July 30: Galway
Helen, a recent graphic artist graduate and our “free” city tour guide, said that she was not paid for her work but was compensated by “tips” based on what we perceived was the value of the tour. She obviously did her homework, and we learned in a humorous way a lot about the city’s history…
July 29: Galway
We arrived in Galway yesterday on the 5 P.M train from Dublin and tried to find our way to the B & B in Salt Hill, an area “just a 5-minutes drive from downtown center.” With lack of street signs and our need to constantly asked for directions, it took us nearly one-and-a-half hours to…
July 26: Aberdovey
Glorious day all around. Cloudless deep-blue skies, mild temperatures (mid 60s to start, and then lower 70s) made this the perfect day to explore Aberdovey. As we waited for the bus, a local to Plas Panteidal (where we are staying) offered us a ride into town. I love how helpful people are in Wales. The…
July 25: Tywyn
Today started off rainy and cool (upper 60s), but ended up glorious. We hoofed the mile to the road, and then waited almost an hour for the bus to Tywyn. (toe-in). This seaside town does not have the charm of Machynlleth, but it did have a few interesting buildings. The Market Hall (left), once known…
July 24: Machynlleth
We took the local bus into Machynlleth (mack-unth-leth); the bus drivers are very skilled in maneuvering the bus on the narrow and winding roads, at times skimming the bushes as we passed on-coming vehicles. I think I have been walking too long; riding in a vehicle seems very fast, almost scary. Welsh names are difficult…
July 23: Aberdovey
I am very grateful to our host for the library stocked with regional maps and books. From these, we planned our itineraries and learned about the local folklore. The bird book helped me identify the various species that came to the bird feeder. I spied the Ménétries and Sardinian warblers, jays, finches and others that…
July 22: Aberdovey
This morning’s rain pattered noisily on the observatory windows. After studying the maps, Dennis was certain that we would find a short cut over the mountain and into town. By noon, the rain cleared, but a haze remained. When Dennis and I went exploring to find this shortcut, we were treated to beautify views of…
July 21: Aberdovey
After a windy, overcast start, the day turned glorious. The “self-catering holiday accommodation” was built approximately 50 years ago; the interior is cedar paneling. It is filled with Celtic items, books, and curios. Our bedroom has an African motif. This is obviously the owners’ hideaway, with many significant mementos; I am thankful that they shared…
July 21: Aberdovey
Yesterday we met Sheila Harper on the train. She is an octogenarian who was a teacher and then head mistress. During WWII, she and her siblings and cousins were sent to Wales; she is returning to see it, having heard that nothing has changed. She regaled us with stories of her childhood, time teaching the…
July 19: London
We met Diana and Hanna Friedman at the Princess Diana’s Playground in Hyde Park. After chatting and watching Hanna play, we went for lunch. Diana brought us up to speed about the goings-on of our mutual friends in Sarasota; her wit as sharp as ever. After lunch, Dennis and I visited The London Towers. Fortunately…