Kulture

SO you all thought I was a typical slob- well I have been to Carmen in the old Submarine base at the Garoyne. Not that I understood a thing. I did realise just how limited the Australian and the American perspective is. Darrin and myself kept pretty quite as there was significant educated discussion about opera and classical studies from the Europeans. It was quite an event. the venue is the old submarine hangers built by the germans to kill allied ships in the atlantic. massive structures designed to withstand quite an impact I assume; apparently very good acoustics. The Grand Theatré( another left over from a serious dynasty) is also open this month for the season so had to hang out in one of Frances most delightful theatres reconstructed from Napoleans time, art on the roof, 4 tiers high; about double the size of La Boité. The 50 piece orchestra did 'repetitions'- basic rehearsals but public so the animated conductor(kwamé ryan from canada) answered questions all afternoon. all free. great idea very informal and very well attended at both sessions. should adopt this in Brisbne_ or maybe they do already !! The practice had all the musicians casually dressed and after there was a gathering to meet them. all very pleasurable. Historically this place is going to be listed by UNESCO as is all of Europe - they just cant do a complete inclusion of all europe as there are tiny fragments that arnt historic!! If you go to the net the web site is comprehensive and Ive been to them all. As always the beauty is in the people and the passion. the enthusiasm for the wine is serious and my fruiterer,visited every morning, produced a bottle of 1956 Petruce for me as he says the 1957 (the year i was born ) was no good! I compained of course! It was just sitting- with dust attached -in his 1000 bottle collection(cave) he has in the back of the fruit shop!!! about 3500Euros! The fruit is ok as well!
The french have the best in all selections- the best chocolate in town, the best thé in town, the best cannelle in town etc etc. I think I am at school in the Best spot in town for it all. Cadiot - Badie is the chocolate; Salon de Parlement is the best thé and the best wine is the école de vin. All here in abundance. I think that Bordeaux has "L'armes d'anges"- the angel's touch in the town as well as in the wine. Thre is a large circus setting up in the town centre as I write this- Ill be there" tonight have they got it it all!