Off to Wales!

For over a week now, I’ve been ill with a sore throat that has made my life slightly unbearable. I have decided that of all things to happen, simply being sick is one of the worst experiences while abroad. I’ve had days where I can barely get out of bed, and nights where I cry in vain, hoping only to get at least an hour’s worth of sleep.

That aside, it did not stop me from going to Wales.

I'm standing next to Cardiff Castle in Cardiff.

I went on Saturday, the 26^th of March. It was a day trip set up similarly to when I went to Stonehenge and Bath, but this time I went by myself. Most of the trip was spent driving there and back, but I still loved the trip.

Welsh countryside

First off, Wales is beautiful. It has rolling hills and mountains as far as the eye can see, and since the weather was so perfect, that’s pretty dang far. Our tour guide explained how Wales had been conquered by the English, and therefore why there’s quite a bit of tension between the two countries. We came to Cardiff (the capital), where a football match between Wales and England was being held. The streets were full of proud Welsh waving their bright flag in the air and painting red dragons on their faces. There were old people, young people, and children everywhere. Other than the whole match thing, I thought it made sense so many people were out to enjoy the lovely weather. It was in the 60’s and sunny.

There were quite a few signs like this...

The best part of my visit was seeing the daffodils. I learned that daffodils are the country’s flower, and this time of the year, they’re everywhere. I went into one of the many parks of Cardiff and found them all around me. They’re such beautiful flowers; I can’t help but enjoy spring. It’s also much better than the leek, which I guess was Wale’s flower (er well, plant, actually) until the queen changed it. I’d say good choice, except saying you are represented as the leek is kind of a better conversation-starter if you ask me.

In the park

From there we went to Caerphilly Castle, which is the second largest castle in the United Kingdom, after Windsor. Now I had always heard of castles having moats, but I never actually saw one… until that day! Not only did Caerphilly have a moat, it had two. There are technically five bodies of water around the castle for protection purposes. The walls were thick and covered in slots for archers and ways to pour steaming hot something onto enemies below. On the top level, I saw all of Caerphilly and was able to see miles into the distance. Truly, when people built Caerphilly Castle, they were pretty smart about the whole thing. I doubt anyone could have defeated it; especially if Oliver Cromwell had tried to destroy a part of the castle with gunpowder, only to make the tower lean to the side.

Caerphilly Castle

Wales to me felt like a durable country. The people and the buildings all felt sturdy and confident. It was a pleasant attitude, but at the same time, I’m quite glad I’m not English. I don’t think I would have enjoyed it as much to be from the country that conquered them so long ago…

Welsh pride