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Semperoper Dresden
In the evening, the time had come: we were off to the Semperoper.
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...43b91516b0.jpg https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...1a5143ef79.jpg As for the building itself, the opera house is, of course, beyond reproach – it’s a beautiful building. Here are a few photos of the corridors, staircases and so on. https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...b2069bb509.jpg https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...e8b78a4325.jpg https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...9b99c6413f.jpg https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...03158b8971.jpg https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...cb509837e6.jpg https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...59562ff53d.jpg https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...fb9437de69.jpg https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...4eac2a4384.jpg https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...4610257fff.jpg https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...3bbaebb30a.jpg https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...b0d19d7941.jpg https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...5e93d18b09.jpg https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...8f8d2f877f.jpg https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...f676abde1e.jpg https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...aea4e596b2.jpg We were sitting in the royal box, which only has a few seats. The view is good. What we could already see of the production certainly raised some questions. https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...92b241d49d.jpg https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...9ca33b0de2.jpg https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...2fb0370e1d.jpg https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...453a4fdc63.jpg https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...275bc794d0.jpg https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...b51d312712.jpg https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...3fad32e849.jpg The opera performed was *La Traviata*; here is the cast list: https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...005bd9c2f4.jpg https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...0d5178e024.jpg What was on offer wasn’t anything to write home about. I don’t find Amitai Pati a particularly fine tenor, and Adela Zahari was shrill in the high notes. Overall, it didn’t impress me artistically; in theatres such as Essen, Dortmund or Gelsenkirchen, I can get something of at least equal quality for less than half the ticket price. Nor did the Staatskapelle Dresden blow me away. But even worse than the lacklustre artistic performance was the audience in the box. For a start, it smelled of alcohol. Either someone was wearing a dreadful perfume, or someone was drunk. To my left sat a bloke who chewed gum the whole time; luckily, he left at the interval. To my right, however, sat someone who breathed loudly and steadily; I reckon he was asleep. Behind us sat a couple who commented loudly on everything during the music; they were obviously quite excited to be allowed to go to the opera. Turning round several times and giving them dirty looks only brought temporary relief. I felt like I was at the zoo; I’ve rarely encountered such a dreadful audience. Thirty years ago, half of them would have been thrown out of the opera house (OK, many would have been turned away at the entrance for not being properly dressed), but in any case, I can’t remember people like that. I’d ordered some canapés for the break; they were supplied by Beans & Beluga. They were fine. https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...d09cbdf024.jpg https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...5a2656fdfc.jpg https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...072dcb8f62.jpg https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...47ca9eff3e.jpg It was a thoroughly disappointing evening, even though the performers were given a standing ovation. But I get the feeling today that people shout ‘Bravo!’ at the drop of a hat. https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...9cf2703200.jpg A few last glances. https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...fe0f5d3c79.jpg https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...2b57b47c14.jpg https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...3351f70533.jpg |
Can't be worse than the Met in New York where the audience applauds every aria and springs to its collective feet bravo ing before the conductor has even put down his/her baton.
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The set and costumes look quite questionable too.
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Originally Posted by meadowfield
(Post 37759967)
Can't be worse than the Met in New York where the audience applauds every aria and springs to its collective feet bravo ing before the conductor has even put down his/her baton.
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Originally Posted by Vinotraveller
(Post 37760263)
The set and costumes look quite questionable too.
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Adlon Berlin
There are hotels you walk into and immediately think, ‘This is going to be good.’ Unfortunately, that’s not always the case, but it often is. Then there are hotels you walk into and know straight away that it’s not going to work out. And, sadly, you’re almost never wrong about that. What sort of hotel was that?
But let’s start at the beginning. I’d last stayed at the De Rome in Berlin and was only half-satisfied. The De Rome is now becoming a Four Seasons, in which I have high hopes. I thought the De Rome had closed, but it’s actually still open. Years ago, I often stayed at the Adlon; after having one of the worst stays there in 2016 whilst Obama was staying there, I swore I’d never stay there again. Now, the Adlon isn’t bad when it comes to Virtuoso amenities. Even in higher categories, upgrades are guaranteed. So I booked a Brandenburg Gate Junior Suite, which meant an upgrade to a Berlin Suite. A good deal, I thought. But back to the arrival. Once again, loads of roads were closed and the sat-nav directed us to the back entrance. But anyway, after a bit of a detour, we managed to get to the front after all. Someone came to collect the luggage and I explained that I’d need the car back in four hours. All well and good so far. Easter decoration. https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...d2d8671066.jpg When I went inside, my mood took a turn for the worse – there was a lovely queue at reception. So, waiting, just like when you haven’t booked the good floors in Las Vegas. Whilst I was standing in the queue like an idiot, the doorman came back and asked me to write down my name. After a while, it was my turn and the check-in went reasonably smoothly. But I already knew, from the queue and the hordes of “booking.com guests”, that this wasn’t going to be anything to write home about. I was already regretting my decision. This here is absolutely nothing, but people with bags were a common view. https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...1764a3b1fc.jpg https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...249b902f28.jpg |
Adlon Berlin
Let’s talk about the luggage. They’d gone to the trouble of writing my name down – or rather, had me write it down myself – so surely nothing could go wrong. Well, we waited. And waited. And waited. After an hour, we went to ask. We were told off for not handing in our luggage slip at reception. Well, is that what you have to do to get your luggage? Nobody told us that, and it’s news to us. At least in decent hotels.
