i’ve been in Buenos Aires for the last week, and it was finally today that i felt like i belonged here. when i left the apt. this morning, i knew exactly where i was going and how long it would take to get there. when i arrived at my subway stop i knew which exit to leave from and when i came above ground knew which way to turn without even thinking about it. i thought it was quite the accomplishment!

i had heard a lot about the opera house, Teatro Colon, and thought it would be a good thing to see on my last day. i had no idea how awesome it would be. the opera house was closed from 2006-2010 for renovation, an endeavor that cost close to $100 million US dollars. every part of the building has been restored to the original look and feel of when it opened in 1908.

the original design was by an Italian architect, and had a completion date of three years. unfortunately it took 20 years to build the opera house. the original architect died two years into the project, and the next architect met his demise when he was shot by his wife’s lover (the butler), shortly after taking over the building of the theater. an architect from Belgium was hired and it was under his management that the Teatro Colon was finally opened in 1908.

it really is a beautiful theater, and the restoration incredible. we were able to see the main entry, the performance space, and the VIP box seating. there are three floors beneath the ground level where all of the workshops are housed. in addition to having some of the best acoustics in the world, this theater is one of the few that manufactures everything to with their shows on-site. sadly the workshops and backstage aren’t part of the tour.

while we there the sound crew was preparing for a symphony performance tonight. we heard the organist playing music from Phantom of the Opera and it sounded incredible. “see a show at the Teatro Colon”, that goes on the list of things to do next time i’m here for sure!

ok, time to finish packing……….my ride will be here in 30 minutes!
ciao ciao Argentina!