Last weekend we headed off to Brighton to scout for houses. Laines, the seaside, a bustling town that's compact enough yet near London, an artsy vibe-- what more can one *really* ask for. Unfortunately, it was Bank Holiday weekend so all B&Bs were booked. And owing to some impending change in the laws, most flats are snapped up meaning. . well, I am still looking. Tragic. After two hours of sleep, the day obviously kicks off with some Photobooth-ing before leaving at 7am. . Sometimes 7am is the time when I sleep, it is quite odd going to bed at 4-ish and waking up at 630am. It was at the train station that I discovered a major glitch. I had selected 'return' tickets on the National Rail site, priced at £44.30 for us both, and when I was directed to the First Capital Connect site to pay, it became £56.30. No matter how I checked the timings, it seemed like the other fare was a hoax. Stupidly enough, I didn't double check if they were returns, single tickets came out at the station. Nevertheless it got me moody for the rest of the day, wondering if we had to pay another sixty quid to travel back-- which would be ridiculous. "You didn't click 'single' so we could somehow stay there overnight, did you?" I was asked teasingly, which I got rather upset about, because, let's face it, I can't travel anywhere without contact lens solution, skincare, etcetera. You get the picture. Plus I am not so lowdown and sneaky. Allegation completely out of the window. Dropping by the train offices in London were only greeted by "Call this number" and calling that alleged-customer support line only led to patronising "Sorry you have to buy new tickets. . tube upgrades. .disruptions. ." and all kinds of shite. Whilst I acknowledge I was stupid not to double-check (it was 3am) and I couldn't possibly call them up to enquire about fare discrepancy at that time, I would have had some faith in believing that my 'return' choice would have stayed when directed to the vendor to pay. Nevertheless, a kind ticket officer at Brighton heard our case at night-- because it was only £0.15 more for return tickets as compared to singles!-- and so we didn't need to take the 'friendly customer support' advice and paid £56.15 less. Well, in essence, I really bemoan the lack of cheap (and efficient) public transport as compared to Singers.
