A bit of culture
One of the primary reasons for our visit here was the culture. After all, we haven't really seen much opera recently, have we? (Hah!)
On Friday evening, we visited the Deutsche Oper, where we saw the remarkable production of Aida some years ago. This time, La Boheme was on the menu and we sat back, hankies at the ready, for an evening of glorious music. That, we got, but I felt the overall experience to be lacking in some respects. Perhaps we're spoiled by the cinema close-ups and the way in which that enables us to feel more involved? Not only that, but we had enjoyed such fabulous pop-up performances in Wexford recently. Or, maybe this was staged on just too big a stage and we were sitting too far away from it? (Though we were front row of the circle, so in most respects, had the best seats in the house) Anyway, this might have been the first production which has left me dry-eyed, sad to say.
Having said all of that, the outdoor scene outside Cafe Momus was spectacular!
One cannot live by Opera alone, however and in between performances, we've been doing a little shopping!
Though we didn't disturb the sweet bunch of Steiff bears in their comfortable community in KaDeWe and simply wished them Good Morning as we passed by!
The rainy weather hasn't made it very easy or pleasant to linger outdoors, so we didn't spend much time in the KuDamm but headed back in time for tea.
Where today, Donauwelle cake was on offer. Now, I have been spoiled, I know. Irmgard, my German friends' mother, was the finest of cooks and her baking was exceptionally good. So, I grew up tasting the best Donauwelle and sad to say, this one didn't come anywhere near! Never mind, it prompted some sweet memories and a quick WhatsApp chat with Birgit in München.
This evening, we had tickets for the Komische Oper production of Chicago. We love the spirited performances here, the energy and the sheer bravado. Chicago was no exception!
Their trailer gives a flavour of the show which was exceptional in every way. Parts were so reminiscent of “Cabaret” and of course, being here in Berlin, that hit the spot perfectly. We loved it.
And even though rather than Razzle Dazzle, Billy Flynn “Schlummel Flummels ‘em” it was all great fun and a fine bit of culture indeed!
