Went to the Met Opera HD in the local cinema again tonight; this "Don Pasquale" performance was sold out. My usual partner(my 18yo daughter) was otherwise occupied (party), so I had a spare ticket.
To be honest, I had a mini debate in my head around what to do with it. We got the tickets free through a Sunday Times scheme, and part of me didn't want a stranger sitting next to me. But then when I realised it was sold out, I went back to the ticket booth to see if someone would like it.
Initially, I approached two ladies, who looked at me with deep suspicion and a touch of scorn, and informed me that they had booked. But the man behind them started waving at me, a 50 euro note in his hand, very keen to get the last remaining ticket. He couldn't believe his luck when I wouldn't take any money for it, as they sell for 25 euro each!
Turns out, he knew quite a bit about opera, which he willingly shared with me, including a snippet about the lead lady, Anna Netrobko. She worked as a janitor at St Petersburg's Mariinsky Theatre. and then went on to audition for the same theatre.
Just goes to show, one good turn leads to another. I appreciated the information and he appreciated the free ticket!
The picture above is one I had in my archives, taken near my brother's house in Kent. I like the light in it, and the rainbow seemed appropriate to this post!
P.S. My 14yo son thinks I was mad not to take the money, and says I could have given it to him if I really didn't want it!
