The opera is something that is just part of the culture here. Everyone goes, everyone appreciates it... it's just a part of life! So my first opera experience here was at the Wien Staatsoper, one of the most famous opera houses in the world. Oh Darn. I got to see the fabulous Il barbiere di Seviglia by Rossini (aka The Barber of Seville). And it was absolutely incredible. 
So here's how this worked! Our group got in line about 3 1/2 hours before the doors opened to wait for standing room tickets. This is a fabulous thing that they do here so that even the poor students can afford to go to the opera. About an hour before the doors open they let us into a back room where we formed a line and got our standing room tickets. My ticket was 3 Euros. Did you read that?? No really. Let me say that again. My ticket was 3 EUROS! That's it! The people sitting in front of me probably payed upwards of 100 Euros at least for their tickets. That is the amazing thing about this place! No matter who you are, you can afford to go to the opera. Granted, standing for 3 hours isn't the most comfortable thing, but once you get into the incredible performance you hardly even notice.
So when they finally open the doors, it's a mad rush to get the best standing room "seat" that you can. Everyone brings a scarf and you tie it around the railing in front of you, and from that moment on you have claimed your territory. No one will touch your scarf! So, since there's quite a bit of time between doors and curtain, you can go grab food, or just relax before the show.
This show was a perfect one to start off with. I know most of the music, and was able to even hum along with some of the Recits. It's funny and witty, and the opera house even has little screens in front of every seat that gives you either a German or English translation. It was a fabulous evening with an amazing group of friends. It reminded me why I love vocal music so much!!
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