Day 6 - Monday – July 2, 2012

Day 6 - Monday – July 2, 2012

We loaded the coach at 5:45 this morning in order to catch the ferry to Holyhead, Wales. When I first heard that we were taking a ferry I envisioned a type of one level, partly open to fresh sea breezes, type of ferry. The ferry in Dublin was an eight level ocean liner. I guess this makes more sense since we were crossing the Irish Sea. Our group was considered “foot passengers” since we did not drive a car. We had to wait for the “car passengers” to load their vehicles before we were loaded on a bus that transported us to the dock. By the time we got on board and received directions from Emilia, many of the comfy chairs were occupied. The ferry’s comforts included: a game room, first class lounge, a lounge for everyone, three restaurants, and a duty-free shop.  There was a holiday-like atmosphere on board with a multitude of children running around all excited, families hunkered down in groups with coloring books and newspapers and sulky teenagers with ear buds listening to music and/or texting (it’s the same everywhere).  I was a little concerned about sea- sickness because we had been warned that crossing the Irish Sea could be a rough ride. Even though the vessel was enormous, I did feel the rolling about half an hour out, but only when I was walking around. I was fine as long as I was sitting. The voyage took three hours until we landed on a tiny island, in the tiny country of Wales and then it was back on a coach.

Our new coach driver, Joe, did not hold a candle to Danny. For one thing, the heat in the coach was stuck “on”, so that the people sitting next to the windows had very hot air blowing on them. If that wasn’t enough, the coach engine overheated and broke down twice. But staying to the true optimism of Americans, several of the mothers on the trip diverted our woes with music and dancing in the bus aisle. Truly entertaining!

Our first destination in Wales was a tiny town with a very big name: Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch which means; "St. Mary's Church in the hollow of white hazel near a rapid whirlpool and the Church of St. Tysilio near the red cave." Like Northern Ireland, Wales is a part of the United Kingdom. Wales is a Principality and the Welsh culture was oppressed by the British. All of the public signs are now written in both English and Welsh.

We learned about a charming custom in Wales called Lovespoons. Lovespoons were given by suitors to their sweethearts expressing a desire for a relationship. The lovespoons designs symbolize different sentiments. For example, the love spoon in my picture could represent: the heart- my heart is yours, chain- our lives are linked together, captured sphere- our union shall be blessed. I bought a couple of lovespoons to give to my loved ones.

We mostly went to Llan…goch in order to stop at a store to purchase food and gifts. It was also time to learn about the new currency, British pounds. Very confusing! Our next stop was the great castle of Conwy built in 1283.

One side of the castle was graced by the brilliant green mountains of Snowdonia while the sea lapped the other side. The entire town of Conwy was enclosed by three quarters of a mile long wall that was guarded by 22 towers. Our coach’s entrance through a narrow arch in the wall required all of us passengers to hold our breath as the arch passed within inches on both sides of the coach (one coach did not have such a nerves -of -steel driver, so their coach door was damaged). Conwy Castle loamed over the delicate town dwellings. The narrow, streets were lined with shops and houses of soft muted colors and intricate brick and stone designs. The pitched roofs were often lined with lace-like edging and charming chimney tops. Considering the close proximity of the fishing boats, it seemed like a perfect place for a fish and chips lunch. So, several of us stopped at the Fisherman’s Restaurant where I ordered a Cod Special and a pot of tea. The cod was fried in a very light batter that had a pleasing crunch and a delicate taste. The chips were also delicious, but I was not a big fan of the mushy peas. They had the consistency of baby food.

 The Stena Line Ferry from Dublin Ireland across the Irish Sea to Holyhead, Wales

 Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch, Wales

 Flat Stanley and Fiends under the Welsh flag

 Flat Stanley enjoying a Bristish phone booth

 A mountain in Snowdonia

 A roundabout in the charming town of Conwy, Wales

 Conwyn Castle

 The sea laps the castle on one side...

 and Snowdonia graces the other side

 Conwy suspension bridge built in 1819

 A window seat in the Conwy castle

 A shop in Conwy

 Conwy architecture

 Fish and chips, skip the mushy peas

Welsh Lovespoon

After our coach breaking down and a long day of travel, we finally reached the Hotel Britannia in Manchester, England. The hotel was lavish compared to our Irish hotels, but it was also a bit seedy with old furnishings in the room, including an ancient mattress. Yet, I did appreciate the dining room and the generous buffet. Yes, I was eating once again.