I'd always wanted to see an opera staged at the Me...

I'd always wanted to see an opera staged at the Met and recently I had the chance with this season's production of "Carmen." Our seats were in the balcony, pretty high up, but the sound from the singers and the live orchestra was wonderful. The performances from all involved - cast, orchestra, scenery, lighting, etc. was flawless....as if we were watching an edited movie. You expect to be impressed when pros perform, but the musicians of the Met are at the top tier of the world of professional music.
I noticed there was a place to the right (looking at the stage) of the Family Circle where you can sit at a desk outfitted with a study light and a music score for the opera, to follow along with the live performance. Online it looks like those tickets are only $12 but apparently you can only hear - not see - the performance. Still, I'd be interested in trying that sometime.
I also enjoyed observing the social spectacle of a night at the opera....attractive couples dressed to the nines posing for photos in the lobby, walking about the lobby (on each floor) with flutes of champagne, or a select few dining at the lengthy intermission at an elegant restaurant on the mezzanine lobby.