Day 5: Castle Caernarfon

Time for another castle. :) That makes me happy. Now Michael had wanted me to not look up this castle so that I would be surprised when I got there. I knew that I had seen it before, because I had looked up so many of the main castles around here. Plus I am very needy when it comes to seeing the map before I drive to a place. So I did actually look it up. I did not read about it.

The drive over there was not that bad. It was of course mountainous and curvy for a part of the way, but I have come to understand that this is the way it is when driving anywhere around here. The road there once off the A-road was very direct, which is another good thing for me. And there was a parking lot right next to the castle. We had to pay to park there, but it was a real parking lot so it was well worth it to me.

Mmmmm. Castle. We stood there and looked at it. Then as we walked around to the gate we got to see the other side. It was wonderful. This huge old building sitting right there on the water's edge. We went inside. There was a large open and grassy area inside the castle. The broken wall of the great hall was there. I expect there had been at one time a stable and many other little places, possibly a blacksmith and more. But there is no sign of these things.

We looked around just wondering where to start. There were doors everywhere around the courtyard. Finally, we just picked one of the doors and went inside. We were walking down an outside wall of the castle on the ground level. It was rather narrow and a tad dark. There were arrow slits spaded evenly along the corridor. We peeked out of several of the arrow slits. We followed along, corridor and stairs. Eventually we came to a small room. Here they were showing a video about the castle history. We stayed and watched this.

When the video was finished, we continued to explore. We just went in and out of doorways and corridors. We had come across several staircases to take you to upper levels, but we had passed them by and just looked around the first level. When we had gone halfway around the castle exploring all of the tiny rooms and corridors we decided it was time to climb one of the circular staircases.

The stairs are very narrow, two people can pass on them, but I do not recommend it. No railings, just the stone steps. They did attach a rope to the inside wall (the point of the stairs) so that you did have something to hang onto as you climb. This however was hard on your hand as it caused your knuckles to rub against the stone wall. I learned this quickly and was careful about using the rope.

So many places to get off of the stair. We often chose the place to climb or get off by if there were people trying to come down passed us. We walked across the wallwalks. We climbed to the top of the turrets. We explored the rooms inside the wall.

I loved it!

Then of course we came down and outside again halfway back along the side of the castle that we had already explored. So we walked through the courtyard and over to the west side of the castle. This was the biggest tower. The tower that would actually have rooms inside of it.

On the first level, they had what appeared to be a human-sized chess board set up. But after looking at it better, it was a representation of the kings and rulers. Each one had a plaque telling about the king. It was very interesting.

The level above had a diorama of a Queen. That structure was very nice to look at and the story was good as well. It was not something that I had heard before. There were also other little side places to explore along this level. From this side of the castle were some excellent views of the sea.

The next tower level had a mostly empty room. This was a very good thing for them to do, because the other two levels were so full of other things to look at and read. So on this level we got to really get a feel of what the room would be like. This tower or side of the castle was supposedly where the royals or lords would have been. This of course makes sense as they were large rooms.

We continued to the top of this tower as well. There were two turrets on top of this large tower, but we were not allowed to go up into them. There were several doors and places along the way that were closed off.

Once out of this tower we climbed up on the wall again, a very long straightish wallwalk. Inside this wall was one of the widest corridors. Light came in from both sides, so it was rather well lit. This corridor might have been one of my favorite places.

Eventually we found our way to a little museum. This housed the story of the Welsh soldiers and the parts they played throughout history. It was interesting to read some of this. I found the parts about the American Revolution to be quite interesting. History is always told in the point of view of the people and place that you are in.

I almost forgot, there is part of the wall that had surrounded the town on the north side of the castle. I loved seeing this as we walked up to the castle. Inside one of the rooms we explored there was a model of the castle and the town as it had been when it was built. That wall had surrounded the whole of the town. But now of course the town has grown. I do not know if the rest of the wall had just been taken down as the town grew or if it had fallen over time.

So all in all, I would say this castle was an amazing thing to see.

