My mother-in-law was an inveterate college reunion attendee. The renewal of friendships she described has inspired me to attend my own.
During child-raising years, intractable logistics often flummoxed my regular attendance. The current quandary – balancing convenience, coffee, and comfort – arises from experience gleaned in 2015.
We had put a lot of effort into that trip, five years ago. My college roommate Sandra had flown from her home in England. My journey had involved a shorter flight, after which I assumed the role of chauffeur.
By staying in the dorms, we maximized our time on campus. Simply walking to lectures and events, we could observe generational changes while enjoying the fresh Spring air and beautiful surroundings. Alas, meals were not Chicago fare, but the vibrant camaraderie made up for the pedestrian cuisine.
Two days in, however, I was desperate for strong coffee. Specifically a grande Starbucks latte, if you must know the truth. I convinced Sandra that a short drive would not impede our attendance at the Farewell Class Brunch.
Regrettably, I was wrong.
Narrow country roads were clogged with weekend shoppers. Add a holiday Air Show performance to the congestion, plus military police directing traffic, and we were in the midst of a perfect, gridlock storm.
Perhaps we were a bit crabby that day.
Sleeping fitfully for two nights on metal dormitory beds, sporting prison grade mattresses, had taken its toll. The pillows, like sacks of pebbles, exacerbated our restlessness, as did humidity unabated, lacking even a basic fan.
Now I recall that students need to bring their own side tables, but we were quite fussy that our reading glasses and water were requestioned to the linoleum floor—washed in what year, it’s anyone’s guess.
Yes, we were irritable.
Staying in a hotel this time is an option, but commuting is not ideal. Though this conundrum requires further discussion, I’m packing my own coffee.
Fortunately, that problem’s been solved. (c)
