(so the grammar may be wonky...but you get the idea :p )
Spent a week - well, 5 days - in Wales and it was fab! The weather was typically Welsh - bit of everything, but thankfully not much rain so it was all good.
First stop on day one was the town of Blaenavon and the coal mining museum Big Pit. The South of Wales was known for coal mining until Margaret Thatcher stopped it (forgive me for not remembering the year - my head can only hold so much info, and dates usually don't cut it! )
We had an ex-miner take us through the mines and explain how coal mining was done and what it involved. Not only the technical aspects but the way of life. Because it was a way of life and with the end of coal mining it ended the careers of many. Not only that, but so many men suffered from a type of pneumonia due to the coal dust.
It was intriguing - how mining was originally. From women and child labour (children as young as six) to the changes made; as simple as installing shower blocks for the men, and the difference this made to their home lives.
Nothing powered by a dry cell was allowed underground - and that included my camera (sigh), reason - it affects the signalling system. Although the mine is a museum it is still classified as a working mine and so has to adhere to mining regulations. Best of all - it doesn't cost a cent! Uh, make that a penny! This is all part of the Welsh Assembly's initiative allowing free access to some heritage sites/museums.
From Big Pit made our way through the Brecon Beacon National Park - oh so pretty, pity all we did was drive through it.
That's the only thing with tour's like these -they are but a taster to what a place has to offer!
Take Hay-on-Wye...my heart broke when we arrived in this town. It is known as the second hand bookstore capital and do you think I bought a book!?!
Not a single one! Instead, I had to compromise by taking photographs only. Poor compenstation I tell you - being in a town with so many many book stores (more than 35) - and cheap! - and not buying a single one.
Self control - being on a budget and not having the space for any books! To make matters worse the Hay Book Festival was on and we didn't even get to go since we only had about an hour in the town.
Way way way too short - I could spend an entire weekend in that town and I'm sure there'd still be more books to browse and purchase. There's just something about the smell of books - be they old or new...and in this instance the smell of mostly old books...awesome!
Hay-on-Wye to our first overnight stop -Caerdydd. I didn't really do too much, having been there before, arriving late and it being a bank holiday.
From here we left the south and headed up north - to beautiful Welsh Country side... rolling green hills and plenty of sheep! Throw in a ruin or two, quaint small towns and the Welsh language.
It is a lovely language to listen to - as is the case with most foreign languages I guess.
Had a bit of a weather change, but at least the rain held off. We had many a-stares being in bright yellow bus with Gorgeous on the one side, Wild and Sexy on the other and something insulting for an irishman on the bonnet...
We stayed in a farmhouse on the outskirts of Snowdonia. It was just us, and it was good. Group dinner (el-cheapo, working out at just over two quid a head - score!) - some cooked, some cleaned...and we all became known by a vegetable or fruit, as linked to your name, for the rest of the trip.
That night I saw my first starry sky in ages...was beautiful. And I even saw a shooting star.
From the farm house, made our way in and out of the Snowdonia National Park for the next two days. We stopped at Conwy (pronounced Conway...don't ask) - a seaside town with a castle...and Britain's smallest house. It only has two bedrooms, and no ablution facilities. It is now merely for tourists to view as it has been condemned.
Back in the Snowdonia National Park - pity it was quite cloudy; we didn't get to see the top of Snowdon. Despite this - it was, of course, still magnificent. Had a strollette (our tour guide's words...not mine) to a waterfall on the Watkin path. If we'd continued on the trail would've made to Snowdon...but alas, no time (and legal requirements about being led on a trail...the UK has a shiteload of paperwork for pretty much everything I tell you!)
Onward to Beddgelert (pronounced Beth Gelert) - this village has the grave site of Gelert, Llewylln (Lh-owe-lyn) the Last's faithful dog.
The story has it what Prince Llewylln was out hunting but without Gelert, and he'd left his baby behind (his mother having died in child birth). While Llewylln was away a wolf came, Gelert moved the baby from his usual room, covered him with a blanket then fought and killed the wolf in an adjacent room. Gelert was exhausted by the end of it all, and covered in blood but managed to drag himself to where he hid the baby.
Llewylln comes home, sees blood everywhere, the baby not where he left it, and Gelert covered in blood (asleep) and jumps to the wrong conclusion. Draws his sword, slays Gelert and Gelert's yelps wakes the baby...and it is only then that Llewylln sees the wolf in the next room and realises that Gelert was protecting his baby. It's said that from that day Llewylln did not smile again.