Day 4: Lake Vyrnwy

We drove to the lake with little trouble. Some of the roads of course were smaller than I like, and there is always the twisting and winding that comes with driving anywhere around here. Lucky for us we got there early. I was only one of two cars parked in the 'lot'. I say this is lucky, because I have my choice of parking places. Often there are very few places to park, and on top of that the spots are small and seem impossible 

to back out of. So I picked one right in from the driveway. This way I would be able to back out into the street. Yes, I do seem to be focusing on the car a lot. But that is because this is the most scary thing around here.

We got out and walked up to the information center. The woman there was very nice and helpful. She told us about the lake and the places to stop and have a look around. She also gave us a map. It was her that we also talked to about the narrow roads. She said it is as if their roads are hugging them. I suppose this is a very good way to look at it.

Now to get to this wonderful parking place, I had to drive across the dam. This dam was quite impressive. It actually looked to me very much like a castle wall. They were not letting water over it at all this day. The funny thing is that on my drive over, I saw this as one of those narrow (one-way) roads, that if you met someone you would have to back off of it. So praying all the way that no one else would decide to drive over as I drove across.

The woman at the information center told us to walk back across the dam and down the stairs. There we found several walking paths. We chose the shortest one (several of them were miles long 4, 7 or 12) All along the path were statues, or maybe I should call them carvings. Huge wooden things. It was very nice down there, and one could spend a great deal of time exploring all of that.

But it was time for us to climb back up all of those stairs and get started with our drive. By the time we got back to our car, the parking lot was filled. Hallelujah! For my easy to back out of spot. Once again this path around the lake was a one car lane... maybe one and a half in places. So the whole time I am driving I am praying I do not meet anyone. As always, you do meet at least a few people, lucky for me, most of them today were on bikes. Hehe..

We stopped at the first place that had a place to park. There was a great view of the lake. Here also we found just what we were looking for, a place to eat our picnic lunch. The tables I found here were like nothing I had seen before. Giant oddly shaped things. You had to climb up to sit on the bench and once sitting your legs would dangle down as if you were a small child. Those tables are still quite a mystery to me. Why were they shaped like that? Why were they so high? Why were they so big? What were they used for?

When lunch was finished, it was time to continue our drive. The next stop would be the waterfalls. It was quite a drive to this place. As we continued around the lake we enjoyed the beauty of this place. It was mostly a flat drive, but very curvy. Trees and forest right up to the car, and they were huge trees.

Now we were about half way around the lake (up at the top) and near the falls. They had a large open area to park. We got out of the car and watched as several people just started walking back towards a field with sheep in it. So of course we followed them. Through the sheep gate, along a stone wall, over the grass and rocks. There was a sort of path, later on it turned into something more like a path. On and on we walked, all the while going up the mountain. Actually I am not sure they count as mountains, but to me, yes. We are following a small stream. Some places along the way were a bit of a climb, others just a gentle upward stroll. Partway there we were able to see the falls in the distance. Finally we come to a bridge and cross the stream we had been following. Now we were getting quite close. Through another gate, meant to keep the sheep inside and we were there.

People were sitting on large rocks looking at the falls. Some were stepping on the stones to get across and climb up closer to the waterfall. Very beautiful place. The water was quite cold. Silly Ella even took a taste of the water. (without me knowing at the time) A couple of the kids got wet feet as they missed one stone while crossing the stream. We stayed and enjoyed that for a time. Then started walking back down to the car.

Our next stop was a little tea shop. Here we had some ice cream while sitting there looking at the lake. We could see the dam way off in the distance. From here we could also see a tower. We had been told by Michael and the woman at the information center that Lake Vyrnwy supplied the water to Liverpool. This tower was used to bring the water in and send it on its way.

After our ice cream we headed down the road to find the tallest tree in Wales. Of course we knew before hand that there was something funny about this. Michael had given us a clue. See, they had made a parking area and paths to this tree. But then of course lightning... And they went with it. It was going to be a surprise.

We found the place easy enough. We parked our car and headed down the path. After the lightning, they had carved the top of the tree into a hand. It was pretty funny. There was a nice bench to sit on there. Another little waterfall was just down the path. We went down there and played by the water again. We thought the wooden dolphins that Michael had told us about would be in the lake near where we had parked the car. So we walked over to that area, but we didn't see them. I don't know if we did not go far enough or what. But when we got back to the cottage, Michael told me that is where they would have been.

