Took the bus (one hour+, on M4 bus which I caught at Lexington and 83rd Street) to The Cloisters, a fortress-like branch of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, way up north of Manhattan island – it's located in the gardens of Fort Tryon Park. Specialized in art and architecture (both religious and secular domestic) of medieval Europe (12th to 15th centuries). Fascinating! Always wanted to visit, but never enough time to make the trek out there (came back by much faster subway though!)
Had lunch in the leafy park – many paths closed because of the damage caused by the infamous storm Sandy the week before – at “the new leaf” restaurant, a short walk (which ‘they” did not want to allow me to take, but which I did anyway!) from the museum; a Ceasar Salad and a glass of Sauvignon Blanc – quite “civilized”…and as it turned out highly recommended (Guide Michelin, Zagat, etc…)
Crossed “Central Park” on my way back – beautiful day if a little chilly, which does not stop kids from running and playing around…a great initiative, this park, the ‘lung’ of New York, as it has been described so often…
Ended up in the Islamic Art section, opened the year before: quite a prologue to what is being promised at the Agha Khan museum in construction in Toronto…not to be missed is ‘the Damascus Room”, the reception room of an 18th century upper-class Syrian home, during the ottoman period – a gift from the famous collector and benefactor Hagop Kevorkian, restored and re-installed only 2 years ago! Bought the latest edition of the museum guide…and joined as an Associate Member, to the end of 2013 – might as well as half the price (US$60) already covered (and credited!) by entrance fee today!
Attended “The Tempest” at the famed MET Opera house; this is the 129th season of the Metropolitan Opera, now under the direction of General Manager Peter Gelb (since 2006; met him in Toronto last year – I had asked him then if he felt the showing of the MET’s operas at the cinema had “cannibalized” them and reduced attendance, as some feared – not at all and to the contrary, did he say, confirming a long contention of mine! “live in HD” – the series has sold more than ten million tickets since its inception in December 2006, now on some 1700 screens in 50 countries or more!) and maestro Levine (since 1976 for the latter!)
The Tempest is a modern opera, composed by Thomas Adès in 2004, who also conducted the orchestra today (he is also a concert pianist, nad performed as such I think). It is based on Shakespeare's: same story but (very) different text, modernized - libretto is by Meredith Oakes, an Australian. The production is by Robert Lepage - remarkable! in particular, his treatment of the choir. Actually, it's a co-production between the Met, l'Opéra de Québec and the Wiener Staatsoper in Vienna - my brother reminded me that it was played in Québec City last summer. I enjoyed, but not really until the 3rd and final act! Lunch at the opera house restaurant (the Grand Tier Restaurant) - actually not much of a choice if I wanted to check in my luggage then...another breakfast: egg benedict and a glass of Sauvignon Blanc!
Breakfast in eateries nearby troughout my stay - at a "Hot & Crispy", Zagat-rated (on Lexington) would you believe!
