Many miles

I haven’t added them up, but I have covered a fair few miles in the pursuit of a suitable University for 2nd son. Durham, York and this weekend Glasgow. Applications for University for the coming academic year have to be in as soon as possible: I know some have already submitted and had offers. Not my boy.

This latest weekend trip has required a pricey fuel top up twice – and I’m only up and about now because my back has seized up from all the driving.

??????????

The University open day was well organised. From my point of view finding a hotel which included parking, which allowed me to leave the car in situ until 4pm even though we had checked out, and which was only 10 minutes walk from the University made things a lot easier. The reception staff were very helpful, and provided us with a map and directions for various requirements. And it was the cheapest place for a twin room with breakfast and free parking that I could find. All under £55.
We travelled up on Friday, taking nearly all day from near Oxford (leaving about 9.30 am to avoid rush hour), arriving in a grid locked Glasgow at about 4 pm, but not reaching the famous Sauchiehall Street and our hotel until nearer 5 pm.

As we arrived at the University on Saturday morning, an open top bus ride was offered, for free. Undeterred by fine drizzle we sat in the open air of the top deck and enjoyed an entertaining guide as she narrated the journey around the city. The rest of the day was filled with maths, philosophy and politics, tours of the residences and intermittent stops for refreshment. Without fail we found everyone we came across friendly and helpful, though at times a little undecipherable. We finished at 4 pm, feeling generally impressed, and generally exhausted, and returned to the car. Having only experienced a little drizzle throughout the whole day, despite plum coloured sky at times, we felt rather pleased, specially as 2nd son had left his coat at home. However almost as soon as we sat down in the car it started to rain. And we had heavy rain, with blustery winds, on and off, most of the way to The Wirral, for a rest, and a sleep, before the rest of the return trip, with Mother-in-Law.

So now  2nd son has the decision about which University he wants to attend. I’ve done my bit.

Unknown's avatar

Author: Sarah

No time to lose. No, time to lose. Make time to stand and stare.... Did you see that?

22 thoughts on “Many miles”

  1. Pseu :

    though at times a little undecipherable

    Morning Pseu

    That raised a smile 🙂 The number of times we have to endure Scottish accents on international sports events broadcast to us far outways (me thinks) the ratio of ‘English spoken with Scottish accents’ / ‘English spoken with coherent pronunciation.’

    Good luck with St Jude

  4. Seriously though, Nym: I trust 2nd son’s shortlist was selected for the right reasons, like being as far away from Mum and Gran as possible? 🙂

  6. Morning Pseu,
    No 1 daughter went to Durham which was fine except for the occasions that one is “expected” to attend. We drove up from Cornwall so always had to stay somewhere the night before, attend said function with a 7/8 hour drive home afterwards. (Sigh)
    Hope the back “unfreeezes” fairly swiftly.

  7. Hi JHL, I can see you know about these journeys! When we ‘did’ Durham from here it was a one day outing, with no hotel, and I feel more exhausting for that. Just hope he makes the right decision. Did No1 enjoy Durham?

  9. “Without fail we found everyone we came across friendly and helpful, though at times a little undecipherable”

    RE: Indecipherable or undecipherable:
    After a little browsing, I have been left confused.

    Should the ‘in’ suggest difficult and the ‘un’ impossible? Or is one to do with written word and the other for spoken word?

  11. You are courageous, Pseu. Our lot went on trains and buses, usually with school friends, to various university Open Days. The only one we drove older son to was St Andrews, and that because we were going to Scotland anyway and staying in cousin’s flat there. It was his first choice as it turned out. A busy time of year this.

  15. When I was a child there was a little shuttle train between Leuchars and St Andrews. That line no longer exists. I’ve no idea how people get there without a car now.

Add your Comment