My Welsh adventures

Seaside Pier-Conwy

Conwy Castle

"Croeso I conwy,” the bright blue board told us. And before we knew, we were scrambling for the dictionary. But thankfully, just next to it the English board said “Welcome to Conwy.”

Yes, Welcome to Conwy.

An ancient walled market town on the north coast of Wales, this quaint little town is famous for its medieval Edwardian castle, nostalgia tinged houses and a place where the old Welsh language is still spoken-- sometimes casually, sometimes officially but always with pride.

Conwy castle, takes a place of pride in the narrow cobbled pathways of the city. And it is easily the centre point of the town, everything else surrounds this giant of a castle. Home to King Edward 1 between 1283 and 1289, it was built during England’s second campaign in the North Wales.

Much of the castle is in ruins but as you walk around, you can still signs of the ancient times. The castle was designed to have inner and outer ward. Today, the inner ward is in shambles but even then it doesn’t stop you from travelling to a different era. A World heritage project, the castle’s massive defensive wall still stands tall and proud.

Conwy Castle

As you step out, this town comes tantalizingly alive. We walked its paths and discovered its many niche shops while the waves from the nearby coastal pier gave us company throughout.

Panoramic view--Snowdonia

From Conwy, we drove to the nearby Llandudno. Wales, is a city for drivers. As your vehicle whizzes, your eyes are treated to beautiful rugged mountains, almost whimsical houses and vast green plains with schools of sheep.

Just half-an-hour drive from Conwy, Llandudno is a seaside resort. Llandudno, is a place where fictional heroine Alice from Alice of Wonderland , holidayed during her summer vacations.  It is famous of its Pier, Bay and the Happy Valley.

Woodlands near Llandudno Pier

The Pier behind me

Our first stop was the Pier, a spectacle designed in Indian gothic style. It is made of cast iron, brackets of lacework in iron with a pretty balustrade and mouth extending to the beautiful blue waters of the sea, the Pier seduces your senses right away.

We take the much popular ropeway to explore the area. As the ropeway starts, at a breathtaking height, I cross my fingers and toes and open my eyes to the view of North Wales. The sea and the captivating Snowdon Mountains live me speechless.

Pretty Big thing

Bay From the Ropeway

And as the ropeway proceeds, the town of Llandudno becomes a mere dot in the vastness of the beautiful coastal ground of Wales. It’s an opportunity not to be missed. After stepping out, I go straight towards the pier to experience the blue waters of the sea up, close and personal.

Candid Camera

The village

The Village train

My reverie admiring the sea is broken, when husband announces that it’s time for the Bay--a gentle sweep between the sea made of rock and sand. The area of the Bay is the Marine Drive, a beautiful long road where the sea accompanies you on one side and the mountains accompanies you from the other side.

And here we are

Marine Drive

Llandudno, in a nutshell is this—a place where sea beautifully marries the mountains.

Llandudno, rydych yn wych.

Stumped?

Llandudno, you are marvellous

The mystical Stonehenge

As a kid, I have often been mesmerized by this structure, staring at me from the  computer screen. So, it was only natural that I visit this mystical site which is just an hour from my home in Hampshire. This prehistoric monument, located between the countryside of Wiltshire and plains of Salisbury is one of the most iconic structures of present times. Believed to be the centre of Neolithic and Bronze Age monuments; it is certainly a destination for the curious wanderer and history lovers. From the rubbles of the plains, you will notice a circular structure where bluish rocks stand rather tall breaking the harmony of the green plains but lending it more charm. Welcome, to the enigmatic Stonehenge. 

 

As you go closer, the site draws some serious awe. True history aficionados would love this place. The first stones were erected way back between 3000BC to 2000BC. Completed and restored in many phases from then on; today the structure is listed among the World Heritage Sites. The rocks are said to be Bluestone and Sarsen. Folklore and legend abound this place. Some called it the one of the most ancient burial grounds; for some it was the place of worship while some termed it as healing rocks. The rocks were once called Giant’s Dance and were believed to be brought from Africa and Ireland for its healing properties. It is also believed to be a site where followers of Neopaganism practiced religious rituals in the twentieth century. Whatever be the belief, no one really can tell how the rocks appeared here in the first place. There are also rumours of UFO sightings here!

 

Just outside the main entrance to the Stonehenge is the Heel Stone or Friar’s heel; a rough, giant stone which leans towards the ground. An interesting folk take around this stone is that the devil brought many stones from a woman in Ireland. While he was a carrying around the place, he stated that no one will find how these rocks came. A Friar then audaciously challenged him and said only he thinks so. The devil in his fury threw one of the stones which struck the friar in his heel giving birth to the Heel stone.  

 

Despite these interesting stories, many feel the entire place to a bit of a dampener. Why? Because there is nothing else here but an explanation would be that it is a sensitive area, an area which is still researched time and again for Neolithic and Bronze Age cultures. Hence, it should stay away from “development” as much as possible. While some call the place rocks randomly scattered I cannot help but wonder if we ever made a similar structure in today’s modern age will it able to stand the test of time?

Southsea, Portsmouth. Another trip to the sea side

The skies are bright again but the mind knows no relief. I am bleary eyed, ridden with insomnia and a doubtful mind; I look for a quick out from the mundaneness. Sometimes, escapism brings a great joy, calmness and clarity of mind. Introspection, I call it.  As I have said many times in this blog, ocean and beaches is my favourite spot when riddled with the various obscurities of life. The beauty of the ocean, its greatness, the sound of waves lashing against the rocks calms me, uplifts me, inspires me, awes me and definitely humbles me. 

With the rays of sun slowly teasing my senses and my heart fluttering at the prospect of yet another new discovery I step out hopeful and head towards Southsea beach in the water front city of Portsmouth.  The sea comes in many tantalizing forms as I discovered. Here there is no sand but the beach is made of many  different types of stones, scattered and littered. I gingerly walk on them collecting some which catch my attention. They are pink, jade, sea green and some with a bit of sea weed on them. Aaah…the joys of finding something new out! Life would be so much more interesting if each day was different than the last. 

 In the horizon, somewhere where the sky meets the sea line, I see piers. There are two piers, I am told. The south parade pier and the Clarence Pier; the sites are now amusement centers. But to me from this distance the sight looks like a picture perfect postcard evoking great wonderment. 

People come and go. Some are running, some are cycling, and many are flying kites. It lends an added charm to this already wonderful tapestry. As for me, I am once again lost in my bubble. I am at the safe place where the sea and its waves is my biggest comfort. Once again, the sea has succeeded in wrapping me around its safe arms. I feel uplifted, a tiny smile plays on my lips and the former frown lines are disappearing. The sea whispers to me to march on with head held high and that everything will be alright. 

 

The dark clouds which were hovering around me are long gone and I am at a beautiful, happy place. 

Just me, my thoughts and of course the ever calming sea.