So this town is in memory of Gelert.
Then it was longest place name in Britain...I'm not even going to type it out - I'll let the picture do that for you...but it means: The church of Mary in the hollow of the white hazel near the fierce whirlpool and the church of Tysilio by the red cave.
Now why someone would name a place that...they alone know...but we're told it was to attract tourists way back when. And Llangfare-P G still does.
Next stop Caernarfan, another seaside town...also with a castle. You can still see the outer walls of the castle around the town. Had supper/dinner/tea...whatever you wish to call it, in a local pub.
Good food, but I don't think I've had so much starch all in one sitting before. I had Welsh pie - minced lamb and mash potato, and this comes with a serving of chips. I opted for thick ones - which were more like roast potatoes...but so yummy! I finished most of the mash, all my chips, and most of one of the girl's thick cut chips too!
It was the Barce - Man Utd game, we just stayed for the first half (most of us not being footie fans). What I enjoyed most was sitting listening to Welsh being spoken. It was so cool :)
More driving the next day...and another ruined castle - Castell-Y-Bere. More rolling hills and plenty of sheep. At one end of the castle all you could hear were sheep - baaa, meeee - chorusing from different sides.
The town nearest to this was Abergynolwyn - you know you're in a small town when the post office is only open 9-1 Monday and Wednesday and you have to ring otherwise!
Lunch was in Machynlleth and then we made our way through a small part of the Elan Valley. The water from here gets pumped to Birmingham. Or did - can't recall if it's still the case.
Stopped in another unpronouncable small town - this time the place where Prince Llewylln the last was beheaded by King Edward's (the first I think) army...without them knowing it was him. And we saw the well where his head was allegedly rinsed off before being taken to London where it was put on a stick and paraded around
Yes, I know...it is all a bit morbid.
We slept in Mexico - seriously.
A hostel called Mexico, and had Mexican food, and it's decorated in Mexican art and crafts...nearest town was Carmathan - but not near enough to walk to...so it was just us, and I think two Englishman who were going cliff diving (or somesort) the next day.
The last day had us making our way to Caerphilly, and Caerphilly castle. I think it is the second biggest castle in Britain (after Windsor). Then it was the town of Caerleon - Roman baths, Roman barracks and Roman Amphithere - all left from the time the Roman empire invaded England and then moved up to Wales...and then the unexciting motorway back to London town
London town has been great - appears summer is here! Everyone out in shades, shorts and tees.
Next stop - the start of my month long Europe adventure: Roma!
Well, maybe not quite the sticks of Wales, but it came pretty close.
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.
Outdoor rink, Cardiff
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.
So, I'd organised work after my Ireland tour - needing money and all, thought it would be a good idea.
Had a list, opted for Wales, since I've not been and I'd like to get to see the place. I was told job was in Cardiff. Checked out the hospital site - didn't tell me much of anything and google maps told me it was about a 30min drive from Cardiff... I thought it shouldn't be too bad. And then dismissed all thoughts of work (more or less, mini freak out when I received timetable whilst on tour) for 10 days.
Contacted the hospital, told there's not a station near here, but there's a bus that stops at the hospital.
My earthly possessions and I made our way to Cardiff... 4 bags - duffel (heavy!) on wheels, one bag containing sleeping bag plus odds & ends (no space in duffel), laptop backpack (plus textbooks) on my back...and sling bag with all the other important randoms.
Find the bus depot, asked where I'm to catch this bus...was given a bus timetable and directions - one thing - the Welsh, they are certainly friendly. At least my experience so far. Drag duffel along, finally get to stop - read bus timetable and according to me the next bus only in 2 hours... I was like no way...back to the train station. Had a hour wait there anyway - reread the bus timetable and saw I misread it. Oh well...
So, the closest railway station is Pontyclun - pronounced 'pontee-clean' - get there, and it's just a stop. And nothing else. Two elderly ladies kindly direct me to the centre of town - 2 min walk down the road. I'd asked whether it was far - I really could not drag that bag much further - I could feel the start of blisters, even though I'd alternated hands while dragging the monstrosity with pretty much all my stuff in it.
Get into the 'town centre' - at the local chippy (fish & chip shop) get a few numbers for taxi providers, call for one, 10min wait and off to the hospital. Only about 10/15min drive - but it's along the highway so definitely not walkable - unless I want to risk getting bumped!
