Wonderful Wales
16 Jul 2011 5 Comments
in Wales, wedding Tags: Aberystwyth, Wales, wedding
Aberystwyth Castle
I am still alive!
Sorry for my protracted absence but what with a week abroad and a week of the going-back-to-work blues, my blog was sort of waylaid. But no longer!
I have already written about Wales in detail before, and of course about Aberystwyth. As for the wedding, it was marvellous. The bride was beautiful, the groom was a perfect gentleman, the speeches had the perfect dose of British humour (no one can beat them at it) and I made my presence well known during the ceremony, with my dash for my reading (in my camera bag at the other end of the room) right when the registrar said, “If there is anyone against this marriage speak now or forever hold your peace.” In the ensuing silence all you heard was me on my wobbly heels running for my reading, which was immediately after.
Aberystwyth from above
I don’t think anyone will remember me as the photographer, but as that girl running down the aisle at the most inopportune time!
The weather was variable, as good British weather should be, raining in the morning and partly sunny in the afternoon. A comfortable temperature of around 23 degrees with a breeze.
The cable car to Constitution Hill
The week flew by with a series of errands and many many breaks for delicious food and tea, and before I knew it I was on a plane heading home. When I got off the plane, the wall of heat and humidity hit me and I started to sweat almost instantaneously – but when I passed passport control and saw my beloved hubby eagerly waiting for me, the heat was forgotten and everything was wonderful again.
Leaving on a Jet Plane
03 Jul 2011 1 Comment
Tomorrow morning I am taking a comfortably timed flight out of Genoa to London. After that a nice long train ride awaits me to take me to one of my favorite places in the whole world-Wales! Specifically to the town of Aberystwyth, where I will attend the wedding of one of my best friends.
The forecast is for rain and some fun times! I hope to be able to share everything with you upon my return!
Every Cloud has its Silver Lining
22 Dec 2010 7 Comments
in Daily Life, Italy, Wales, Work Tags: amt, Apricot and Brandy cheese, buses Genoa, Italy, traffic, washer
Yesterday I was reduced to tears. First they were tears of anger and frustration and, yes, hatred – then they turned into tears of happiness and love.
A couple weeks ago our washer broke and was leaking water (we bought it in April here people). I phoned the customer service number (NOT toll free) and waited on hold listening to cheesy music and recorded voices for 20 minutes guaranteeing them a slight income from my phone call, only to have a machine tell me to leave a message with the reason for my call, contact information and they would call me as soon as possible. I did. One week and a huge pile of dirty clothes later, still nothing. So, I took the battle to a higher level – I wrote them on the website putting myself in Cc so they would know I was serious. Within three hours I was miraculously contacted (!) by a young lady who told me that the repair man would be at my house Tuesday morning from 830 onwards (more precise times – no of course not) and that of course I would have to pay for the repair and the call. But isn’t the machine still under warranty? It’s only six months old, and we paid extra for an extended warranty! No, sorry, service is free for the first six months, and the six months finished for you just two days ago. (Blood pressure rises, but I keep my peace).
Yesterday morning at 830 I was dressed and ready waiting for this man. I didn’t dare do anything overly important since I knew I could be interrupted any minute. I waited until 1pm (morning, was it?) – again my blood pressure rose, but I kept my peace and forked over 60 Euros. Got ready and went to work (all my mornng plans of course in the trash).
Work went well, and I finished at exactly 730. I bundled up and stepped out of the building into the freezing wind and driving rain. I went to my bus stop and waited for my bus (number 14). (Note, I live about 30 min bus ride out of the downtown area, in the “suburbs” so to speak). Two buses going about halfway to my house (Rimessa Gavette) went by in over 30 minutes. At the third one, I realised that it was hopeless, and at least this way I would get closer to home (it would have still been about a 40 minute walk!) and end up with the possibility of one extra bus to take me home (nos. 14 and 13). I got on the bus and warmed up. Warned Andrea that I had no idea when I would get home, and please eat without me, then got off, back in the wind and rain, and waited. Oh look, bus! Rimessa Gavette. 5 minutes. Oooh 2 buses! Rimessa Gavette, Out of Service. OK. 10 minutes. I can no longer feel my legs. Bus? Rimessa Gavette, Rimessa Gavette, Out of Service. OK I’ll ask the next bus driver what the HELL is going on. Stop the next Rimessa Gavette. Ask bus driver. Answer, Look lady I don’t know! Thanks for being so kind to me buddy. Back in the cold rain. No feeling in my nose, ears or fingers or toes. Point of the story? In 40 minutes waiting SEVEN Rimessa Gavette and THREE Out of Service went by and finally, like a giant can of sardines, a 14 came trudging up to the stop and loaded on yet another hoard of bitching, angry bickering passengers, including myself. I was poked at by bags and umbrellas from every direction, but my fury kept me tall.
