This week, we moved away from the Midwest forever.
There are things to love about the Midwest. Primarily, the people there are bighearted, friendly types who want nothing more than to help you out. My wife was born and raised there, and that's where I met her. There are many people who like the simpler style of life, or the wide open spaces, or the down-to-earth American culture of the region.
That being said, I'm very happy to be moving on. Of all the things I wanted to do with my life, spending 7 years in the bible belt was nowhere on the list. Still, I wanted an American experience, and boy did I get it. I'm unbelievably tired of being the only black sheep, having a radically different model of the world. I'm tired of living somewhere where most people have never travelled out of the state, let alone the country; where "is Italian a language?" is an honest question that doesn't inspire laughter.
I'm sad to leave my family in the Midwest, who worked unbelievably hard to accept this black sheep into their fold. I will miss my friends and colleagues both in singing and at the restaurant, and I sincerely hope I get to see them all again, however unlikely that may be.
This week we're in New York City for an audition, and the contrast couldn't be stronger. Diversity is an amazing thing - people of all races, styles, and kinds. Something going on at all times of the day and night, something for everybody of every lifestyle and interest. I need to live somewhere like this - I need to live in a world class city.
After this audition, we fly to Utah for our summer contract. I get to cover Escamillo, and hopefully take some time to do the work I missed out on while I was sick for 8 weeks this spring. Then we leave for Paris - one of THE world class cities - and we go on to try and break into the European opera scene. I couldn't be more excited.
Post new comment