A Taste for Culture in New York

Madama Butterfly production by New York City Opera

I've heard divas in concert and operas on CD, but this was my first live full-length opera. And how wonderful! I believe that opera is better to watch live than instrumental... coming from someone who's played classical instruments for who knows how long. Puccini's sweepingly dramatic operas are to my taste. Bigger than life, over the top, and yet, fundamentally real. I shed some tears in Act I, anticipating the tragedy to come as a result of Cio-Cio San and Pinkerton's blatant mismatch. The sparse decoration really worked, focusing my attention on the sheer vocal story conveyed and involvement with the characters (I dare not judge vocal talent yet), which means that Cio-Cio San led me on a string emotionally. By the end of Act III, I shook the entire row from some heavy sobbing. A nice man sitting in front of J and I offered a box of tissues... how embarrassing (yet, I accepted the whole thing). As you can tell, the opera was quite cathartic.

Serendipity 3

Quality of desserts do not match hype nor price (opinion of our entire table, including very easily satisfied non-foodies). I think you should go here for nostalgic high-school or John Cusack-related reasons. You may think I'm not nice, but I say, why pay for something I could make myself?

Regarding conversation at Serendipity:

SC's cousin G, in his wise "I'm more worldly being 30-something, tall, and old" mode, remarked that I'd make a great trophy wife because I love the arts, food, and entertaining people. However, this does not mean that I'm high maintenance. It's all about the utility level of an indifference curve (non-Economics people can Wiki 'indifference curve'). I'll pay for my own exorbitant meals, thank you very much. Plus, one can be just as happy with Mr. Bartley's burgers or really good frozen yoghurt (a bit different concept from utility measured by dollars in the indifference curve, here, I'm referring to some args made in behavioral economics (sometimes, money just isn't enough)).

I thought I wouldn't make a good trophy wife because we don't commonly associate these wives with brilliant smarts (not saying I'm a genius) or tenacity. But, the more we discussed the merits of a trophy wife, the more I respected the emotional intelligence of these women who know how to be wonderful hostesses, look beautiful, and please their husbands. I thought I'd never say this (as a soon to be elitist alum of an institution that breeds leaders & trailblazers), but we don't all have to be book smart. Oh buggers, G, you got me there.