I got in the house and just started crying and swearing. How could I possibly have arrived at 9 o’clock when I left work at 730? I don’t live THAT far away after all? Why was no-one helpful? Why did no one tell us what was going on? How hard would it have been for the bus driver to say, Look there’s a problem, call a taxi? They have radios, cell phones, luminous boards! So many ways, yet nothing was used!
But my thunderous clouds were dispersed by a warm hug, a steaming bowl of hot tortellini made with love by hubby, a surprise phone call from a good friend in Canada, just to wish me a Merry Christmas, and three letters waiting for me: A Christmas card from my Mom, my best friend (with pictures, and a home made card from her daughter), and a package from Wales, containing one of the most delicious cheeses in the world – Welsh Apricot and Brandy. I cried again, but this time with happiness. Oceans have not stopped the affection and love I have of so many people, and I came home to a wonderful loving man and two purring balls of fur. So there, in the end, was my silver lining.
Day 4 – The Voyage Home
15 Sep 2009 Leave a Comment
in Things to See, Wales Tags: Aberystwyth, airplane, airport, Borth, Canadair, fire, Genoa, Italy, London, Tower, Wales, yak
OK, so my voyage home actually took two days, but I think the best thing to do is put it all into one post anyway.
My last day in Wales dawned sunny and warm, with just a hint of sadness..but that could have been coming from me.
After a fantastic breakfast of fresh fruit and cheese I grabbed my bag, armed with a tasty bag lunch and headed out to the train station, where I said goodbye to my friends and got on the train to Bimingham and then London. The train made its first stop at Borth where for all intents and purposes I saw a YAK grazing in a field near the station. Now, to be honest, I have been to Borth before and know that there is a farm that cares for abused and abandoned animals, but a yak? How on Earth did it get to Wales of all places? (shrug shoulders here)
Anyway, the rest of the train ride passed uneventfully except for my super rapid change at Brum. It was really nice to speed through the countryside, watching the grazing sheep run away from the oncoming train, except the brave who only lifted their heads and kept on chewing.
My arrival in London was a bit more traumatic. I got lost multiple times and had a hell of a time finding my hotel, but all this ahappened AFTER I got out of the Underground, thankfully, contrary to many opinions that was pretty simple. But finding the hotel was a totally different matter. My Google map didn’t have the right streets on it and apparently I came out of the wrong end of the station and got completely turned around, until I bravely asked a kind soul who told me to turn around and come back the way I came. I did, and found my hotel in just a few minutes, checked in and then went out. It was dark and I knew that the Tower Bridge was “close by.” I also figured that being touristy there would surely be someplace to eat, even if it was a Sunday night. I was grossly mistaken:
a) The Tower was much further than I thought it would be and I got lost multiple times trying to find it, but did in the end.
b) EVERYTHING was CLOSED, except the KFC which didn’t even have their famous electric green coleslaw to give me! Ack!
I ate my KFC in my room and then made myself a nice cup of tea to forget the fact that everytime I end up in London something negative happens and I end up fuming for one reason or another…then I set my alarm for 5:30 am and went to bed. I slept soundly and woke up along with my alarm clock, rested and ready to go have my breakfast, which I had paid for and was certain was served at 6:00. It wasn’t. “Breakfast starts at 6:30,” says the receptionist. Just great. £7.95 tossed down the toilet. Very well. I went to the underground and then at Liverpool St, I caught the Stansted Express on the fly, got to the airport passed security (with relish!), bought myself a few English language books (4 for 3 at WHSmiths) and was the first person on the plane (after priority boarding, of course), settled myself next to a window and patiently waited for the flight to take of. Which it did, perfectly on time and all was well.
Until we reached Liguria, that is. As I looked out of the window, I noticed that Genoa was a bit foggy, but was completely unprepared for the reason for that fog.
Genoa was surrounded by fire.
Literally. There were fires everywhere and from my plane I could see brave little Canadair’s dipping down into the sea to fill up on water and fly back to throw it onto the flames. My plane banked and headed for the airport. I could see the runway get closer and closer, and then suddenly the plane started climbing and going out to sea. Smoke had invaded the runway – it was unsafe to land. We circled and then landed safely thanks to our brave pilot.
And so ended my trip to Wales. That night, I stood on my balcony looking at the glowing backdrop of fire ravaged hills, and thanked God that the Welsh wind had stayed in Wales.