Back in the car and driving to the tower. There wasn't really a parking place near here, just a little pull off, so Ella jumped out of the car and took a picture.

Then we finished the circle around the lake and it was time to be heading home.

Day 3: Montgomery Castle

Today when we woke up the kids and I decided to walk up the hill. Michael has several paths laid out here with directions and secret things to find. I had been sort of avoiding the hill, because it looked like quite a climb. But I finally decided we would give it a go.

So of course he has the sun here on the end of the driveway. Then Mercury, Venus, Earth and Mars the correct distance away. The rest of the planets are out along this path somewhere. We went through the gate, crossed the bridge of over the stile. Easy enough. Then we started up the hill. We found the first planet outside of the yard. But then the climb. Actually the going up was okay, tiring, but okay. The problem was that we were missing the planets and the secrets that he had out in the woods.

By the time we got to the top of the hill, I knew I did not want to go down that way. Zeb however was finished and just climbed back down the hill. The girls and I had not given up. Though it had been a while now since we had found one of Michael's hidden things. In fact I had decided to do this climb because the way home (by following his directions) was to go across the field and walk down the road. Even if the road had hills, I knew it would be an easier way back. We did make it, but wow, was it a long walk.

Once be got back we got ready to go to Montgomery Castle. The plan was to go to the aquaduct in the town before Montgomery. Then on to the castle and possibly the town to look around. We missed the turn to the aquaducts. But that is okay. These things do not show up on the GPS. So we just have to find them. Which I have found to be a challenge.

We drive into Montgomery, and find that it is as expected a town. Towns are hard to describe to someone who expects them to be flat and laid out with grid-like streets. Hills, curves, side streets that look like sidewalks, buildings so close together many are touching. This is a town here. Oh, and parking. I haven't exactly figured out parking just yet. It is either simply parking wherever you like – any side of the road or even half on the sidewalk, or little tiny lots I don't feel like my car can even fit into. So when I actually find a parking lot, I rejoice.

I found one. It was in the recycling center. I stopped the car, thrilled not to be driving anymore. As we tried to figure out where the castle ruins were. (Again, not on the GPS) There were two guys putting their recycling into the bins, so I went over and asked them. Everyone here is wonderfully nice. He verbally told me the way. But then said I could just follow him, he was going part way there. And when he turned right I would turn left. He said he would stop and point so I would be sure it was the right way.

That made it easy. Driving still scary, he had pointed me to a upward climbing winding road barely wide enough for my car and I knew that it was truly a two way road. Please do not meet anyone. Luckily I didn't. I also found myself at a parking area. Putting your car into one of these places is much easier than getting it out. I just parked, and prayed I would be able to get out when we were finished.

It was then a shortish walk to the castle. Ruins are always just a bit on the sad side, because you know what this place should be. The castle was first built in 1071. It was destroyed in the English Civil War (1640-1650ish). One of the people we spoke to at the castle said that after it was destroyed, the people from the town had gone up and used the stones from the castle to build their houses. This is why so much of it is gone.

I really enjoyed walking around and looking at the castle. It is so hard to believe that it has been there 900 years. Amazing.

After this we got back in the car and thought we would try the aquaducts. But I headed off on the wrong road, or just missed the corner. Anyway we found ourselves on the way to Welshpool. Which was fine with us. We saw the signs for Coed-y-dinas. This was on the list that Michael had for people. He calls it a garden center. When I hear that I think Menards. Which in some ways it is like that. We thought this was the garden center that had a bunch of actually little gardens set up and there for you to explore. We found out that it wasn't that one. But we did walk around and look at all of the stuff there.

Coed-y-dinas is near Morrisons, the grocery store. So being that close we thought we would go there and pick up a few things. Also the Powysland Museum is in or next to the Morrison's parking lot (a real parking lot). The other day when we tried to go to the museum it had been closed. We decided to check it out and see if it was open.

It was. So we headed inside. Interestingly enough, it was free entry all this week. So we saved ourselves a couple of pounds. It was a nice little museum about local history.

