Just some various reports, comments, etc.
This trip lasted just two weeks. That’s too short. For the past few years it’s been for an entire month. I have every intention of choosing the longer visit in 2027.
The Big Chill
Weather is always a crap shoot. I didn’t do so well this trip (another reason to be there longer: improves the odds!). It was cold – down to the mid-30s one night. And a strong wind made it worse. And, yes, it rained a lot.
Still, I loved being there. Found myself smiling – a lot. Especially once I’d retreated into a warm cafe after braving the outdoors until my bones were thoroughly chilled and continuing to paint became impossible.
In my last days, the rain cleared and the temperatures zoomed up. Fortunately, I was outta there by the time their major heatwave started – temps near 90!
Ahhh, Machynlleth
I fell in love with this town the first time I visited, and that love continues every time I return.
On the road – and tracks
Nearly all of my transportation was by bus and train. I live where there’s hardly any of either, so I really appreciated the ease – and low cost – of having someone else get me from Point A to Point B.
Only downside this year was that Transport for Wales was doing major work on the train tracks, so I missed out on a lovely ride along the coast on The Cambrian Line. But the replacement buses got me where I wanted to be.
I did rent a car for one day, to travel to Colwyn Bay in North Wales. I used to have a car during most of my visits. But I realized I was mostly driving from town to town, then parking and not using the car until the next day or two. Easier not to have one.
I had to turn on the audio to Google Maps while I had the car; you’re not allowed to even touch your phone while driving in the UK. The computer voice’s attempt to pronounce Welsh places was as awful as you can imagine. One of the many hilarious examples: The best it could do is “Lan-GOL” for “Llangollen.” Here’s the way it’s supposed to be pronounced: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kMAx6cBUS7g
Nearly all the roads I drove in Wales were two-lane – or, sometimes, one lane for both directions. Usually, the speed limit is 60 mph. But, in September 2023, the limit was dropped to 20 mph when passing through towns and villages. Lots of drivers complained. I understood their point in places where the limit dropped immediately. Otherwise, it sure seemed safer for people who live in the areas.
More recently, some areas changed to a 30 mph limit after complaints from drivers.
Cardiff
I tend to end my visits in the Welsh capital, mainly because it’s the most efficient way to leave the country at the last possible moment (taking a coach to Heathrow Airport and my flight home).
It’s a culture shock after spending the rest of the trip in the hills and coasts and farms and forests that make Wales so wonderful.
Cardiff does have the magic of the National Museum, where I get to spend quality time with the amazing collection of Impressionist paintings.
And, I get to see some dear friends.
The City Centre is very busy, with locals, tourists and groups of women or men on hen or stag dos (bachelorette/bachelor parties). You can see/hear ’em half a block away.
Several blocks of St. Mary Street has been pedestrianized, so it is lined with outdoor cafes – well-attended when wheather permits. I was enjoying a drink with my friend Nathan when some dive-bombing pigeons attempted to grab something off a table – and, instead, smashed the glass tabletop!
This and that
- When I arrived at Harlech Castle, the fellow selling tickets recognized me. I guess not a lot of older American women spend hours in the place, painting. Sadly, I completed only one (mediocre) work – it was just too damn cold.
- I didn’t buy much this trip. (I was hoping for tons of tacky Terry Jones souvenirs but found none.) My best acquisition was an inexpensive folding chair that is perfect for painting outdoors. It was worth having to carry it the rest of the trip, even managing to get it into the overhead on the flight back. It’s too heavy for hiking, but will be great with shorter walks.
- This was the first time I made my overseas trip with just carry-on: One of those four-wheeler hard-sided jobs, plus a small daypack (and, the folding chair). I didn’t miss using baggage check and pickup. And the discipline of carrying much, much less was good for me.
- I had to open my bag for inspection at the airport – by the Brits (I was waved past in both directions by their U.S. counterparts). I figured they wanted a look at the two bottles of Welsh beer I had painstakingly bubblewrapped in there. But, no, it was the 3 jars of Welsh honey I had! They took ’em out, unwrapped their bubblewrap and “tested” them for something (without opening the jars). I guess I – and they – passed; I got ’em home!
- I’m already thinking about plans for 2027.