Post by Kim on Dec 4, 2001 18:22:11 GMT -5
Tuesday, 04 December (I think)
York, England
Hi all,
It's been a few days since I could post....I have been in the smallest little village in Wales right on the north coast and not an email place to be found!
.......an aside here while I am thinking about it, for those of you planning on coming to the UK anytime soon...be aware, there is no more 'left luggage' at the train stations! 'Security rules' and they decided it was just too much a risk and have done away with it entirely........
Okay, back to news from the road. Penzance ended up taking about 16 hours of my time. Had a very bad experience there and booked out at 0530 the next morning. No, nothing that harmed me but most distressing and my antennas were up and squealing to GO NOW! The B&B I was in (use the term most loosly)....I was relaxing that evening after arriving and suddenly right next door some woman is getting the living hell beat out of her. Such screaming and shouting, banging against the walls. Well, I waited a few minutes thinking surely someone would come see about it, never did. So out comes my trusty cell and the police are on the way. And they come straight to MY door, and once finding it was me who called not in trouble, go out in the hall and loudly proclaiming it was 'her' who called, it's this other room! YIKES! Eventually all was settled, they left, then the owners come up to throw them out, lots of 'b@tch American' shouting.....I did not sleep a wink and was gone when the first train was due. And the owner had the damn nerve to be upset because I did not come and get him and called the police! I will not write what I replied, but it made me an 'ugly
American' that particular day!
Anyway, had a bad taste for England just then, so booked it on up to Conwy, Wales. Fabulous! The only city in UK still entirely enclosed within its walls and one terrific castle besides. It is one of 8 castles that Edward 1 built in the late 1200's. They are in ruins now, but don't misunderstand. Ruins in that the interior floors and walls are gone. But all the towers, portcullis, walls, etc are still very much intact. I visited three of the 8 and they are a joy. You are completely free to wander and climb at will in them, up to every tower
top, walk all around the walls. Wonderful! They are all situated on the ocean and have views to die for.
Also went to Caernafon Castle, which is where the Prince of Wales is investured. Bigger than Conwy, but just as much fun to be in. However, on that day it was so windy, gusts up to 60 mph and up on the towers it felt like I was about to blown off! Seriously.
Took a long bus ride down into the interior a bit to visit Portmeiron....a 'town' that was built by an architect to prove you could build and not destroy the natural beauty. Well, good idea and it is a profusion of ornate 'Italian' baroque buildings, arches, bridges, etc. And what I assume must be fabulous gardens in the summer. But this time of year....what a damn robbery of 5 pounds! It was all rather shabby, nothing to do but walk around and see the outside only
of the building......not worth it. And it was a good mile and half hike from the bus to get there, on a very cold day. <br>
But.....The ride there was worth it all. I had no idea in this world how mountainous Wales is! It is gorgeous, rough, craggy, jutting, steep hills and peaks. And still quite green. All the lower land is criss crossed by stone fences and sheep everywhere. A sight to see indeed. The coast reminded me
quite a bit of Maine, rough, rocky, rolling churning surf. I loved Wales!
The little town I stayed in was such fun! You can still walk totally around the town on the walls...surprised just how high they are! Was out one morning a first light and watched the sun rise over the castle from up there. Ah, memories! Made friends with a man and his father who run the news/tobacco shop. Stopped in every evening to discuss the days events, get tips for the next days outing. They shared their hot tea and rolls with me every evening and we had some great chats. There is limited train service to most of Wales, but the
buses go nearly everywhere, a 'red rover' day pass costs just £4.80 and is good for 24 hours. And the rides through the small little villages are worth the price no matter where you are going.
Arrived in York this afternoon. Have just taken a walk round town and have to say this is a really beautiful town too. Didn't think I would top Bath, but first impressions here say maybe so.
More to follow as I explore and fall in love with yet another British town!
