Routines—can't live with 'em...or without 'em

Things are settling down after nearly a month living in Prague. Two more to go before returning to Japan and full retirement from the 9 to 5 workaday world. This three-month stay serves as a kind of transition phase between the routine of getting up early enough to shower and have breakfast before leaving home at 8:15 a.m. for work and the non-routine (new routine?) of getting up whenever: leisurely coffee in bed, exercise, bath, brunch around 11-ish, out for afternoon walking exercise, dinner in or out and entertainment in the evening—or not as the case might be.

local opera goers fill the auditorium

Good to exceptionally good shows seem to be becoming the norm. The most recent events we've attended have all been above reproach and beyond criticism. Last night we went to see the ballet Swan Lake.It's truly a memorable experience to have nothing negative to say, especially for a demanding perfectionist like me. I am very much impressed with the professionalism and artistry of the performers here in Prague. If the theaters here are not “world-class” it may very well be because they are more concerned with high quality performances for people who truly enjoy them—and not, God help us, for fans of “stars”. True theater, the real deal.

I'm allowed to occasionally dig into my bag of gripes (I have a low opinion of fans). A blog of only sweetness and light would be ultimately boring (just as this blog may be). I know, I'm incorrigible. Just write whatever pops into my head. (But you should see what I delete.) Swan Lake was just simply beautiful to watch and listen to. The grace and precision and apparent weightlessness of the dancers and the simple beauty of bodies trained to the peak of perfection; “in form and moving how express and admirable,” said old Will S. in one of his plays—Hamlet, I think it was. Well, he must have had dancers in mind.

poor choice of seats this time

Come to think of it I DO have one small criticism of the ballet. I got a stiff neck leaning out over the balcony in order to see the whole stage. Our seats were too much to the side and half the stage was obscured. But that has nothing to do with the wonderful dancers and orchestra; it has everything to do with my poor choice of seats this time. I have only my own arse to kick.

3 curtain calls

The audience was obviously delighted with the performance as we applauded and whistled and bravoed enthusiastically, yours truly included, for nearly 5 minutes and 3 curtain calls.