On to Wales

Casa Grande, Arizona

Our travels took us to the Snowdonia area of Wales.  Bill's family was from Wales and this was our interest in booking the England, Scotland, and Wales escorted tour.

Our bus left at 8:30 am and stopped at a welcome center for a toilet break around 10.  The United Kingdom welcome centers are nothing like in the states.  There was a Starbucks, Krispy Cream, Burger King, gift shop and a few stores other stores.  Nothing like the ones in America where all you have is vending machines and restrooms.

  These were free toilets, which aren't everywhere.  Bill was happy that he never had to pay to pee during the whole trip thanks to our program director.

The bus stopped in Llangollen in Northern Wales for lunch.  Anita led us to the Love Spoons shop where we were treated to a discussion of what are love spoons.  They are hand carved wooden spoons with different shapes which  symbolize different meanings.  They were beautiful but I couldn't decide on one and then I didn't know what I'd do with when we returned.  They would make a beautiful wedding gift for someone.

The scenery was beautiful and I might mention that we didn't see many vehicles at all.  Along the way, Anita handed out Welsh cakes for everyone to try.

The Celtic Royal Hotel was situated right in the center of the historic town.  We could see the sea from our room.  

Every time we arrived in a different location Anita would take those who wanted on a walk around the area so we would know where places were located such as a drug store, supermarket, pubs, and interesting historic places in the town.  The town has a medieval castle and walls built by the English after the conquest of Wales.  Prince Charles was formally inaugurated as Prince of Wales here in 1969.

Welsh is the prime language spoken in Wales and all of the signage is in Welsh and English.  

One of the highlights of our visit to Wales was the home hosted dinner.  The group was divided  into groups of 4-6 people.  Our group of 6 was taken to a beautiful Welsh home which was very old.  We immediately knew this was going to be a wonderful evening.  The  food and wine was delicious.  We enjoyed hearing about the family and life in Wales.  We could discuss any controversial subjects, and did. The host was open for any and all questions.  

The following day we took a narrow gauge steam train on the Ffestiniog Railway.  It is the oldest independent narrow gauge railway in the world.  It was built in 1832 for the slate industry but began carrying passengers in 1864. 

The scenery was spectacular with waterfalls everywhere.  The train stopped a little ways up the mountain.  The next thing I knew we were going backwards back down the mountain to Porthmadog where the engine was changed.  In no time at all we were chugging back up the mountain.  This is run by volunteers who love the railway.  One man has been a volunteer for 30 years.

Our bus was waiting for us when we arrived in Portmeirion for our lunch at the slate museum.  The slate museum was very interesting and educational.  We ate in the luncheon that the workers used to use.  There was a demonstration on how to split slate.  Wales was known for slate until China started exporting slate.

Anita told us about the Welsh people on our way back to the hotel.  Somehow the topic of men's choir came up and she said that a group practices in the city center at 7 pm.  The next thing we knew that everyone wanted to go and hear them sing.  It was a very short walk from the hotel and we were greeted with a very warm welcome.  Chairs were brought out so everyone had a seat.  This choir is world famous.  I love the spontaneity of this trip.

Luggage outside the hotel room at 7 am.   

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