kneel, sit, stand, sit, stand, stand, kneel, sit. you get the idea. After the first sit, stand, sit, bro leaned over and said, "fight fight fight." Ever heard that, "stand up sit down fight fight fight" from some kind of cheer? Yes, at 32 and 36 we still act like we are 8 and 12 in church. We make shadow puppets, heat the candles so we can bend them, and comment about people under our breath. We haven't been struck by lightning yet, oh wait.

Easter morning we went to the Udvar-Hazy Center. It is the Air and Space Museum annex. I love walking in to this view of the SR-71. Such an impressive machine.
We also, were able to see Enterprise before it leaves for good. It looks like an orbiter but isn't. It was used as a test vehicle during the design of the Space Transportation System. It is still very impressive. Bro was surprised how big it was in person.
Here he is standing underneath the tail cone. Normally you'd see the engines but this is put on when they will ferry it to a new location. It helps reduce drag as it rides on top of the 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft. Below is a better picture.

When I first saw an orbiter in person I was surprised how thick the camber of the wing is. I'm talking about the curve, under the flag above.
Mercury and Shuttle together. Both amazing in their own right. I'd fly either in a second if I could. If you have any questions about the pictures, ask. I tried to keep all the technical details out for my readers with a short attention span. However, I doubt you made it this far.
This is a house in bro's hood. They all look this amazing.

Team Katniss

Don't expect there not to be any spoilers in what follows.

I read The Hunger Games, Catching Fire, and Mockingjay in the course of about a week. I was sucked in, to say the least. I was really excited to see the movies once I was informed that was happening.

Really, when I finished, I was very worried the book wouldn't translate well to the silver screen. (do we still ever call it the silver screen?) You see, the book is narrated in first person. Katniss tells us the story from the future. She tells us her feelings about things. She takes time to give us backstory that influences her and explains her actions. The book does have a lot of imagery but we are told what is going on versus shown, most of the time.

Finally, once my accompaniment returned, I went to see it a week after its opening. We were both very excited and we had both read the books.

For the most part, the characters were nailed. The most glaring mistake was Haymitch. He is supposed to be a drunk. Like a major, can't function without it, drunk. He should look rough, worn, weathered, puffy face, drunk. Maybe they were trying to clean this up for the kids. But we aren't supposed to like him. He should be despised by the audience. We are to think, "this guy is the worthless sack that is supposed to help Katniss and Peeta? They'll be dead in 2 seconds."

Next problem, the pin! For God's sake the pin wasn't just some thing, it was important. It provides a connection to the mayor of district 12, it was given to Katniss by the closest thing she had to a friend that wasn't in love with her. And we learn that it is a symbol of rebellion.

Last big detail you miss in the movie? all this bread stuff. Katniss was starving. her family was starving. her dad was dead. her mom was out of her mind with grief. she was almost dead. she was digging through garbage and without hope. Then, this boy, who she doesn't know, just some boy in her school comes out of his house being beaten by his mother. Katniss knows he is in trouble for ruining bread. in district 12 you don't ruin bread. The baker's son, that has been helping for years drops bread in the oven? This kind of stuff doesn't happen. He tosses most of it to his pigs but after his mother goes inside he tosses bread toward her. he actually noticed her. the girl that was dying. the girl that was hopeless. the girl that was helpless. the girl sitting in the pouring rain waiting to die. he noticed her. and helped her. and sacrificed himself for her. This turns her entire life around. Turns her into the person that will be the Mockingjay, that will take on the Capitol and change the course of history for an entire country. All because this boy tossed her bread.

She doesn't know this immediately obviously but throughout the book we are continually reminded of this. We are shown that this small event becomes a huge event that changes her life forever. You loose all this in the movie.

But it is still a great movie. L thought it was perhaps better than the book. I think we used the details of the book to make the movie better. She and I are looking forward to the next 2 movies.

I encourage you to check out some other discussion over on kidchamp's blog.