An evening with Tchaikovsky

Time for summer events. My friend and I opted for an evening with Tchaikovsky. The parking situation at Hollywood Bowl is nutty because all hell breaks loose while trying to get out when the show is over. So, we parked on a side street and took the shuttle. I personally prefer taking my car, and hanging out until the crowd leaves. But my friend wanted to do it this way. It wasn't so terrible. People were friendly, and we got to have interesting conversations. 

We got dropped off, and followed the crowd uphill. Because the show was on a weekend, most of the benches and tables were taken. We asked a family if we could share their table, and they said okay. In fact, when there is room at any table, everyone does this. No one has an issue with it. We pulled out our gourmet sandwiches from Subway 😀 and picnicked on a wooden table that overlooked L.A.

After picking up our cushions, we found our seats, and settled in. The orange hued sky, the soft breeze, the subdued lighting, musicians practicing, and the murmur of the crowd, gave the place a dramatic feel as we tried to stay in the moment and take it all in.

My friend pointed out the ballet dancers stretching on stage, which was unexpected. We had thought that there was going to be just an orchestra, and some fireworks toward the end.

Couple of notes: 

1. After you go through security, don't bother with the bathrooms you see right away because they are crowded. 

2. Get your cushions early because they run out. 

3. Don't leave your chair after the first intermission has ended. The performance that comes after the first intermission is sometimes short, and you will not be able to walk back to your seat, because the crowd walking toward you will not let you get through.