Day 3 – Seals, Birds, Ferrets, Pigs and Welly Wanging
13 Sep 2009 1 Comment
in Things to See, Wales Tags: birds, falcon, ferrets, owls, Pembrokeshire, pigs, Ramsey Island, RSPB, seals, sheep deer, Wales, welly
Day 3 dawned in SILENCE! There was amazingly little wind, but another noise had replaced the incessant howling…a strange scratching sound. I woke up marvelling at the quietness that greeted me when, scratch scratch scratch – something was in the tent. Katherine and I looked at each other and carefully unzipped the “wall” between the bedroom and the porch of our tent, and looked out. And there he was, a little wagtail slipping and sliding on the plastic as he was trying to eat a few crumbs off the floor. After a bit he hopped out and stood guard in front of the tent, then flew off. After which, Kat and I figured it was a good time to go purchase our pain chocolat and get ready for our sea voyage.
Our ship and her crew: Dave our guide and our intrepid skipper
We got on the boat and headed out to Ramsey Island. Ramsey Island is the biggest island in Pembrokeshire and belongs to the RSPB (Royal Society for the Protection of Birds). It it a wildlife reserve and home to multiple species of birds, seals, dear and mountain sheep. There is only one house and that belongs to the warden. Our guide, Dave was fantastic. He was a marine biologist and told us a lot of interesting facts about the island and its wildlife. We discovered that many a sailor have lost their lives due to the deadly current and rocks around the island and that it is still very dangerous to this day, even with engines!
We were really lucky because it was breeding season for the seals and we saw lots of the little/big guys. The babies laying on the beach like huge blobs of white fat and the males and females swimming around and playing. We were also equally lucky because we saw deer (very difficult) 
and the sheep just clinging to the rocks overlooking the water (very steep cliffs I might add!), it scared me just looking at them! Our skipper bravely took us through narrow passages and even into a cave along with guiding us safely through the dangerous tidal currents while we were all clinging on for dear life. All in all an unforgettable trip and well worth the 25 pounds!
After a quick lunch, we went to the Really Wild fair, a small country fair that just so happened to be on while we were there. It was fantastic! We missed the pig racing which was cancelled due to the bad weather (shucks!), but there were many other things to see including ferrets, pygmy goats, sheep, a falcon and an owl (eating chicks whole!!),
He ate it whole! In one gulp!!
a hedgehog, axe throwing and best of all WELLY WANGING. 
In the rainy land of Wales, everyone owns at least one pair of Wellington boots, affectionately called Wellies; and it is only natural that they make a sport of it, so the question of the day is: “How far can you wang a welly?”
Day 2 – Horses, a Cathedral and More Wind
11 Sep 2009 Leave a Comment
in Things to See, Wales Tags: cathedral, Coastal Path, horses, Pembrokeshire, sheep, sickle, St David's, Wales, White Sands
After a windy night, we woke up bright and early and went to the small store located on the campground. As we opened the door, the smell of fresh baked croissants and pain chocolat made our mouths water. We clearly walked out with enough pain chocolat for all of us 
A quick pot of coffee and we were off – horseback riding! We got to the farm and were met by three dogs and a hot cup ‘o’ tea. Our Gypsy Vanners were brought to us and off we went. My horse’s name was Sprite and he was a lazy, very hungry little guy. He would progressively slow down and try to veer off course when he saw something particularly succulent. We went trekking along the valley and through a small stream, and then came out at the St. David’s Cathedral where we crossed a small ford and stopped to let our horses drink….well the other horses drank – mine ATE!
When we finished our trek we went back to the campsite for lunch and then proceeded to White Sands Beach. It is absolutely lovely and people were out there surfing and enjoying the waves (except me, I was wrapped up in my jacket trying to fend off the wind). After a little bit of deliberating we decided to brave at lease a part of the Coastal Path. What a wonderful experience! Apparently the Coastal Path goes all along the Pembrokeshire coast. The scenery is absolutely breathtaking and the path takes you along cliffs and hidden beaches. In order to keep nature as intact as possible there are no guard rails, but there are warning signs saying “Cliffs can kill, keep a safe distance!” And some very interesting sign of people scrabbling up a cliff or falling down one, head-first…
But I digress, the Coastal Path was a lot longer than we thought it would be, as was the walk into town to take a closer look at the Cathedral, which was, of course, closed at that time. Starved and hungry we asked a helpful local where to eat and he pointed us to The Sheep and Sickle…um I mean The Farmer’s Arms . This was a classic pub-diner and the food was really quite good, in fact I had the best plate of baked beans EVER!
With full tummies and a brave heart we left The Sheep and Sickle and headed back to our tent which was still there, blowing in the wind…
The Longest Woman in the World
09 Sep 2009 Leave a Comment
in Photo of the Day, Wales Tags: Aberystwyth, photo, photography, Wales
Here she is: The Longest Woman in the World!!! Thanks for the picture Mel!
