Been 2 O2

Prince was everything that I'd hoped. He sang a lot of the stuff that I love including great versions of "Purple Rain" and "Cream". Some of the hits were reduced to a 30 second version with some terrific guitar riffs but as he said "Oh London, so many hits, so little time"
We got into London early and wouldn't have been able to get into the hotel so we got on the Tube and went as far as Bank. I reasoned there would be more places to eat around there than at Kings Cross. We found an excellent pub just downhill from the Monument station entrance opposite the Monument itself. We had a sandwich and a drink and it turned out to be more than a sandwich really. Absolutely no complaints. I can't remember the name of the place (it could be the Monument)but I know where it is and may pay another visit.
Once we'd eaten, we went and caught the Docklands Light Railway to Canning Town where the hotel, an Express by Holiday Inn, was. Again, an excellent choice. The room was basic but comfortable and clean and the shower was very good. It is just one stop away from North Greenwich, the stop for the O2. Definitely a consideration at 11pm!
The O2 is still in the process of being developed but it is very impressive and the Arena is a superb venue. Barbara and I got to the O2 at about 4pm and had a look at the Prince merchandise outlet. Ever the cheapskate, I decided not to bother. The souvenir brochure was £15 and the T shirts £35. As the tickets had only cost us £31.21 and we had pared down the travel and accommodation to the minimum, it would have really increased our budget.
We'd got there too early really. There were plenty of restaurants but we weren't too hungry really after the lunch sandwich. So we got a drink and sat and watched the promenaders. The Arena doors opened at 6pm and we finished off and strolled round to our entrance. Everything was very easy and there were lots of food outlets on each level. Again we walked and looked and in the end, just had a burger and a drink. I'd made quite a few mistakes really. For a start, I thought they wouldn't allow cameras in the place. Wrong. I didn't think they would allow the alcoholic drinks in the Arena. Wrong. I'll have to get out more. In fact, people were coming and going throughout the show with drinks and then, obviously, to get rid of the drinks!
Our seats were about 30/40 metres away from the stage but they weren't high enough really. Once everyone stood up as Prince came on, Barbara had a bit of a problem seeing. If we'd been higher up, she'd probably still have had a problem as there were two giants in front of us. I was able to get clear views but Barbara is about as tall as Prince himself and as he moved about his "symbol" shaped stage, she kept losing him.
He did a two hour set but kept disappearing for a few minutes while the NPG kept playing. So, when he finally finished, everyone hung about in case he came on again! There were plenty of exits and the queue for the tube kept moving fairly quickly so we got back to the hotel by 23.45.
We'd not planned to stay because of the luggage problem so, the next morning, we made our way back to Kings Cross and caught the train home. The journeys meant I was able to finish off Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows except for 8 pages. Once we got in the house, that was the first order of business! I like the way she has rounded everything off. Back to my more mundane reading matter again.
Today has been catching up with the chores day. I gave the fish a much needed clean, cut the grass, trimmed some bushes etc. Barbara has been cleaning and shifting. She has reorganised some drawers and cupboards in the kitchen. That will really confuse the younger members of our family when they come this weekend!
Tonight is Pub Quiz if I get there as I am at a meeting this evening. We are on a roll after two wins in a row. Can we make it three? I doubt it!