Well I guess the cat is well and truly out of the bag..... yes it is totally official ... I am a Trekki nerd. I immediately spotted a com badge that was on the wrong side of the uniform on a member of our party and I knew what a Klingon drinking vessel on sight. On the (rather excited) side I DID catch a glimpse of the MAN HIMSELF* knees' - the rest of him was obscured by a lucky fan getting an autograph.
We took no credit cards, no bank cards and with everything paid up in front including train fees, oyster card, hotel room and took a mere £200 cash with us which included £60 back up funds and divided between us for safety's sake. Thought the women behind the desk at the hotel reception was going to faint when she demanded a swipe at our card on arrival. Not carrying a credit card with you - how very provincial!
Megatrain did us proud - with two tickets to London all for the princely sum of £10.00 FOR TWO people plus a £0.50pence setting up fee. Didn't think it would work and we'd be kicked off or made to pay more but no... the conductor just looked at our email print off, smiled and thank us. There was a notice on the return that Megatrain customers needed to check in 15 minutes prior to departure. But for the return leg we treated ourselves to two First Class tickets all for the princely sum of £31 each. Brilliant deal from East Midlands Trains. 
The Oyster Card was awesome and saved HEAPS of money on tube/DLR fees. For example on Saturday afternoon the group ventured out from Excel London to visit Greenwich the home of the Meridian Line. It cost just £1.20 using the Oyster Card but for fellow ticket buyers the same journey was £3.60. It was a bit scary at first but those of us using the little cards soon got the hang of pressing the cute little card onto the big yellow buttons that seem to be springing up all over London. The group even managed a trip back to Excel on the water ferry and the cable car both with very pleasing discounts using the Card. Have to say the cable car was the second highlight of my weekend - it was just like being launched into space to join the Enterprise in the night sky. My very own little shuttle ride.
SO then HOT MONEY SAVING TIPS for visiting the Big Smoke....
Search Megatrain or Megabus for cheap fares alternatively use the compare markets to search for the cheapest of train fares.
Get yourself a pre-paid Oyster Card - easy to top up at any news agents or stations - saves both money a time.
And finally - accost unsuspecting members of the public who dress up in wickedly awesome costumes and ask them very sweetly for their photograph.....
Hope your weekend has been as great as mine!
BKD
* Obviously I refer to Kirk aka William Shatner.