Day 2 Madog Wells:

We woke up this morning with a plan. We were going to drive to Lanfair Caereinion. We had hoped to be able to look around this town for a while before heading out on the steam train to Welshpool. Then we planned to wander around Welshpool. We have driven there the last two days. But trust me, when I am driving I don't really get to see much.

Things started out just fine, the laundry took just a bit longer than expected. We had figured to wash it and let it out to dry while we were gone. Lanfair Caereinion appeared to us to have been a really small town. I was expecting it to be larger than Worms of course. But that was an understatement. I do not know how many people live there, but there were many streets. I was not exactly prepared for this. But we drove directly to the train station which was farther away from other things than I had thought it would be. And when we got there the next train was going to be leaving in less than a ½ hour. So there would be no looking around.

We boarded the train. The conductor was friendly and nice. He asked if once we got going the girls would like to wear his hat and hold his flag. We sat in the last car of the train so that I would be able to take pictures from the balcony on the back. There was an older couple in the back car with us. The husband was standing out on the balcony. He suggested that I come out there with him so that I could get my pictures and see the view.

Ella and I did go out with him. The 16 mile trip takes about 45 minutes. It was beautiful. But of course to me the most exciting part of this trip was talking to Rick, I think that is what he told me his name was. We spoke of many things. This was not their first time on this train. They were from Manchester, and had driven down here today just to ride the train. He loved trains, he had worked on a train before retiring. He even had a small train that ran all through his garden.

He told me all about trains, this one especially. He also shared information about the countryside. He wanted to know all about NE. They had traveled to Florida and done an Alaskan cruise. As with everyone we have talked to over here, they are very concerned about the American election that is coming up. His daughter is also a teacher. It was a very nice visit.

We got off of the train in Welshpool. The conductor told us that we could walk to Powis Castle from the train station. He thought it would be a very nice thing for us to see. The funny thing is that I had planned on doing this, but thought that we would drive there tomorrow. So this was good news knowing it was so close. Because it is Bank Holiday, we did not know how many things in Welshpool would be open.

We started walking through the town. There were a few shops open, but many of them were closed for the holiday. We entered one shop and looked around. While chatting with the person working there, we got directions to Powis Castle. She also told us it was within walking distance.

So we decided that we would get that checked off of our ToDo list today. They were not wrong, it was within walking distance, but a really long walk. The 'park', or land around the castle was lovely to walk through. About halfway to the castle, we saw what looked like another castle just over the hill. So of course we stopped to take a few pictures.

As we neared Powis, there was a steady stream of cars entering the driveway. Hundreds of people were coming here today. We figured the lines would be terrible. But we had walked all this way, so we kept on.

The funny thing about Wales, I do believe everywhere one goes, it is uphill both ways. We were dead tired by the time we got to the castle, and still had to climb the hill to the doors. Once inside the gate we headed for the ticket booth, got our tickets and started to explore the inside of the castle.

It was very beautiful. The rooms were fully furnished. Tapestries were hanging on the wall. These are not the 'tapestries' that we see in America, or that people hang in their houses. Real tapestries. These things are so huge that they would not fit anywhere in a person's house, there would be no wall large enough. Sadly we were not allowed to take pictures inside the castle.

When we were finished it was time to head out to the gardens. The interesting thing about this day, is that most of the people had actually come here to sit and play and hang out in the gardens. Blankets were laid out all over the grassy areas.

I feel like I keep saying things are huge over here. But they really are. Even we so many people here, the place was far from crowded. There were several levels to these gardens. It started out with a couple of levels of balcony gardens. They were filled with flowers and plants. Everything smelled wonderful. Benches and places to sit were placed around.

As you continued down and finally made it to the ground there were several large grassy lawns surrounded by hedges. Between these lawns were hedged in pathways. Flowers were growing everywhere. Statues, fountain, sundial. These are a few of the things we found before we got to the main gate. At the main gate we turned to look back at the castle, which was by now high above us. I knew the climb up was going to be more difficult than the climb down had been. We did not go any farther. But outside the main gates was a series of garden paths that wound all around.

