During the day today, we were on our own. We wanted to see the Teatro Colon (Columbus Theatre) which is a world-renowned opera house opened in 1908.
The rich and famous of Buenos Aires insisted on the best of Europe in those days, so they got it in this opera house.
We did a 50-minute guided tour, which was the only way you could get in to see the best parts. This is the main entrance staircase (sans the person on the left). All the materials and artisans to build it were from Europe.
One of the special halls on the upper floor attempts to imitate the Palace of Versailles and the Hall of Mirrors. This was where the "who's who" of Buenos Aires socialites gathered.
This was inside the auditorium section. The loges are 7 high and beautifully decorated. The photo does not do it justice. And the acoustics are apparently outstanding. Unfortunately, it's January (summer here) so there were no performances at all.
This chandelier weighs about 2 tons and is 7 metres across. The centre of it can hold up to 15 people, who would typically be singers giving the effect, in operas, of angels from heaven. The audience would not be able to see them.
What a way to cap off our last night here in Buenos Aires.
The rich and famous of Buenos Aires insisted on the best of Europe in those days, so they got it in this opera house.
We did a 50-minute guided tour, which was the only way you could get in to see the best parts. This is the main entrance staircase (sans the person on the left). All the materials and artisans to build it were from Europe.
One of the special halls on the upper floor attempts to imitate the Palace of Versailles and the Hall of Mirrors. This was where the "who's who" of Buenos Aires socialites gathered.
This was inside the auditorium section. The loges are 7 high and beautifully decorated. The photo does not do it justice. And the acoustics are apparently outstanding. Unfortunately, it's January (summer here) so there were no performances at all.
This chandelier weighs about 2 tons and is 7 metres across. The centre of it can hold up to 15 people, who would typically be singers giving the effect, in operas, of angels from heaven. The audience would not be able to see them.
When we were finished with the opera house, we walked toward the water. It was about 1.5 km, and there we found restaurant after restaurant just waiting for us to take some food off their hands (for a price, of course). We think the cruise ship terminal was just up the way from us. But we'll see that tomorrow.
Tonight we went to dinner and a Tango show at Cafe de los Angelitos. What a terrific spot. The food was great, unlimited wine, and a fabulous show. The singers, dancers and musicians were VERY talented.
Here we are at our table at the edge of the balcony.
And some of the dancers while performing different dances. They were absolutely wonderful. With the little kicks they do in their dancing, I can't imagine. I'm afraid my partner would have bruised shins...or worse.
What a way to cap off our last night here in Buenos Aires.
Looks like a great time. You didn't sing in the Opera House to check the accoustics?
ReplyDeleteUh, no. I could have gone down in history as the worst singer ever at an opera house.
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