Our one stop of the day was at the Teatre Solis, Opera House, where we had a private tour since we were the only English speakers in the crowd. All the guides were art students and our young lady did an excellent job with her English. Throughout the tour two actors gave us something to laugh about, sang and engaged us all in a cute performance. Of course they solicited audience participants & I was the first chosen.
The building was started by two business men who thought the city needed some culture and a place where high society could be seen. They started building in 1842 but after 2 years construction was halted due to a civil war. Nine years later they started work again and completed the main building in 1856 and the two wings in 1869. The interior has undergone major work through the years.
There are two auditoriums. The largest and most ornate will hold 800 - 1200 people, has 5 tiers of seating, a 2 ton chandelier (the largest of three in the building) and elaborate decorations. The stage is 7 stories tall to accommodate the back drops. The second auditorium is very modern with moveable seating for more intimate settings.
In 1998 the building was sold to the city and became a public building. To encourage more people to enjoy the music, theatre and other arts ticket prices are less than going to a movie theatre.
After walking another 2-3 miles to find the arts district we gave up and turned around as there was nothing artistic happening. On the way back we stopped for lunch at a local bar and were served the biggest chicken fried steak you have ever seen!
Back at the port area we stopped at the Carnival Museum. Uruguay celebrates Carnival 40 plus days before Lent with parades, theatre, drums, music and parody all done in elaborate costumes. We may try to see a performance tonight even though we won’t understand a single word being spoken.
17,000 steps on the Fitbit and we’re not done yet!
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