Bizarre questions for city guides


04 January 2007 11:57

City tourism staff have revealed some of the hilarious questions posed by visitors last year.

The Tourism Information centre in the award-winning Forum building, is the first port of call for many visitors to the city and surrounding region - and it seems they expect more than just a map when they walk through the door.

From goldfish sitting to the best way to navigate a narrow boat across the sea, some of the things the tourist information team are asked to deal with are downright bizarre.

Michelle Hurren, tourist information centre manager, said: “One elderly couple rang and said they had enjoyed staying in Norfolk for many years, but last time they came they saw a sign for a place called byway but couldn't find it on the map. It turned out the council had put up new signs.

“When the fair was at Chapelfield Gardens a couple of teenagers came in asking if we could look after the fish they had just won so they could go for a coffee because the coffee shop would not let them in with it.

“And in another case a lady rang up saying she had stayed in a farm about 15 or 20 years ago and wanted to find it. She said it was a lovely farm with a cow outside it and from that expected us to know which one it was.

“There was even a lady who wanted to know if she could get her narrow boat to Norwich by sea. We advised her not to try it.

Ms Hurren said people often came into the centre asking for help in finding their car after forgetting where they left it. Calls are also regularly received about which motorway leads to Norwich.

And on one occasion, a prostitute came in asking the team to display her card in the window as she was offering a service to visitors.

People visiting Norwich are not the only ones who ask strange questions. Tourism agency Visit Britain says staff are often left scratching their heads.

Questions asked by confused foreigners included:

T - What time does the Loch Ness Monster Surface?

T - Is Wales shut in the winter?

T - What is the entry fee for Brighton?

T - Are churches in England open at Christmas?

T - Have you got a funny story to share with Evening News? Contact reporter Emma Knights on 01603 772326 or email emma.knights@archant.co.uk

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