Five nights out

Posted on 30 April 2024 by pws

After a busy day sightseeing and shopping, you may fancy some live entertainment, maybe a play. There are many big theatres in the West End, mostly showing musicals. The prices can be eye watering, over £300 per ticket and the programme is extra.

If you want to see one of those and can afford it, go for it. If your are looking for something that won’t break the bank, we have five suggestions. They are a little way out of the centre, represent, we think, good value for money and are fun to visit.

And no, they are not sponsoring us, we don’t get free tickets or payment, these are genuinely five places we like to go to.

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Posted in Culture, London, Music, Theatre | Tagged | 1 Comment

Five adult things

Posted on 29 April 2024 by pws

If you are travelling with kiddoes, there are plenty of things you can do to keep them occupied.

If you aren’t, there are so many attractions where the little ones are there, misbehaving and screaming and generally spoiling your day. So here are five things where kids should not be welcome.

Visit a cemetery

There many cemeteries in the capital, but Highgate is best known (Archway tube and a walk up the hill).

There’s no reason children cannot attend, but they’d be bored and might possibly damage or disrespect the site, so should be kept away.

Tours are available, and you will see some famous faces, er, graves.

Worth a visit, but book in advance.

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Posted in Culture | Tagged | 1 Comment

Tipping

Posted on 28 April 2024 by pws

Tipping is a genuine worry for many people.

There are countries where tipping has gone mad. Tip everyone for anything. USA, we look at you:

  • Someone points you to a seat in a theatre? $5
  • Someone carries a bag? $5
  • Someone gives you directions? $5
  • Someone makes you a coffee? $3
  • Wait staff in a restaurant? 25% of the total bill upwards
  • Maid cleans your hotel room? $2 per night. Maid doesn’t clean your hotel room? $2 per night
  • Taxi driver? 20% or more
  • Pick up a cake at the local bakery? 25% upwards
  • Self-checkout at a supermarket? 10% upwards

We think it’s out of control and we know other people do too. Everywhere you go, the hand is out. It’s the culture. Don’t pay the hotel maid and you could be fined by the hotel ($250 seems to be the going rate) for “smoking in your room”, even if you have never smoked in your entire life.

There are countries where there is no tipping. If you try, it’s an insult. People expect to be helpful, they take pride in good service, it’s the job, they should not need to be bribed before they do their work. We love you, Japan.

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Posted in London | Tagged , | Leave a comment