we really wanted to attend a show of “les ballet russes” at the Opera Garnier, but tickets had been sold out for months. so we took our chances, arrived two hours early and got in line with other hopefuls for last minute tickets. it was really cold, and we were finally allowed inside after one hour of waiting outside. turned out that the only seats left were reduced visibility… but for only 6 euros each (which is basically the same price as an admission for a tour of the opera house), why not? and so we got tickets!
the Opera or Palais Garnier is really beautiful with its majestic staircases and ornate molding. i think it was the inspiration for “the Phantom of the Opera”.
the ceiling was amazing with the painting by Chagall, and the huge chandelier.
our seats were definitely in the nosebleeds with around half of the stage hidden. once the show started, many people in our section got up and crowded into the corner in order to get a better view, which meant standing for many of us. one girl was literally straddling/hanging her leg over her box behind us, and the girl next to me actually fainted. i’m not even kidding: i don’t blame her though, it was hot, someone was wearing perfume, and we were standing for nearly an hour. it was all a bit comedic, but despite the craziness, i think we got our money’s worth!
