L'Italiana in Algeri

That my friends is the title of the opera I went to see last night in Milan's famous La Scala theatre. For a picture of the view I had of the theatre: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:La_Scala_interior.jpg

Also for a synopsis of the plot of the opera: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/L'italiana_in_Algeri

(Note: I didn't understand how to make the subtitles to the opera show up in English on my screen until 30 minutes into the first Act, so I spent quite some time admiring the orchestra. For notes about my saviour, see below)

I sat by a very enthusiastic fan of the opera, which is to say a lovable looking Italian grandmother. I guess I looked like an alright young lady because she kept on trying to talk to me...in Italian. She was the one who showed me the subtitles could appear in English so I could follow along. And then tried to explain to me the plot of the first 30 minutes...again in Italian. During intermission there was lots of gesturing, and the following conversation:

Italian grandmother (note: I don't actually know if she was a grandmother, but she appeared to be the type that would bustle around feeding young Italian children pasta): studia cantanta?

YPang (Uh...I think she's asking me if I study music): No...but...uh...mi amore opera e balleto.

I thought that I was literally saying 'me love opera and ballet'. But she seemed to get the message because she nodded even more enthusiastically and launched into more Italian. Finally I had to say 'no comprendo'.

In other news...I went to eat dinner at the Chinese restaurant around the corner from my hostel and while they didn't give me a discount for conversing in Mandarin I did get 2 free spring rolls. Asian connection: success.

Now it's Ryanair time, I'm flying to Hamburg-Lubeck airport this afternoon. I almost have the rest of my trip all booked.