I’ve never had the opportunity to attend an Opera. This has been my first Opera and I can certainly admit that it was by far the greatest experience.

On Tuesday night, the night of the Opera, I had much to do. I had an essay due, a midterm the following day, and a lot of reading and studying. I didn’t know if I would be able to make it to the Opera. I was conflicted, should I focus on my school-work or take advantage of the opportunity to attend an Opera? Clearly, I chose the Opera.

I was stunned by the look of the Metropolitan Opera House. It was an extremely elegant environment. There were beautiful chandeliers hanging high up, red-carpeted stairs, fancy dressed people, etc. I did not expect the night to turn out as it did.

I sat still and let the story, the sights, the humor, and the music pass through me. I didn’t let anything distract me. I left my phone vibrating, left my friends waiting. I felt that if I missed even a second of the show, I would be lost, not knowing what was happing. I enjoyed the story, the singing, and the humor the most. The singing was extraordinary and the humor in the story kept me laughing. The orchestra was great. I felt that the style of music fit exactly with the plot, the characters personality, and their moods. I was fascinated by the stage production and design. The stage kept moving, introducing a new chapter or scene in the play. It was a phenomenal experience!

The night of the Opera was beyond my expectations. It was outstanding and certainly a night to remember!

I was extremely excited to go to the International Center of Photography. I was expecting to see extraordinary photos, photos that are unusual and unique. I wasn’t sure how I would choose just one photo that was intriguing!

However, I actually struggled to find that one photo that I’d be blogging about. On the first floor of the museum, I found disturbing photos and was forced to quickly turn the other way. I noticed a photo of a nude man, an uncovered woman, a face filled with frightening bruises, a hand with missing fingers, etc. I was caught by surprise. Who would’ve thought the museum would display such photographs? What was the message the artist was trying to convey through her photos? What exactly was I supposed to infer from each and every photograph? I wasn’t sure how any of these photographs would interest me.

As I continued to glance through each section, I found one particular photo that caught my eye. It was a photograph of a beautiful chandelier, looking as if it was hanging from the sky. The sky was the lightest blue, with thin clouds, and the chandelier looked as if it was balanced in the air. The chandelier was in between the clouds and the blend of the blue and white colors made the photograph seem soothing and the chandelier in the middle of the sky, made the photo striking and spectacular.

Overall, this trip was not one of the best. I can honestly say that if it weren’t for this photo that caught my eye, I would have had trouble coming up with a particular and interesting photograph to discuss. However, it was an experience!

Here is the photo…

The night of the Juliet Jazz Quartette was one night to remember. I was quite excited for this jazz event. Ever since I was a little girl I remember the sound of my father’s footsteps coming back from work. Upon arrival he would play his vintage jazz records that would set a soothing ambiance through out the house. He would such classics like Count Bassie, Charlie Parker and of course, the great Louie Armstrong. He used to get home late from work and so I was tucked in to the sound of these scratchy yet exquisite classics.

Surely, you can guess by my childhood that I would be more that just a little excited to attend this quartette. The experience was one like nothing other. I have never been to any jazz event before and my first surely did not disappoint. Once the performers came on stage a sort of nostalgic feeling overcame me. The performers were amazing, playing songs that brought me back to the early days of my adolescence.

Overall, this was an amazing and unforgettable opportunity.

I admit that I am an amateur when it comes to museums. Growing up, I didn’t really have the opportunity to visit museums and so I had little interest in art. When I heard that we’d be visiting the Brooklyn Museum, I was not thrilled. When I heard we’d be speaking about the paintings, I instantly became nervous. I did not know what to expect.

Came Tuesday, September 3^rd. I walked into the museum extremely anxious. I was told to form a group and was given a recorder. I happened to stand in front of one painting in particular. Houses of Parliament, Sunlight Effect. 1903 by Claude Monet was the painting I found most intriguing. It depicted some sort of castle blurred by fog and smoke. I sat in front of this painting and just recorded my opinion for about 6 minutes. I then moved on to other paintings and just stared and thought. I found that each piece of art differed from the other and each conveyed a hidden meaning. I managed to only observe the paintings on the third floor in the time given. I wish I had more time.

Spending my night at the museum truly was an amazing experience. I had the opportunity to look at beautiful paintings and give much thought about the details in each piece of art. I also had the opportunity to discuss these paintings with other individuals and was inspired by what they had to say. I found this trip to be an enriching experience and one that I’ve never experienced before. I look forward to the upcoming trips and hope they are as amazing as this one.