Back to Italian lessons this morning. . .  here is the first day's board's somewhat schizophrenic offering; spent much of the time getting to know what's happened in our respective worlds since last meeting. Tomorrow we are tackling some Opera, specifically Puccini, more specifically Butterfly, most specifically the version directed by von Karajan, sung by Pavorotti and Freni (1990): one of the classics, according to Daniela, my most excellent teacher, and a performance one must be at least made aware of if there is to be any sort of serious discussion. .