Pay the six quid for the taxi, get room key from reception and head to the accommodation block. Decent. Ensuite bathroom. Shared kitchen. Doable for five weeks. Pretty hospital grounds, trees everywhere ,stream outside my window. Trees on the surrounding mountains/hills (whatever they are).
All in all not to bad right?
Uh, wrong! But wrong on a more personal level. This now becomes a rant...
So, doable accommodation - but there's limited public transport. Weekdays it's fairly regular busses at like 20min intervals...about 1hr bus ride to Cardiff (found out today it's 20/30min by car) since it stops in all the dorpies...and on a Sunday the bus is every TWO HOURS!
Bloody hell! What am I going to do with myself? There are decent shops closeby - but along the highway! So, not really safe to walk! 5/6min by bus - which I can't really do on a Sunday, since there aren't enough stores to kill 2 hours before the return trip!
So I arrived on Saturday, sort of unpacked, realised no hangers, went to Tescos - forgot to buy hangers. And only realised on Sunday that the bus comes two hourly... then I was like and now what?
Add, my mobile 3G broadband, is now mobile 2G - probably cos of all the trees...who knows...but not in my room, and not in the kitchen does the signal improve. So the connection is slow. And unstable....and it frustrated me near immediately. I don't know what I'm gonna be like after 5 weeks of this!
On the upside I do have internet...but that's not the point!
No car, and reliant on an infrequent public transport service means I have no idea how I'm going to get anywhere and see anything, before having to head back to catch the last bus! Argh!
Also, in Wales, they speak Welsh (duh). It sounds so weird. And looking at the spelling of places it's completely nonsensical - all signage is in Welsh and English. Have no idea how to begin to pronounce anything.
Cymru = Wales Caerdydd = Cardiff
The taxi driver was listening to a rugga game (I think) and the commentary was in Welsh - all I heard was a whole lot of guttural g sounding words (like the Afrikaans g).
The hospital is in a place called Ynysmaerdy (at least in the postal address) - how that is pronounced I have no frickin' clue!
Hence I have no idea where I am! (feels like unpronounceable, but pretty, arse end of nowhere!)
No idea what I'm going to do to occupy myself! ( I could buy out Borders - it's of the shops closeby, but I don't have the space to carry all the books! Add wonky net connection and even stumbling is going to drive me to frustration since pages will all take forever to open. and online chatting is constantly disconnected and reconnected and disconnected! and then can't reach network provider. and then disabled. aaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhh!!!)
No idea how I'm going to get anywhere!
No idea really!
Ranted to a buddy online asking why do I do this to myself.
It was (is!) seriously daunting getting to a place and then realising where you acutally want to be is further along and then getting there and it's like riiiiiiggggght. now what. and i haven't even started work proper yet. Today was boring Trust Induction. Work will at least occupy 8 hours a day...5 days a week... Depending of course on how busy it all is. That I find out tomorrow.
Anyway, my buddy's reply - because you don't want to get attached. Which - if I'm completely honest, is probably true! And going into that is not a good idea right now. Ever actually. Reasoning like seeing more of the UK - may be true, but that's only part of it!
In elk geval...let me try and figure out how to fill my evenings for the next 5 weeks. :/
Nothing powered by a dry cell was allowed underground - and that included my camera (sigh), reason - it affects the signalling system. Although the mine is a museum it is still classified as a working mine and so has to adhere to mining regulations. Best of all - it doesn't cost a cent! Uh, make that a penny! This is all part of the Welsh Assembly's initiative allowing free access to some heritage sites/museums.
Take Hay-on-Wye...my heart broke when we arrived in this town. It is known as the second hand bookstore capital and do you think I bought a book!?!
Had a bit of a weather change, but at least the rain held off. We had many a-stares being in bright yellow bus with Gorgeous on the one side, Wild and Sexy on the other and something insulting for an irishman on the bonnet...
Back in the Snowdonia National Park - pity it was quite cloudy; we didn't get to see the top of Snowdon. Despite this - it was, of course, still magnificent. Had a strollette (our tour guide's 
words...not mine) to a waterfall on the Watkin path. If we'd continued on the trail would've made to Snowdon...but alas, no time (and legal requirements about being led on a trail...the UK has a shiteload of paperwork for pretty much everything I tell you!)
