So Budapest was wet…really wet…and windy and cold. We managed to walk into a 3-day non-stop storm which left us drenched on the first night and wind-beaten on the next two. Still, we were happy to have the chance to enjoy this eastern European city.

Going to see Slyvia

One of the highlights was surely going to the ballet on Sunday night. Not only were the tickets cheap as anything - the equivalent of 12 euro for good quality balcony seats, but the show overall was of a high standard. We saw Sylvia which is famous for having an average libretto but a great score. So as expected the music was exceptional. You’ll probably recognise some of Doelib’s genius without even knowing it.

We really enjoyed the costumes and stage design. Unfortunately no pics of the actual performance, for obvious reasons. But the rich colours and clever lighting immersed the audience in the fantasy world of the Nymph of Diane. The Cupid character was also exceedingly well portrayed.

The wonderfully frocked cast taking an in-sync bow

This was my second ballet, the first being the rather more sombre Romeo and Juliet, brilliantly performed in Riga. I have to say that just like opera, the comedic style is great entertainment but fails to move you like a dramatic La Boheme or La Traviata .

The main ensemble

A final note on the actual theatre itself. We’d heard it was one of the most beautiful and it did not disappoint in the least. You definitely felt transported to the days where opera was opera and there were no clunky tourists behind you taking flash photos in the middle of the performance.

Lovely interior of the main foyer

The amazing balconies of the Budapest Opera

A spectacular roof

Definitely a great way to spend a soaked evening in Budapest!