A magical evening

I am not much of a romantic. But I have to say, I have my moments. Recently, I was in Vienna at the State Opera House. During the guided tour, my mind conjured up images of all the possible backstage romances that may have taken place over the years. Maybe it was because Vienna had an air of romance about it...or maybe it was the awe-inspiring interiors of the famous opera house. What can I say?The place had an aura about it. Little did I know that I would be watching a performance in the very same building that very night!

Cheapest tickets in Europe....4 Euro..standing tickets, but nonetheless completely amazing. It was a dream come true. I did not care that my feet ached continuously for 3 hours or that it was hot and stuffy. It did not matter that everyone had made a dash for the galleries with their scarves, a strange phenomenon that we knew nothing about. Yes, we were reduced to standing on the middle staircase and craning our necks, while cursing tall Europeans. But "Romeo and Julia" was absolutely incredible. Ballet is one of the most graceful, expressive dance forms. The sets were mind-blowing. The acting, or should I say the dancing, was magnificent. When Juliet died, it was a heart-wrenching moment for the audience. It could not have been performed better. I have to admit, I had goosebumps several times during the third act.

I left 'Statsoper' with a warm, heady feeling (which for a change, had nothing to do with alcohol!), with images of the night's performance imprinted in my mind forever. I do still maintain that I am not a true-blue romantic, just an occasional one! I suppose it had everything to do with watching a truly magical rendition of the play...certainly a night to remember!