From Les Mis to Amsterdam

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Wow - two days have flown by very quickly. It was just the day before yesterday that we were still in London and now we are here in seedy Amsterdam (more explanation later!)

Lesson 3: "You can't con an honest man" (Quote by Peter)

We were ripped off! On the first day of our trip in London, we went to Leicster Square to obtain cheaper tickets to a production of Les Misrables. Apparently, normally the tickets are around 55 pounds, so we thought we would be clever and gain great seats for a cheaper price. We obtained tickets and were told to come back on the day of performance to pick them up. (Already sounds dodgy doesn't it!) On the day, we picked up the tickets and the smarmy, suave sales guy exclaimed: "You are so lucky - I got you much better tickets a few rows from the front!" We thought, "Great...how lucky are we!". Stupidly, we didn't even check the tickets. When we arrived at the theatre, our seats were right in the front row (Bus Boy seats), where only a black sheet seperated us from the orchestra and you could only see the actors from knee up. Only then did we check the ticket and we saw that the tickets were half the value of what we paid. Grumbling and vowing revenge, the show commenced....AND HOW LUCKY WERE WE!!!!! Even with our awful seats, the show was spectacular and both Peter and I were engrossed in the event. Les Misrables is all about forgiveness and by the end of the show were weren't planning our plot of revenge. Awful seats turned into a fantastic experiences, as we felt like we were apart of the show - we were even spat on by the "Master of the House". If you ever visit London, this experience should be top on your list.

Earlier that day, I spent hours drooling over Greek artefacts in the British Museum. I could have spent months there. In fact, I was stalking many of the curators at the museum to find out how they got their job there. One of the most impressive sites was the Elgin Marbles display. I decided to fork out for the audio tour and it was worth it. I can only imagine how impressive it must have appeared on the Acropolis at Athens. Also, I finally got to see the Roman bust of Alexander the Great and also the reproductions of reliefs from Persepolis. It was such a fantastic day and poor Peter patiently waited for me as I flitted from one display to the next. I didn't want to leave. I think it was there and then that I decided that one day I will have to return and work there - even if it was cleaning the toilets!

Yesterday, we spent travelling from London to Amsterdam. First, on the Eurostar from London to Brussels - very, very fast - I didn't even fall asleep on the train. Brian...we thought of you all the way....

Amsterdam is pretty seedy - lots of drugs and sex shops, but if you look past all of that, it is a beautiful city. Impressive architecture and cobblestone streets. We are staying in a lovely hotel and enjoyed watching some Dutch programmes last night. Will write more later! xx

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Comments

[Judith]

Alex and Peter! Glad to hear from you again. As I wrote on your facebook this morning I was getting worried (like a mother hen) because there was no news from you after London. Really good to hear that you handled the ticket experience so well. Good on you!! They make you savvy for similar experiences in the future. Alex, fantastic to read your blog. With every new one I keep on wishing Ouma could have read them! Keep them rolling. Enjoy. Love, Mamma