The UK is horribly expensive, no matter how you try to mind your funds, but I can't regret coming! <br>
Hope this finds you all well, and ready for Christmas. It is such fun here seeing all the decorations everywhere!
till next time.....
ging
York, England
Hi all,
It's been a few days since I could post....I have been in the smallest little village in Wales right on the north coast and not an email place to be found!
.......an aside here while I am thinking about it, for those of you planning on coming to the UK anytime soon...be aware, there is no more 'left luggage' at the train stations! 'Security rules' and they decided it was just too much a risk and have done away with it entirely........
Okay, back to news from the road. Penzance ended up taking about 16 hours of my time. Had a very bad experience there and booked out at 0530 the next morning. No, nothing that harmed me but most distressing and my antennas were up and squealing to GO NOW! The B&B I was in (use the term most loosly)....I was relaxing that evening after arriving and suddenly right next door some woman is getting the living hell beat out of her. Such screaming and shouting, banging against the walls. Well, I waited a few minutes thinking surely someone would come see about it, never did. So out comes my trusty cell and the police are on the way. And they come straight to MY door, and once finding it was me who called not in trouble, go out in the hall and loudly proclaiming it was 'her' who called, it's this other room! YIKES! Eventually all was settled, they left, then the owners come up to throw them out, lots of 'b@tch American' shouting.....I did not sleep a wink and was gone when the first train was due. And the owner had the damn nerve to be upset because I did not come and get him and called the police! I will not write what I replied, but it made me an 'ugly
American' that particular day!
Anyway, had a bad taste for England just then, so booked it on up to Conwy, Wales. Fabulous! The only city in UK still entirely enclosed within its walls and one terrific castle besides. It is one of 8 castles that Edward 1 built in the late 1200's. They are in ruins now, but don't misunderstand. Ruins in that the interior floors and walls are gone. But all the towers, portcullis, walls, etc are still very much intact. I visited three of the 8 and they are a joy. You are completely free to wander and climb at will in them, up to every tower
top, walk all around the walls. Wonderful! They are all situated on the ocean and have views to die for.
Also went to Caernafon Castle, which is where the Prince of Wales is investured. Bigger than Conwy, but just as much fun to be in. However, on that day it was so windy, gusts up to 60 mph and up on the towers it felt like I was about to blown off! Seriously.
Took a long bus ride down into the interior a bit to visit Portmeiron....a 'town' that was built by an architect to prove you could build and not destroy the natural beauty. Well, good idea and it is a profusion of ornate 'Italian' baroque buildings, arches, bridges, etc. And what I assume must be fabulous gardens in the summer. But this time of year....what a damn robbery of 5 pounds! It was all rather shabby, nothing to do but walk around and see the outside only
of the building......not worth it. And it was a good mile and half hike from the bus to get there, on a very cold day. <br>
But.....The ride there was worth it all. I had no idea in this world how mountainous Wales is! It is gorgeous, rough, craggy, jutting, steep hills and peaks. And still quite green. All the lower land is criss crossed by stone fences and sheep everywhere. A sight to see indeed. The coast reminded me
quite a bit of Maine, rough, rocky, rolling churning surf. I loved Wales!
The little town I stayed in was such fun! You can still walk totally around the town on the walls...surprised just how high they are! Was out one morning a first light and watched the sun rise over the castle from up there. Ah, memories! Made friends with a man and his father who run the news/tobacco shop. Stopped in every evening to discuss the days events, get tips for the next days outing. They shared their hot tea and rolls with me every evening and we had some great chats. There is limited train service to most of Wales, but the
buses go nearly everywhere, a 'red rover' day pass costs just £4.80 and is good for 24 hours. And the rides through the small little villages are worth the price no matter where you are going.
Arrived in York this afternoon. Have just taken a walk round town and have to say this is a really beautiful town too. Didn't think I would top Bath, but first impressions here say maybe so.
More to follow as I explore and fall in love with yet another British town!
The UK is horribly expensive, no matter how you try to mind your funds, but I can't regret coming! <br>
Hope this finds you all well, and ready for Christmas. It is such fun here seeing all the decorations everywhere!
till next time.....
ging