Day 1 in Windy Wales
08 Sep 2009 Leave a Comment
in Things to See, Wales Tags: Aberystwyth, camping, Pembrokeshire, Photo of the Day, St David's, Wales
Here I am back in Genoa and back at work. Life has started with it’s regular habits, and I already miss my little camping holiday.
Today I posted the first picture in my Wales series, and of course I must needs accompany it with some story-telling. But, just to make it more interesting (and to keep you coming back for more…) I’m drawing it out with one post per day that I was there.
So here we go: DAY 1
We woke up with the wind howling outside our window. I never knew it could get so windy anywhere, and Genoa is a windy city! We had a fantastic breakfast thanks to Nahid (it was delicious!) and then donned coats, shoes and cameras to go out and explore Aberystwyth. Aber, as the locals call it, is a lovely town right on the sea. It is fun to explore the side streets and look at the colourfully painted doors contrasting with their equally colourful houses. It also has a castle, like the one I posted today. The castle is one of the most interesting features in Aber, and we had lots of fun bravely climbing the crumbling stairs and trying to keep our balance in the wind. It probably wasn’t the smartest thing to do, but hey it was exciting, and we have a lot of happy memories of trying to fly and pretending to be the tallest woman in the world (will post pics on that one later…)
After our fun in the wind, we went off to purchase the last of our camping supplies and food, packed the car and headed off for our two-hour drive to St. David’s in Pembrokshire. We arrived just as it was starting to get dark and had the shock of our lives.
Before I go on with the tale, I would just like to make a little side note: camping in Canada usually involves forests, fires, outhouses and, if you’re lucky picnic tables and showers. Camping in the UK apparently means: fields, no fire, fancy tents, hot showers, electricity, hot water and sinks for dishwashing. So, when we reached our site and were faced with a wide open field, we looked at each other amazed. Martin (the only true Brit among us) happily began to unload the tent, which was yet another surprise - it was divided into two parts: the BEDROOM and the PORCH! Yes, a porch inside, where we could put the chairs and a small table and do our cooking on little portable gas cookers (just a little tank of gas and a burner screwed into the top of it). We were all upset because we REALLY wanted to roast marshmallows on an open fire, but gas-roasted mallows aren’t the best tasting…
In the shrieking wind, we battled to put up the tent and tied down every single tether it had. Then, proud of our efforts, we settled ourselved down to making dinner in our little porch. Odd as it may seem, the porch was actually really nice, because I really don’t think dinner would have been half as relaxing had it been in the wind.
As we were sipping hot cocoa and chatting, we had a curious visitor stick her nose into the tent – a fox. She just stayed long enough to be noticed and then disappeared as quietly as she had come. I saw her two days later in the field in the early morning. A lovely specimen with red fur and a snow white puff on the tip of her tail. We stared at each other for a full minute as I cursed not having my camera with me, then she sprinted away from the field and me.
Around midnight, we settled into our sleeping bags and did our best to sleep in the howling wind – ready to get up for an exciting new day.
In Wales
03 Sep 2009 Leave a Comment
in Things to See, Wales Tags: Aberystwyth, Travel, Wales
Well, here I am, in Wales at last, at my friend Katherine’s.
I landed at the London airport and the rain started pattering on the window. I heard sighs of relief from some fellow passengers – they were home! I though, “Welcome to rainy London,” but was equally happy to have arrived. After whipping through EU customs (gotta love dual citizenship) I caught the first bus and found myself stuck in traffic. Perfect. My friend Melanie was waiting for me at Euston so that we could catch the 430 train to Birmingham then to Aberystwyth and here I was at 330 stuck in traffic. Thankfully I got off at the first stop, bought a random tube ticket (still don’t know if it was the right one or not) caught the first train and ran into Euston. Luckily found Mel and our super fast super happy reunion was cut short by a quick look at the clock and a dash for the ticket office, where I learned that in Great Britain buying a return ticket is the cheapest way to travel. For just one extra pound I have one month to return to London from Aber. I purchased.
The rest of our train trip was spent in catching up and just being happy that we were together again, and dry in a speeding train heading to meet the third member of our reunion party. Then we got to Aber, happily reunited with Kat and made the mistake of deciding to walk to her house, after all it was only just a light drizzle…wrong. It of course decided to pour when we were halfway there. Fantastic. We got here soaking wet and enjoyed a wonderful home cooked meal by Kat’s mom (I love your food!!!) and chatted until 200am.
And now the sun has come out, and we are getting ready to get our camping gear and brave the great outdoors. It’s been a long time since I went camping, but even longer since we were all together. It will be wonderful no matter what the weather is like!
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