Halloween in NYC

Another Saturday morning, another magnificent opera at the Met. This time we braced ourselves for Wagner's Tannhäuser. The serious stuff. Everything on a grandiose scale. We prepared well for this opera, ready to enter the life of the tormented title character as he makes his choice between the lustful pleasures of Venusberg and chaste love of the real world. We loved every moment, from the first delightful notes of the famous "hymn theme" overture, to the final act's Rome Narrative and Venus Song arias. All the singers displayed impressive voice range and richness. The orchestra, led by the legendary James Levine, sounded sublime throughout the three and a half hour performance. 

The outstanding cast of Tannhäuser take their final bows. Johan Botha, the South African born tenor in the title role, sang with fluidity the wide range of notes in the demanding arias of this opera.

It was Halloween. Lincoln Plaza was crowded with costumed kids and their families when we arrived at midday. After the opera, the plaza was quiet again. We strolled into Central Park to enjoy the mild autumn late afternoon. A newly set up skatepark framed by skyscrapers and trees yielding to fall hues, drew our attention briefly, until we noticed the sponsor. Yuck! We turned around and continued our stroll through the park.

We watched daylight fade over a vodka cocktail called the Santa Barbara and IPA beer from a top floor bar in Columbus Circle. Through the glass walls in the Times Warner Building we enjoyed views of Central Park and the action around the circular fountain in the square down below. The bar atmosphere felt classy, very Manhattan-like. Munchies of peanuts, pretzels, and wasabi peas were a nice touch.

For dinner we tried out the famous Neapolitan pizzas at Don Antonio in midtown. Wood fired, with a smoked cheese and zucchini topping, I was won over. Daryl's soggy crust was a little disappointing, but we realized it was due to a generous topping of vegetables. We could hear Italian spoken, and we spotted the clay oven, so we figured it was all authentic. Our first pizza in Pisa, though, will always be our gold standard.

Returning to IAS we realized we are currently living in a sort of Venusberg. One where academic lust is boundless!