Now it was time for us to head back into town. We needed something to eat, having missed lunch. But it was difficult to find some place that served food that was open. So we headed back to the train station. On the Lanfair Caereinion side there had been a cafe. So we thought there would be one here as well. Sadly there wasn't. We had only just missed the train, and had to sit and wait for the next one. But had some ice cream. Then we decided to walk back quickly to the grocery store and pick up a couple of food items for the next couple of days.

After that was done we only had to wait for the train. The ride home was beautiful, and interestingly enough, I feel like I had missed much of the scenery on the way to Welshpool, I had been so interested in the stories and things I had been talking to Rick about.

A short drive home...always praying that I do not have to meet someone on the road. Understand, there are 4 types of roads here. (or at least 4 that I have found)

1. Interstate. Or what I call interstate. Four lanes, two in each direction. I have not seen any of this type of road close to where we are staying. The only interstate we have driven on was right at the beginning as we left Holyhead.
2. Highway. This road is almost wide enough for two cars to pass each other on. They do not have shoulders here. And I am nearly positive the lane is at least a foot smaller than the lanes in America. They drive very quickly on these roads even though there are a thousand corners and turns as the road takes you up on down the hills.
3. 1 ½ car roads. These seem to be related to our country roads. These are even more narrow than the highways. There is a dashed line down the middle telling you that two cars can drive here. But this is not really or always the case. In fact there are multiple places where it is only one lane and you just have to sit and wait if you see someone coming from the other side.
4. 1 car roads. This does not mean one way roads. Nor does it mean you will not meet anyone on this kind of road. What it means is that quite literally only one car can drive down this road at a time. There are places that the plants are brushing both sides of your car as you drive down these roads. Every once in a while there is a tiny slight turn off. If you meet someone the one closest to one of these turn offs has to back to the turn off. Driving on these roads terrifies me. Because it is not straight or even a short distance to these turn off places. So far I have only met a car on one of these roads. Our cottage is on one of them, so every time I drive, I pray until I get to the 1 ½ car road, and that is several miles away.

But we made it home, and with minimum driving. Another good day. Can't wait to see what we explore tomorrow.

Madog Wells Day 1

We woke up this morning, some of us rather late. But it was good to be here and know that I did not have to drive if I didn't want to. Of course I also knew that I needed to. So we had planned to maybe do a little journey back to Welshpool. We would be needing more groceries. We ate breakfast, showered and got dressed. Then of course Michael and Ann came over. Wow! I love them. They are so friendly and nice. Michael spent most of the morning showing me stuff. We talked about places to go and what we could find. He showed me maps and information. We talked about Wales and NE. He wanted to know about all sorts of things. He kept apologizing for taking all of our time and talking so much. But I loved speaking with him. Finally he said, there is something I want to show you. He said, he could take one or two of us and if we liked it we could take the rest later. So he went to have a cup of coffee and a few minutes later he was back.

Zeb and I got into his car and we started to drive down the oh so narrow roads. I asked him about them. He told me that the locals knew where the 'pullovers' are. I don't believe that is what he called them. Seems more like 'laybacks' but I am not sure I am remembering correctly. He said that when they meet someone, they know who is closer to one of these places to back up. This did not make me feel more confident about driving. The place he took us was not very far, mostly I believe it was just around the corner and the top of the hill. But with so many curves and twists it is really hard to keep track of where you actually are, or which way is north. Then he stopped on one of these laybacks. He said you can stop here. I am looking around wondering what he was trying to show us. But then he backed up and said, “I know the farmer who owns this land and he doesn't mind if I pull in here.” So he turned in to what seemed to be a grassy field. He stopped a little ways in. Then we got out and walked to the top of the hill. All I can say is oh my gosh was it beautiful. It was like the top of the world. You could see forever in every direction.

Well, actually you could not see forever, as it was slightly cloudy. Michael pointed us in one direction and told us this was the highest point. He also said that in that direction we could see a black hill. It is called Rodney's Pillar. This was an extinct volcano, and is the highest point between here and the Ural Mountains in Russia. But we couldn't see it due to the clouds. So while we stood there admiring the view we talked about sheep, and houses and him and his family. We talked about welsh, weather, and NE.

