Vienna is another big European city, sprawling and dirty. Admittedly on foot I suppose we didn't see it all. We found a hostel near the station and dumped our stuff. There is a locker in the room and a communal kitchen and lounge with some very friendly Australians. In the evening we walked to the National Opera and lined up outside the wrong door for half an hour, then were let into the wrong box office, where they told us tickets were $90. Then we were directed to a line with about 50 people in it. There was standing room available for $2 but we didn't think it was worth the foot pain. Eventually we got to the front of the line and got student tickets for $5. Funny we both left varsity about 3 years ago but are still getting student discounts. So here we were front row box seats, and the people sharing the box had paid $160! The Opera House is much bigger than the one in Salzburg but not as beautiful. It has 6 levels of seating with boxes in a horseshoe shape. I have always wanted to sit in a box seat. We saw the Magic Flute also by Mozart. I preferred Cosi Fan Tuti, but for grandeur and set design this one was better. There is also the famous aria by the queen of the night, clear crisp high notes and top C. At one point I just looked up at the ceiling, listening, it was exquisite. None of the theatres/operas we have visited have been miked/amplified, it is all voice projection and acoustics. The story is a fantasy about the night forces versus the day, and a couple caught in the middle. Long story! Again we left in awe. Not one performer let the show down.
Photo by Leacyy
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