Wales...

Wales - a poem written in landscape.

My original plan was to use the medieval town of Conwy as a base to go to Mount Snowdon. Located near the north coast of Wales, it's about 3hrs from manchester, changing trains at Chester. But when i was on the train, the ticket guy told me that i should skip Chester and go straight to Llandudno where it's only a 5mins walk to Conwy. Sounds great. Despite repeated warnings by my sister not to fall asleep, i still do and wake up just as the train pulls into Llandudno hee.

Guess what its not 5mins. Its a blardy 20mins of brisk walking against strong chilly winds... the kind that knocks yr hat off. They've been having freak summer rains this past week and it's unbelievably cold for June. Lucky i have an old winter coat with me; it's not been washed since last year, buried deep within my luggage, but it'll do. The castle of Conwy comes into full view and it's beautiful.

I manage to find my B&B, run by a lovely couple. My room is single with shared bath, small but cosy. And its right next to the castle, which i can see just right across the road from my window  

The place is done up very nicely, no frills but very comfortable.

Alan and elaine, who run the place are so down-to-earth and funny. When we're in the kitchen, Elaine asks me if i know Victoria beckham. Who doesn't? She confides in a whisper that they 'don't like her much' and how could the paparazzi call her home Beckingham palace? The audacity. Ha i was very tickled.

 

Conwy castle was constructed in the 13th century by King Edward I as one of those in his 'iron ring' of castles in Snowdonia, Wales.

It's unbelievable, how such a structure could withstand the passing of time, centuries in fact, and still retain its magnificence.

I head to Anna's Tea rooms for welsh cream teas and scones... it's a favorite local hangout and i can see why... i stay there for 2 hrs and was given impeccable, friendly and non-intrusive service.

Whilst there, i catch snippets of Welsh and i must say it's quite a unique language. Probably the only one i know where entire words can be made up of consonants; eg. bus = bws, all day = trwy'r dydd. Interesting non?

The next day, from Conwy, i catch a bus to Llanberis, 2hrs away. It is where i can take the Snowdon Mountain Railway. Mount Snowdon is the highest mountain in Wales and England. Once again i fall asleep and the kind bus driver wakes me up. Gosh i need to stop dozing off.

The weather is not too good and they warn us about the fog that will obstruct the views. In addition we can't go up to the summit as they are building a viewing gallery there. The final stop is Clogwyn, 3/4 of the way up. Its supposed to offer beautiful views of Snowdonia. As u can see, that is not to be.

The fog is atrocious, everyone is disappointed but we joke about it and besides, the view coming up was worth the ticket price.

The few brave souls braving the drizzle and winds to descend by foot. Its a very long walk down. I actually toyed with the idea of a little hike too. Back home, that is. I patted myself on the back for choosing the train.

I have to take another bus 2hrs to Bangor where i can get a train back to manchester. I felt a bit let down by the weather, but i discovered another lovely place on the way back.

Who says the English coast is dreary and bleak? Colwyn bay looked so inviting with its ice-cream stalls which i could see from the train! I hopped off intending to stay for a half hr. But the coast is really beautiful, seagulls everywhere and happy families playing by the beach.

I come across a B&B right by the beach. I still have enough cash and clothes so on a whim, i decide to stay the night hee. I have fish & chips at a local joint and everyone is so chatty and warm.

Wish i could share all these with u but my cam and phone died on me so no more pics. It was a wonderful experience though.

Next up... a night in the desert!