He stopped one more time before we got back to the cottage. He had us stand on this pile of road tar. (They put piles of this along the side of the road for winter. No way they could get a grader through here. So when it is icy, those that live here, or drive here can shovel a little of this out to help with the ice.) But we stood up on this pile and looked down into the valley and could see his place, Madog Wells. When we got back to Madog Wells, Michael once again had 'one more thing to show us.' It ended up being 5 or more things. He has a yellow ball out by the road. It is a model of the sun. Then the correct distance he has Mercury, Venus, and so on. Now I knew that he loved astronomy just like me. So I told him about my 8 in Dob. He grinned like a little boy and had one more thing to show me. I followed him into a little shed and up a couple of stairs to where he had his 16 inch Dob. It was beautiful. The roof on this little building rolls open when he wants to look at the stars. So of course we talked about this a bit.

Then he had one more thing to show me. This was a rec room, ping pong, pool, darts. There were also records, one 17 year old ran up the hill and set the Madog Wells record. There is another record for a man/boy he jumped the canal.

Between Michael and Ann, we spent most of the day at home at Madog Wells, which is exactly what we wanted to do. They have paths out in the property, bridges and benches. Wild flowers are growing everywhere, oh so many different kinds and colors.

We finally did end up going back into Welshpool to the grocery store. He had shown us to the one they liked better and given us a map to follow. There is also a little museum there next to the store. We got our groceries, but the museum was already closed before we got there. We will likely try to go there a different day this week. I made it back to our cottage with little trouble. Zeb has been acting as my guide and the GPS master.

After we got back the kids and I went out to wander the paths around the cottage. We have been taking pictures of so many things. Beautiful is not nearly a good enough word to describe it.

Fun Fact: Hedgerows. All of the people's properties are separated by this growing fences. When standing up on high ground it is just lovely to see.

Fun Fact: Wales is number 1 in the world for sheep shearing. (and hedgerow cutting) Though now they have machines that do that job.

Travel day:

 We woke up ready to continue our journey. Most everything had been packed the night before so we were mostly ready. The main thing was to find breakfast before James was there to pick us up and take us to the ferry. One our way through the lobby we asked the man working the desk this morning...another new man...He suggested that we would be able to find someplace open on Grafton street. I thought I knew which one it was. But when he said that McDonald's was on that street, I knew that I had the right one. We headed over there. Most of the shops and restaurants were not open. We saw that some would be opening at 7:00. But we didn't want to wait. So we did actually end up eating at McDonald's. Hehe.. This of course would not have been my first choice. Though you have to go with what is open. “Toasties” Not sure if we really have these things in America. But I do know for certain we do not have them in McDonalds. Sort of a pita bread used to make a kind of grilled cheese and ham sandwich. It was pretty yummy.

After breakfast we went back to the hotel to do the final pack and went downstairs to wait for the taxi. But he was late for some reason. So the hotel manager called him asking if he was near. I do not know what happened, but it was not James who picked us up. He must have sent someone else our way. And we were really late. In fact we did not make it to the ferry in time. So we had a lovely 5 hour wait for the next ferry. Trust me, there is not much going on in the Irish Ferry terminal. Our biggest worry was that our rental car would not be there when we finally got to the other side. I tried to contact them, but neither the internet (no way to email them) nor the telephone (try calling one foreign from a different foreign country using money and phones that are not your native items). Also the car rental guy informed me later that the number they give you on the receipt would have done no good as it wouldn't have gotten to him anyhow.

On the Ferry:

I imagined a ferry. HA! Now who is to say that any of us are thinking of the same thing. But either way this was not what I was expecting. I was thinking largish flat boat thing that cars and people rode over the water on... Rails, seats outside, sort of thing. No way, it was much more closely related to a cruise ship. This thing was huge, and though it did take cars across the sea, I never saw them. They were loaded underneath, or would you call that below deck? When we walked onto this ship, the deck was fully inside, filled with tables. There were restaurants, a bar, and even a shop. Yes, need a bottle of wine or a Irish t-shirt? Maybe a box of candy or a tourist nik nak? No worries buy it on the ferry. The ride over took about 2 ½ hours. It was comfortable and quiet. Ella did talk me into going on top deck. Wow, it was windy and a bit cold up there.

