10/6, London
I rented a piano for the show last night. I got a good deal on it and the chaps who hired it out were really nice. I had a hard time finding the place and everyone I asked in the neighborhood had no idea what street I was looking for. I found a bus map and made my way to garage that rented instruments. I got a nice Weighted key piano. It was much heavier than the one I have and I was in a hurry to get to the show so the fellows called me a car service. When you call a car service, make sure you ask how much ahead of time and that is what they did.
The car was a brand new Mercedes and I was quoted £10.
"This is the most expensive neighborhood in London believe it or not," the renter in Hampstead told me. I guess that’s why car services there use unrivaled German engineering.
I had a time getting it to fit in the car but it worked fine.
"Hey, nice car. Is it new?" By this time we were driving.
"How much did they quote you?"
"10"
"They didn’t mention that you would be bringing this" (pointing to my board) "This is for a £17 car."
"But this time its £10?"
"No. I’m going to have to charge you 17."
"But you quoted me 10." This part went back and forth. I finally asked, "Can you cut me a break?" and I thought he was about to stop the car and let me out. I was in a bind so I gave in and told him to keep going.
Then Mr. Uptight tries to small talk me. "What kind of music do you play?"
I pointed to the backseat and said, "I play piano." It was quiet the rest of the way.
I got out and told myself again I was prepared to lose money on this trip and that the focus was on rocking my audience the best I can.
And I did. And I was rewarded by the ladies and gentlemen of the bar buying me beer for the rest of the evening. Good Times!