But then there’s the car park. When we needed the car in the evening, we rang 20 minutes beforehand. We were told we should have given 15 minutes’ notice. What wasn’t there, of course, was the car. We were told we should have mentioned when we dropped it off that we’d need the car again. I actually had, but it didn’t help. I then asked if I could park it myself. Yes, that’s fine, and I’d be given an entry and exit ticket. OK. When paying, I then learnt that the valet doesn’t use those tickets. In addition to the 3 days, I only paid €26 for the first few hours. Completely normal, says the Adlon. They couldn’t tell me why they don’t issue everyone with a long-stay ticket. So if I’d had the car brought in and out several times, my parking bill would have doubled again. Later, I was told that the car park under the hotel doesn’t belong to the hotel and that it’s a ‘service’ to be able to pay the parking bill at reception. What a brilliant service. When I checked out, I explained to the staff just how much I was looking forward to the Four Seasons; staying at the Adlon is certainly no joy, and the place is miles away from being a luxury hotel. The electric charging was nice, by the way. The chargers were 11 kW ‘fast’ and there were no hotel-specific cards. But if you use your own charging tariff, you’re charged a blocking fee after 3 or 4 hours. My car took 7 hours just to charge (no, it wasn’t completely flat), and you don’t want to head straight into the garage either. An expensive business and unworthy of a hotel. Incidentally, the car park was constantly overcrowded. Once, a pensioner was standing at the barrier with his Golf, waiting patiently. I went over to him, opened the barrier with my card and asked him to clear the way, as I could get in despite the garage being full. The pensioner took the opportunity to drive through straight away. The only pleasure I get from it is thinking about how much he must have paid. They’ll definitely have treated that as a lost card, and he’ll have paid a pretty penny for it. |
Adlon Berlin
Let’s talk about the room. Our Beril Suite was 110 square metres; it’s not exactly cheap either.
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...51d8b6f73a.jpg Here is the plan. https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...3dd89c9511.jpg What you get is a long, dark corridor lined with cupboards. https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...2976c3d979.jpg On the left is the guest toilet. So far, so good – except there’s no washbasin (!!!). You have to go into the main bathroom for that. Either a joke by the architect or sheer stupidity. https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...ae69629498.jpg Another room, in front of which there is a sort of kitchen, has been converted into a mini-gym. Well, it’s a bit of a waste of space, really. A proper second bathroom would have been a better choice, especially if you’re travelling with children or other persons. https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...7e22b38b55.jpg https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...c2658ed92f.jpg https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...d5b414783a.jpg The living room is quite spacious and classic in style. Judging by the position of the pictures, it looks as though a new sofa has been brought in. It doesn’t really feel very welcoming. https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...08cb1526cf.jpg https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...c079ece121.jpg https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...6dfd339969.jpg https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...e88cf33545.jpg Hey, there's even a fax machine!!!! https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...7de07e1121.jpg The view really isn't great. https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...2a3cd5c2bb.jpg https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...58c255f8b5.jpg But there are lovely flowers (I really mean that) and a proper Easter egg. https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...506c0c1449.jpg https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...1bac1b9436.jpg https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...4334fc650d.jpg The bedroom was also old-fashioned, but it had a four-poster bed. https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...022a582728.jpg https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...262acbc3a0.jpg https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...9a852b0c82.jpg https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...ffdb5cce01.jpg https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...5c1d9b2483.jpg It was a bit worn; it could do with a bit of a spruce-up. https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...bdd0ecaecd.jpg https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...c991bab3e0.jpg https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...e91d201907.jpg For heaven's sake, how on earth do you put a sheet like that on?????? https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...e14c8569f2.jpg Dressing room. https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...4dfedb0df2.jpg https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...0a0815aeca.jpg The bathroom. It has a small shower, but also a sauna and a separate toilet room with a washbasin. https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...82b784254b.jpg https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...91565f143e.jpg https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...4c557db5b4.jpg https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...af079c0c9a.jpg https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...5c135c650b.jpg https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...ed8f87065c.jpg That’s exactly how I’d imagined the shower would be... https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...2feb5486c8.jpg Of course, the Adlon takes sustainability very seriously. Making the bed is actually really bad for the environment. Obviously, none of this has anything to do with cutting costs... https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...2e7cf0ddea.jpg https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...e1ab1cfcd9.jpgIncidentally, in response to my guest survey, people found it interesting and valuable that I see this as a way to save money. It’s hardly the sort of thing you’d come up with on your own. But let’s be honest, this sort of thing really isn’t on. OK, the old-fashioned style – you know that going in. But holes in the bedsheets and stains on the bed are completely unacceptable. The shower head should have been noticed too, not to mention that filthy ventilation grille. A really poor performance. |
Breakfast for 122€? I hope that's not just for 1 person and 1 night.
