I was in the Vale of Glamorgan in the South of Wales.
Pretty.
But I didn't really get to see near as much of Wales as I would have like to.
Reason: transport!
I was working during the week when transport was fairly regular; Saturdays - taking a lie in into consideration - got the 50min bus ride into Cardiff and saw the city in parts, Sundays - well, Sundays the bus only comes every two hours! Not conducive to doing much of anything.
The hospital was pretty much in the middle of nowhere - on the edge of all the villages and there really wasn't much to do in the evenings. Add wonky mobile broadband - and I nearly pulled my hair out of frustration the entire five weeks I was there.
But, one finds ways around these obstacles. Necessity and all.
Patience may be a virtue, but it certainly ain't my strong point when it comes to anything technological! But, of course I had to patient to get anything done on line...so I just ended up doing very little.
Thank heavens for the library! Because I really do not have the space (nevermind the money to spend!) on yet more books.
Anyway, so week days aside, managed to make sure I didn't stay in on the weekend! Explored Cardiff a little bit each weekend.
The Welsh are really friendly. And, despite it having the reputation of being the wettest part of the British Isle - it really wasn't too bad the time I was there. Apparently I'd missed the really bad weather - and the fact that they had like no summer! Ain't complaining on that front.
And ooo, them Welsh boys are cute! :p
Cardiff is very different to the other cities I've been to the UK (which admittedly have not been many). I think mostly because in the middle of the city you find a massive park and a river, and there's Cardiff Bay. Something you certainly won't find in London (uh, not sure if the Thames counts!).
Being in Wales I decided to grab the opportunity to watch the Boks play live! One of my more insane decisions...seeing as I know diddly squat about rugby, and I was taking myself! Was good fun though - despite the start of the game being a tad slow.
The Millennium Stadium is amazing and just soaking up the atmosphere was great.
Before the game the streets of the city centre filled with people dressed in green and red, with this excitement in the air. I walked passed a group of Saffas who had taken the mega bus (possibly from London) taking photos with a homemade sign saying Barack Habana for president!
I'd gone ice skating at the temporary rink in the Sports Village being built in the Cardiff Bay area. I walked past the swimming pool to the rink - impressive! It had been a good couple months since I'd last been on the ice, but I'm happy to say - I didn't fall once :p
Had a wander around the Cardiff Bay area. It was the windiest day having a windproof jacket helped - a little! But all exposed areas were instantly frozen. The wind was so strong that a bird couldn't even fly. It kept flapping furiously but getting nowhere! It would then drop into another air current and move forward a little, then try to fly forward again...new meaning to getting nowhere in a hurry.
Cardiff Bay
The festive season is upon us, and everwhere was preparations for the season. Well, shops have been filled with christmas goodies since Octber...a pet peeve! Anyway, lights going up in the streets and what turns out to be an annual winter wonderland. And outdoor ice rinks. I wandered around the one set up in Cardiff - so typically cheesy! You've just got to love it.
That day was a drizzly one and I really didn't relish getting wet if I were to fall - and staying wet - for the rest of the day. I just observed - it's quite funny watching people at various levels of skating ability. At the start of a session everyone is all tentative, staying on the outside near the rails and then as confidence builds, going a little faster, closer to the centre. And then a fall happens! And tentative all over again.
Also, watching with envy the skate stewards - the ease they all have on the ice... that day I went and invested in a pair of own! Broke them in the following weekend - it was amazing! New found hobby, and one I need to get better at. Until I have that ease on the ice.
My time in Wales was by now approaching it's end...with each day closer to the countdown I got happier and happier. There is only so much time one can spend in a room in hospital accommodation (although the accommodation was decent).
I decided to go to Swansea before leaving. Just to see another part of Wales.
Pretty train ride to Swansea - although Swansea (city) itself is nothing particularly special. I know that there was so much I missed out on! I really want to do all the outdoor activities offered, but I really would rather not verkluim while doing it. So, back to Wales for the summer is the plan somewhere along the line.
Swansea also had a winter wonderland - with a rink. On this particular Monday the skies were mostly clear and the sun was out. Perfect weather!
Skating outdoors with the sun shining on my face was pure bliss! Add christmas carols and cheesy christmas tunes... It was awesome skating around the rink to Mariah's All I want for Christmas :)
Movie like, and very different to how christmas would be back home! And it's not yet christmas.
Waterfront Winter wonderland, Swansea
Mariah Carey - All I Want for Christmas
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