South Coast Road Trip Day 1

About a week ago we were told that we had a huge national contract on the horizon and we had almost a thousand new learners to enrol. The list of places was released and people were asked to state preferences. I was hoping not to get involved, so stayed quiet. Bad move.

Some trainers were given specific locations as they would be delivering training there, but there were areas where they just needed enrolments done. I had a choice of two weeks dotted around the north west/midlands, or one week in the south west. I chose the latter, thinking it was only a week and it was also in my old patch. Places last visited around 25 years ago.

Bristol, Poole, Southampton, Horndean, Hove.

So here I am. Mothering Sunday, in a hotel just outside Bristol, having driven for 5 hours to get here. I also chose to miss going to the Newcastle v Stoke match. I could have gone but didn't relish the thought of getting up at 3am and driving down here through the night. Especially as wouldn't sleep for fear of not hearing my alarm.

Not much to say about the journey. Sometimes dual carriageway, sometimes motorway. Sprinklings of snow all the way down and one stop for a wee and coffee break. Starbucks of course!

The hotel is ok. very close to where I need to be tomorrow, handy. Its cheap, but friendly and clean. Nothing fantastic but its got to be better than the Travelodges that I will be using further along the route. Our company isn't known for it's generosity regarding hotel accommodation.

I'm sitting in the hotel bar, watching 'Dancing on Ice' while eating a cheese and ham pannini.
As soon as I finish this using the free wifi, I will retire to my room, get comfy and maybe have a few of my Mother's Day chocolates.

This week requires a lot of flexibility as the people I am enrolling work shifts. I may have to do a lot of hanging around waiting, or I may get them all done early and have the afternoon off...who knows. I am hoping to meet up with a couple of friends, one of whom I joined up with back in 1981 and who I haven't seen since 1987.

Right, off to relax. I know you will be waiting with baited breath for Day 2. Patience my lovelies.