Who still uses fax? I would expect it in the museum not a hotel room 😁 |
Originally Posted by VorelNaCestach
(Post 37769244)
Breakfast for 122€? I hope that's not just for 1 person and 1 night.
Who still uses fax? I would expect it in the museum not a hotel room 😁 Funny enough we use still Fax sometimes for work, but it´s getting much less. |
While I was aware of Dresden and its history, I had no idea it was so pretty, and populated with such amazing buildings. The The Frauenkirche in particular caught my eye, as did the Semperoper and your suite at the Adlon. (Berlin)
You are certainly amongst our most well traveled and well fed trip reporters, offerendum, and I know I speak for many when I say Thank You for once again lavishing us with such a beautiful report :tu::tu: |
Originally Posted by Seat 2A
(Post 37771360)
While I was aware of Dresden and its history, I had no idea it was so pretty, and populated with such amazing buildings. The The Frauenkirche in particular caught my eye, as did the Semperoper and your suite at the Adlon. (Berlin)
You are certainly amongst our most well traveled and well fed trip reporters, offerendum, and I know I speak for many when I say Thank You for once again lavishing us with such a beautiful report :tu::tu: |
Adlon Berlin
I don't have any good pictures of the pool this time. But the area is quite nice. That said, judging by the crowd and their tattoos, you could almost get the impression that the hotel shares the pool with the local prison. (I know tattoos are common these days, but some of them were really weird—some were even half in runic script.)
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...d4083ceee6.jpg https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...34a83e7504.jpg 2nd picture is art;) |
Rutz Berlin
That evening, I had plans to visit the Rutz. For several years now, Berlin has been home to the Rutz, a three-star Michelin restaurant, and of course I had to try it out. From the outside, the restaurant doesn't look very glamorous.
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...37f76d29c8.jpg https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...82830b2d4d.jpg The interior has a modern design, ingredients are displayed on one wall. https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...e403b4e951.jpg Non-alcoholic Aperitif https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...12577e8f7d.jpg We then chose the modified inspiration menu, and I added the caviar course. https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...29a296169f.jpg https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...e1d5da48c2.jpg We also ordered a non-alcoholic beverage to go with our meal, but I didn't write down what it was. Potato & Marjoram https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...f271252f6a.jpg https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...877f5dc877.jpg Lettuce & Forest Flavors https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...e57ebb252a.jpg https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...85ab0d73aa.jpg https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...a45d271a17.jpg https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...d79c134bc7.jpgMountain Cheese & Leek https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...042a849e9d.jpg https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...853c59d76c.jpg Spring trout & kohlrabi https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...334266c736.jpg https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...26a987fadb.jpg https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...212ed8cfa7.jpg Bread and butter https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...77a04ffe80.jpg https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...d971f0674b.jpg https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...d5fb2f66bf.jpg https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...a244070da5.jpg https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...39a61b60dd.jpg Yellowtail mackerel & watercress https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...6e54edf709.jpg https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...42b0a5cf44.jpg https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...44107a5e17.jpg https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...b4d9dab8f9.jpg Sunflower Root & Müritz Eel https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...0e156a4b0b.jpg https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...f17c75c664.jpg https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...538d6b7823.jpg https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...1004ff2ecb.jpg Caviar https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...f9147ecb34.jpg https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...992fc18aea.jpg https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...777c1f15f5.jpg Beet & horseradish https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...55075d8195.jpg https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...e0c1ef2159.jpg https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...3280fa4644.jpg https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...855421ef17.jpg https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...785c8da8c9.jpg https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...34a0def42b.jpg https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...2aa940a284.jpg https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...c04be90de4.jpg Sand carrot & nut butter https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...dda3d3927e.jpg https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...ce6daf0dd8.jpg https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...66acbc8ae8.jpg https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...88fe7df987.jpg https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...62346a01d1.jpg Off the menu as a surprise: some mushrooms https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...5e7a6fd448.jpg https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...39986a7f33.jpg https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...aa33a40325.jpg Haffzander & wild garlic, lettuce https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...0283dd47fa.jpg https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...25cffd68d7.jpg https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...7adfcc73e3.jpg Buffalo milk & beet https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...37dd58e959.jpg https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...00f1236fc0.jpg https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...d4d3aaaae2.jpg https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...9d18d255b7.jpg Oxalic acid, roasted koji, pear https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...b6100968b6.jpg https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...0a26632626.jpg https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...7aeacbf09c.jpg Sandalwood & wild rose https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...9bfb41d57b.jpg https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...37a3d35fd7.jpg https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...b420490b63.jpg The food was good, though sometimes I would have preferred something a little “simpler.” They marinate things for days, and that’s exactly how they taste. Overall, it wasn’t exactly mind-blowing for me, and it’s not my favorite kind of food, but as I said, it wasn’t bad at all. I just prefer a different style of cuisine. The bill, on the other hand, was steep. https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...83014f9624.jpg Of course, you’d expect a tip as well...... I did it once, but it’ll probably be a one-time thing. I don’t think I’ll be going back there anytime soon. That said, I don’t regret it either. |
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