50 Things to do Before I'm 50

The opera has always seemed rather highbrow. Elegant ladies, men in full penguin attire. Extortionate ticket prices. I'm thinking of the scene in Pretty Woman, designer evening dress and borrowed diamonds. Certainly not really intended for the likes of me! Ticket prices ARE extortionate, especially in London. I went for something a little more provincial at The Ipswich Regent. Still a professional production with a full orchestra without such a hefty price tag. I sound like a mean old skinflint but in truth, if you don't know whether your'e going to love it or hate it the price has to be a consideration. Poor old C volunteered to join me (he can't even bear to pause channel hopping on a musical let alone an opera!)  We saw Madame Butterfly. Thanks to Malcolm McLaren, I was a little familiar with the story and music. Ironic that the king of punk has made me familiar with the works of Puccini! The production was a feast for the eyes, the sets and costumes were o...

Amsterdam has been on my wish list to visit for a long long time. The laid back atmosphere of the place appealed to me and I wanted to see the quirky, wonky architecture for myself. Not to mention an opportunity to tick several things off my list! I had a fantastic few days with great friends who were up for the adventure. The weather was unbelievably cold and windy (thanks beast from the east part two!) we did our best not to let it hamper us. Dam Square  First tick came with a tram ride. How is it that practically every country I've ever visited has brilliant public transport? Its cheap, well run, simple to navigate, clean, regular.... I could go on. I know this is asked all the time but what is their secret and why can't we copy it over here? To be honest the tram ride was a bit of a non event, it was just like a bus really only quiet. The quietness of the trams actually nearly caught us out a few times when trying to cross the road. Betw...