Ask an Expat: My new “carpool” commute
japra | Jul 22, 2010 | Comments 8
For the six years Roxi was in school in Houston, I drove morning and afternoon carpool most every school day.
In the morning, I drove in rush hour traffic for 20-30 minutes (each way) and prayed a traffic jam wouldn’t cause Roxi to be tardy (the dreaded “T” word).
For an hour each afternoon, I sat in the scorching Texas sun, marinating in the 100% humidity, waiting in the carpool line to pick her up.
When we moved to England, carpool was a bit better climate-wise, but it was always so hectic in the parking lot. The school didn’t have an organized drop off/pick up system. It was the old squeeze-your-car-in-where-you-could-and-hope-for-the-best scenario. And if you’ve ever had to park a car in England, you’ll know what I mean when I say the car park was a stressful thing.
In the Netherlands, Roxi took the school bus, but I still had to pick her up after school more often than not. It was 20-30 minutes on a crazy road where people wanted to drive 20 km faster than the posted speeds. They didn’t seem to have a problem with speed cameras…
Now that we’re back in England?
I leave the driving to others.
And just enjoy the ride :-)
Yes, the commute time is a little longer, yes, I have to take the tube once I get to our London terminus, and yes, the train + tube tickets are more expensive than any form of transportation we’ve used for getting Roxi to school. But let me tell you, having 30 minutes to read on the train and then a very short tube ride to Roxi’s London music school is okay by me. There is NO WAY you will find me driving in London.
Filed Under: Ask an Expat • Blog • Expat Life • Featured
About the Author: JaPRA is an expat Texan living in England with her husband (Mr. DJ), their 17-year old daughter (Roxi), and their dog Trudy.
What wonderful photos! I especially love the bottom one, of course, given my love of the Battersea Power Station. I absolutely love the train in this coutnry and I love my commute now.
Wise idea. Driving in London is just not worth it. It’s nightmare.
That’s great that Roxi is going to music school and you have an easier commute. I agree about driving around London – no fun at all.
I miss the trains in England. We are still waiting for the rail to be repaired since we moved to Brunswick, Maine 13 years ago. Then we’ll be able to walk half a mile to the train station which will go direct to Boston. Now it just runs from Portland. It’s a beautiful ride through marshes and avoids the summer traffic.
I know how you feel! I had one year, and one year only, of walking my son to preschool around the corner. I loved not getting into the car. Now preschool is 15 minutes each way and everyday (and she’s only there for 3 1/2 hours!). I’m not looking forward to it.
your houston commute sounds pretty dreadful — almost 2 hours – yikes!
but riding on trains is such a pleasure….enjoy that 1/2 hour to yourself! and good idea to bring along a good read.
After a settling in period, will Roxi be able to do this on her own, or does Mama plan to spend her days in London!
Well, my husband promises/threatens that this autumn, our first goal is to become legal drivers. He just drives illegally, no license except one with “NEW YORK STATE” emblazoned on it. When I was desperate and he was away and it was cold, cold January, I drove. Hated it, scared I’d have an accident! Now I fear I must get legal.
I drove into New York City last week and was so proud I could do it without a major mishap! It is lovely that you have relinquished this stress… :)
Amen to getting more reading time JAPRA! The cost is infinitely worth saving yourself the hassle!!