Glasgow in the Snow

Firstly, I must apologise but this post is mostly about me. I always try to describe something unusual that has happened. This week it has happened to me.

I’m sure you have all heard of Emma. She wears a white dress and deposits everywhere she goes.  She’s produced a red warning and caused chaos as she has slowly made her way north. The snow storm of the century so far, maybe.

Well at home the snow is now deep enough that as you open the back door it drags across the snow.

The cats have been out to observe but quickly come back in as the dual terror of cold and wet kicks in.

I know this because my better half has told me. But I have not seen it as I am not there.

On Wednesday I set-off to go to Glasgow for a business meeting. I was there for the day, like many other days. But this day was not like any other day. As we came into land it started snowing very heavily. So heavily that the airport instantly closed due to the fact that the ground crew could not clear the runway as fast as the snow fell.

So we landed in Prestwick.

“Where is Prestwick?”, I thought. 

An hour by train from Glasgow is the answer.

But where were the trains? The airline company dumped us in the airport and no one told us anything. They had no idea what they were supposed to do next. The coaches were stuck in the snow and there were no trains.

Some of us headed for the train station anyway. We surmised that it was most likely that a train would come, rather than a coach.

We were in luck, in about 45 minutes a train did arrive. But half the carriages had their doors frozen shut, so everyone bundled into the doors that still opened. The train crawled along but we finally made it to Glasgow Central.

I made my way to the business that I was due to visit. Half the staff had made it in. The snow continued to fall.

It had taken me three hours to get from the airport to the office, something that usually takes 20 minutes. But at least I was there.

The board meeting I was due to attend was actually at 4pm. It was an important meeting that I felt compelled to attend as an important decision was due to be discussed.

At lunch time the snow had not relented. By 2pm I had received an email from the airline and my flight was cancelled.

The trains were also grounded.  The snow still fell heavily.

I checked into a hotel. At least I now had a bed for the night, although nothing to provide the usual overnight hygiene.

At 4 pm I ventured into the board room. I waited for the board to appear. Sadly, they never came. At 4.45pm the IT director appeared, apologised that they had been distracted by another meeting and we left. There had been no reason for me to come here in the first place.

Meanwhile Inside My House

Have you ever been to a city where there are no restaurants, shops, cafes and pubs open?

I now have.

Glasgow shut down. No one could get in or out and all shops closed.

That night I walked around with a colleague who lives in Glasgow but who was also stuck. He couldn’t even travel the 20 miles home.

It took us an hour to find somewhere to eat. An Indian Curry house was still serving but only for 45 minutes. We ate quickly, thankful that someone had braved the weather to feed us hungry stranded people. Taking pity on their cliental, they stayed open longer and even handed out free extra beer. Now that is customer service!

As I walked back the city was silent. No traffic, no chatter, no wind – just snow and lots of it.

Occasionally, a student would pass me on skis. Snow boarders traversed the steeper streets stopping abruptly at the bottom.

I arrived back at my hotel.

Improvised Fridge

The next day was the same. The snow fell and Glasgow was closed.

I checked in again at the hotel. No spare pants or socks and no toothbrush.

I had to sort this out.

I wandered lonely as cloud, looking for Marks and Spencer. Surely that had to be open.

None of the other shops were open. Not one that I saw. And yet there were hundreds of people wandering around in ski clothes and walking boots. It was like a whole sector of society  was waiting for this day to wear their specialist clothes.

As if by magic, M&S appeared before me. It WAS open!

To cut a long story short – I found what I wanted – although the counter clerk was clearly unhappy about being there. A packet of fresh pants and socks.

And then I found the food floor.

It was great that it was open, it was fantastic that people were serving, but I could also see how much food was now being wasted. The delicatessen was stocked with food that it was not possible to buy. Imagine how many other supermarkets and shops will have to throw food out and re-stock.

I grabbed handfuls of fruit and various packets of tasty lunch items. At least I would enjoy my food if not my situation.

To my amazement as I walked through the store I heard two ladies complaining that there was no fresh bread in the bakery. Had they actually seen the weather?

As I reached the tills, I heard another lady complaining that the assistant wouldn’t go and find another pair of shoes for her. Could she not see that this was the only assistant on the floor and she was keeping the shop open by her dedication in coming in?

Some people are incredible in their selfishness. Before I had a chance to open my mouth, someone else said something to her, the lady backed off.

Under The Snow Spring Awaits

I’m still here today on Friday.

I’m hoping that Glasgow will open again, but I don’t hold my breath with Emma heading north and the “Beast From The East” still flooding in from the north sea.

I have another flight booked – my third. But I have no confidence that the plane will fly.

It has been an experience. I can still work, but I can’t get home.

It is most incredible to be reminded how in 2018, the country and indeed the world is still actually completely dependent on the weather.

We have incredible technology, but can you imagine being in a driverless car in weather like this.

The most amazing thing about the snow is how the wildlife survives.

Where does it go? How does it keep warm?

It is almost invisible in the whiteout and yet it finds a way to keep going. Maybe a lesson for all of us.

After a week to remember, I think there are a couple of records that spring to mind.

The first is below;

https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=blinded+by+the+light+youtube&view=detail&mid=046ECB3040589E0618DE046ECB3040589E0618DE&FORM=VIRE

and then;

https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=pop+song+with+snow+in+title&view=detail&mid=3836327F86F95A7B833E3836327F86F95A7B833E&FORM=VIRE

I hope you have a good weekend, stay warm!

If you liked this post then please use the 'I like this page' button to give me feed-back. It only takes a second!

Why not register your email address to get notified of updates and get the answers to any questions that have appeared in this blog. Visit the Register for Updates page for instructions.

Alternatively, please make a comment (no names or locations please), but be aware that everyone will see it. Please do not write anything abusive if you don’t like this, just vote with your feet.