When we landed it was time to figure out first where our checked bags were, and then if we still had a rental car and where we could pick it up. The luggage was easy. But guess what, we did not have to even show our passports. We expected to get a stamp saying that we had traveled to the UK, but we did not. I found that somewhat strange.

Then we continued to walk, and what do you know, the Eurocar kiosk was right there. We walked straight over and told him who we were. We all had a laugh about missing the ferry and wondering if we had a car or not. This man gave us directions (verbally) of how to get to Welshpool. Actually he gave us a list of town names, I believe 5 of them. Not road or street names, no directions, just the towns we needed to head for. We believed that we would have a GPS so did not worry too much.

We got our stuff in the car. I sat on the wrong side and got ready to drive. Breath, this is going to be scary. I got out of the parking lot. Whew! First round about.. Holy Cow! I have no idea what I am doing. I got off when I wasn't supposed to and I am driving away from my barely remembered verbal directions. No where to turn around. Residential area. Five minutes and we are already lost. Oh, GPS? No sorry it appeared that we did not have one. Yes, we are in Wales and we are going to die in a car accident or at the very least have to sleep in the car.

I do not know what I did. But I accidentally went into a parking lot. Then had to go through another round about. I turned several times. Actually I had wanted to go right once, but decided I couldn't because crossing the stream of traffic and trying to stay on the wrong side of the road was way too scary for me. I wanted to cry. But I just turned left. And sometime after this drove right up to the road with the sign directing me to the first town on my list. Miracle #1 of the night.

Now we are on the freeway, or whatever they call that type of road. I am driving and we are heading in the right direction. But it wasn't until now that I questioned the man's directions. Did we have to turn to get to the next town on the list? Did we drive straight through these towns? Breath, breath again. Just keep going.

Next town. Round abouts. Streets so narrow I wondered if one car should be driving on them let alone the oncoming traffic on the wrong side of the road. Keep breathing, keep driving. More round abouts. Drive. Another town. My stress level is still on maximum. Ten million things that could go wrong and they are all going through my mind. Hills, curves, up and down mountains and all driving on the wrong side of the road, no shoulders, and lots of British people wondering what is wrong with this woman driving. More round abouts. We are finally getting a handle on these things. Or at least we are marking of the towns on the list.

It is getting later, and I want to find the cottage. But it is 8ish and we haven't eaten, and there won't be any food for breakfast. So we have to go into town and find a grocery store before we can go to the cottage. Mostly I want to jump out of the car and hide under the table.

Miracle #2: We get to Welshpool. Try one way streets with round abouts while driving on the wrong side of the road and the wrong side of the car. Miracle #3: We are still alive. We find the grocery store. Good thing I used google maps to explore this town from the comfort of my living room in Worms. I would not have known that Stanbury was a grocery store otherwise. No parking lot. No parking on the street. Tons of people driving around. Drive down and around. Round about, one way, round about. Parallel park with a huge car on the wrong side? No way. Woo. Not beautiful, but I did it.

Even shopping in a different country is hard. Food should be food, but it isn't exactly. Well, I guess any of it would be food. But things are wrong and funny looking. Who can tell which brand you should buy? Shopping achieved. Back in the car. Oh please don't let us die.

Funny thing, Angie presses a button trying to get the AC on, and the Sat Nav turns on. WHAT? We had one the whole time? So we sit there and try to put the cottage information into it. But here is the kicker... The people we are renting the cottage from have already told me that Sat Nav's do not get you to their place. But there neighbors. She also told me it was hard to turn around there. I did not comprehend the meaning of that, not just yet. But she had given us a map so I figured when we got close we would just use her map.

Start driving. Oh, gosh, I just need a glass of wine or something. This whole day has been a killer. But I am nearly finished. We start going. The GPS gives us directions, I follow. Turn? What? This is so not a road. Lol... I had thought the normal roads were narrow. No I am sure two cars cannot meet on this road, even though the lines seem to claim otherwise. Lucky for me not so many cars, maybe one? I can't clearly remember.

