A Night at the Opera

Yesterday we went to see Norma at the SF Opera. The music was great, as was the singing. Overall, the production was a real disappointment compared to The Italian Girl in Algiers.

We had dinner at a great Ethiopian place in the Mission prior to the show. At the exit from 101, there was the usual faceless beggar standing by the stop light. Ambo and I got in a discussion about it, since I said that there's no way in hell I'd give money to someone who's begging. There was the usual 15 minute hunt to find parking once we got there. If you've never had Ethiopian food, I recommend that you give it a shot. It's excellent, and you get to eat with your hands. Even though we were both really hungry, we couldn't eat everything and I was looking forward to having the substantial amount of food that we took as lunch on Sunday.

On the way back from the restaurant, a homeless guy asked if he could have our leftovers. After warning him that it was spicy Ethiopian (to which is response was a very genuine, "I love Ethiopian) I handed it over.

The story of Norma is a bit goofy. Especially the second act. Norma must have gone off her meds, because a basic summary of what goes through her head is: I hate my husband, so I'll kill our children. Nevermind, I'll send my best friend (who's his new lover) to take the children to him. Wait, instead I'll send his new lover to talk him into taking me back. Well, that didn't work, so I'll kill my husband. Er, no, I think I'll kill my best friend and husband's lover. Ah, screw it. I'll kill myself. Oh, and my husband, too.