Travelling to a new place can sometimes be disorientating. People can feel overwhelmed by their new surroundings. This is why it is always important to make visitors feel welcome, and to help them have a positive experience on their travels.
The following extract from Ted Hughes’s play The Coming of the Kings explores the fact that, as exciting as it is to travel, it can be equally as enjoyable to host visitors who travel to you.
The Coming of the Kings
FORTUNE-TELLER: I read here That the greatest good luck in a million year Is coming your way. What? Where? When?
INNKEEPER: WIFE:
FORTUNE-TELLER: (still studying the WIFE’s palm): Today. Today?
FORTUNE-TELLER: The King Of Men Is going to visit your inn – today. What? What’s that? What do you say?
INNKEEPER:
FORTUNE-TELLER: Be prepared. INNKEEPER:
A king?
FORTUNE-TELLER: INNKEEPER:
Three kings.
Beyond my wildest imaginings! To stay with us here?
FORTUNE-TELLER: To visit this inn. WIFE: INNKEEPER:
A new age is going to begin From what occurs at this inn today. And you will be famous for ever. For ever!
Now who’s stupid? Now who’s clever? I bought this inn ten years ago For this moment. What else do you know?
FORTUNE-TELLER: Prepare. WIFE:
INNKEEPER: Three kings!
When we’ve had them, Every night after, we’ll be crammed full. We’ll be on the map, the fashionable Most famous inn in Bethlehem. We’ll make a fortune!