After several more turns, (understand we curving and going up and down hills and winding around this whole time, so when I saw turn I mean there is a choice of direction) I turn on a road. It is getting dark, and in the dark I am sure it is a dirt cattle road, similar to minimum maintenance roads. But this is where the GPS wants us to go. And Zeb says the printed map also agrees. I keep driving a couple of forks. I barely think my car fits on this road, no way to meet anyone else, EVER! Then the sat nav says were are there. But there is nothing. No way to turn around, I can only keep going. Zeb tells me where to turn. House.. stop... we have to ask for help. We have no idea where we are.

I get out and walk to the door. I am so done with driving. I knock, a lady comes to the door. She asks, “Are you Lisa?” I nearly cry. We are here? HOW? ! Miracle #4

We pull in the rest of the way and park. She takes us into the cottage and shows us around. No more driving. I will never drive again. That road will … how to meet other cars? No.. I am staying here forever! It is of course late so she doesn't talk long, but says they will come over in the morning with maps and suggestions of things to do.

British stoves – not like ours – our frozen pizza hard to bake. We finally had supper at about 10. I love my kids. Bed. Sleep. Relax.

Day 2: Ireland

Christ Church Cathedral:

We started off the day walking all the way back to Dublina. Not really for Dublina, but we had bought the tickets for Christ Church Cathedral while at Dublina, they were connected by this really awesome bridge. In fact had we not been so totally exhausted, we would had explored the church yesterday. But I knew that we would get more out of it if we waited.


So walking, again, no street signs. But this time we know where we are going. We make it there with no problems. We had already taken pictures of the outside of the Cathedral yesterday, we we headed inside.


This cathedral was setup in much the same way as the one from yesterday. It was smaller. Which is almost a laugh when you consider the size. Behind the main sanctuary there are several smaller 'chapel' areas. Words are hard to describe things. I know that I am supposed to be a writer. But it is easier to feel these places. Windows, stone, carvings, two story high organ, Mmm, just wow. Then we went downstairs into the basement, or crypt. These places are so old it is hard for me to comprehend it.


The inner geek in me, found the burial place of Henry Mathias of the H.M.S. Enterprise a very happy thing. A mixing of time long ago, with my visions of the future.


Dublin Castle:

After the cathedral we went to Dublin Castle. This was a very interesting place as well. We had learned some about Dublin Castle at the Dublina museum the day before. The tower is the only part of the old castle. The rest has been build at different times. This building is still used today. We got to explore the state rooms. All very beautiful and fancy. Here again, the rooms are huge, the ceilings are 20-25 feet high. I love old buildings. I love the woodwork, the details, the feel of these places. And I could have stayed here for a very long time, just being in this place. But sadly we only have a short time and so many things to do and see. We did got to the little museum that was attacked to the Castle. We also explored the gardens and watched the birds fly.


The National Gallery:

After a short stop at our hotel, just for drinks and a tiny bit of rest we were ready to continue. This afternoon we headed over to the National Gallery of Ireland. This was only a block from our hotel. Actually there were three museums just a block from our hotel, and Trinity College was just across the street. But there was no way we would be able to get to all of the places that we wanted to go. So we had chosen the National Gallery. Time for some art. :) Of course we were not able to take pictures in the gallery. But we loved looking at all of the paintings. This was not nearly as large as the art museum we had gone to in KC a couple of years ago. But it was really nice.


They also had a special exhibit of several of Leonardo Da Vinci's sketches. These are really liked, as did the kids.


Before we left we walked through the gift shop. Zeb picked out one of his favorite prints. You know he enjoyed the gallery.


Trinity College:

We then hurried to Trinity College. I wanted to see the Book of Kells. We got there just as the last tour was leaving. In fact we had missed the first few minutes of the tour. But that was fine. Trinity College was amazing. I am so glad that we paid to go on the tour. The guide was very interesting and told us so many facts.


The Book of Kells was beautiful. Sadly it was very crowded around the book. I would have enjoyed just being in there by myself. Then there was the long library. Mmm.. Look at this library. I am sure no one would believe this, but I could live in this library. I could just stay there forever and be very happy.


By now of course it was getting rather late. We headed back towards the hotel. We decided to have supper in a pub. Tomorrow we would be heading for Wales.