Okay, this entry is for all the people who think I'm so brave.
Well, the truth is, if I hadn't already booked my return flight, and set up the house closing etc. I'm quite sure I would abort the mission. I'm really, really scared to arrive in a new country where I don't speak the language (si, parlo un po' ma non troppo) and don't know where I am. It was hard enough in Wales. And lonely. I feel a lot like I felt every time I went scuba diving, and also the time I climbed the 60 foot ladder to the trapeze in Club Med... Eekkk! I'm not ready! Is this really happening? Help! And Jack's not here to hold my hand.
They say that true courage is measured by how afraid you are, and do it anyway. So I guess I have courage. Here goes!
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Bore Da
Not only knackered, but sick! I didn't want to admit it because it might become more real, but I was attacked by an aggressive sore throat in Shrewsbury. I gargled it to the death but it left me feeling weak and ucky. However I don't take sickness lieing down, so off I went to create havoc and mayhem in the local villag... no, that's a different story. In THIS story, I went on the bus to see Harlech Castle where I met Luke, who was being rewarded for good behaviour at nursery school by going on a outing with his mum, Jane. They got off the bus with me and offered to show me the way to the castle. Luke began singing his Good morning song, in Welsh (Bore da, pronounced bo-RAY-da means Good Day in Welsh), and I liked it so much that I of course reciprocated with Rubber Duckie, which Jane and Luke had never heard!!! Amazing! There are more differences between our countries than buildings and currencies! Anyway, that was great fun, and I got a photo of Luke posing in his medieval knight's outfit on the battlements of the castle. The upshot was that when I left the castle an hour later, I realized I'd been singing instead of paying attention, and didn't have a clue how to return to the bus. Lost. Didn't remember a thing except the car park across the street, and that was enough for the kind stranger to direct me.
The best thing about Barmouth was an amateur play called Gulliver, about Jonathon Swift and his fear of insanity. Absolutely terrific! Four actors brought all the characters in Gulliver's Travels to life. I don't know whether it could be acquired for HITS to have a read... worth a look if it's possible.
After Barmouth, I took a steam train to Blaenau Fflestiniog (no, I can't pronounce it). Met Richard from Holland on the train, who was volunteering on the railway for 3 weeks... told me anyone can volunteer and gets free board, so that would be fun to do another time... Then on to Bettwys-y-Coed near Snowdonia. I took local buses through the mountains, and so enjoyed seeing the tiny villages and hearing everyone chatting in Welsh... everyone seemed to know each other.
Then dropped into Conwy on my way to Holyhead and the ferry to Ireland, which is where I am now, in an internet cafe in Dublin, and hoping to hear some Irish music and dance.
The best thing about Barmouth was an amateur play called Gulliver, about Jonathon Swift and his fear of insanity. Absolutely terrific! Four actors brought all the characters in Gulliver's Travels to life. I don't know whether it could be acquired for HITS to have a read... worth a look if it's possible.
After Barmouth, I took a steam train to Blaenau Fflestiniog (no, I can't pronounce it). Met Richard from Holland on the train, who was volunteering on the railway for 3 weeks... told me anyone can volunteer and gets free board, so that would be fun to do another time... Then on to Bettwys-y-Coed near Snowdonia. I took local buses through the mountains, and so enjoyed seeing the tiny villages and hearing everyone chatting in Welsh... everyone seemed to know each other.
Then dropped into Conwy on my way to Holyhead and the ferry to Ireland, which is where I am now, in an internet cafe in Dublin, and hoping to hear some Irish music and dance.
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Nakked
Spending a few days recuperating at a lovely, peaceful B&B in Barmouth, Wales. As soon as I finish this, I'll go for a walk to the harbour, now that it's stopped raining.
It's been an action-filled few days. After visiting my Grandma Jarvis's house in Cwmavon, I went to a mining museum and had a tour with a retired miner, then missed the bus and was offered a ride back to Swansea with the head ranger (the museum is on a forest reserve). Then I heard a choir practice by a Welsh men's choir and got another ride home with one of the singers. It was a great day, especially looking at the village and hills surrounding where my family had lived.
Yesterday, I took a train to Machynlleth (pronounced Ma-HUNT-lech, with some expelled spit) and a bus to the Center for Alternative Technology which is a very well-developed center for teaching about all things to do with wind, water and organics...worth a visit if you're in the neighbourhood;they have a train up a steep hillside, pwered by water weight. Then I hitched a ride back with a handsome young Welshman in his pickup truck... I've been doing well for rides!
Today, the tiredness has hit, partly because I've been fighting a sore throat... I REFUSE to be sick! Got some coarse seasalt from the Shrewsbury B&B... OH! Yes, Shrewsbury! Almost forgot... I stayed there for two nights between Swansea and Barmouth... The old Tudor houses and narrow cobbled streets, all intermingled with newer buildings and streets... are breath-taking! The old buildings lean into the streets, some even lean sideways with wobbly rooflines. I've taken so many photos, but the camera doesn't want to connect to the computer, and the little secondhand Netbook is pretty much useless.
During a chat with the owner of this B&B, I said how much I'd done and how tired I was. He said, So now you're nakked. I blinked. Pardon? Nakked, he said. It's an English expression, like what they do to horses. Oh I said, comprehending... knackered! Yes, I'm knackered!
It's been an action-filled few days. After visiting my Grandma Jarvis's house in Cwmavon, I went to a mining museum and had a tour with a retired miner, then missed the bus and was offered a ride back to Swansea with the head ranger (the museum is on a forest reserve). Then I heard a choir practice by a Welsh men's choir and got another ride home with one of the singers. It was a great day, especially looking at the village and hills surrounding where my family had lived.
Yesterday, I took a train to Machynlleth (pronounced Ma-HUNT-lech, with some expelled spit) and a bus to the Center for Alternative Technology which is a very well-developed center for teaching about all things to do with wind, water and organics...worth a visit if you're in the neighbourhood;they have a train up a steep hillside, pwered by water weight. Then I hitched a ride back with a handsome young Welshman in his pickup truck... I've been doing well for rides!
Today, the tiredness has hit, partly because I've been fighting a sore throat... I REFUSE to be sick! Got some coarse seasalt from the Shrewsbury B&B... OH! Yes, Shrewsbury! Almost forgot... I stayed there for two nights between Swansea and Barmouth... The old Tudor houses and narrow cobbled streets, all intermingled with newer buildings and streets... are breath-taking! The old buildings lean into the streets, some even lean sideways with wobbly rooflines. I've taken so many photos, but the camera doesn't want to connect to the computer, and the little secondhand Netbook is pretty much useless.
During a chat with the owner of this B&B, I said how much I'd done and how tired I was. He said, So now you're nakked. I blinked. Pardon? Nakked, he said. It's an English expression, like what they do to horses. Oh I said, comprehending... knackered! Yes, I'm knackered!
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Kindness of strangers
First the bus left me behind in Cardiff, after a wonderful but tiring day touring the White Castle and Castle Coch with Zoe. It just passed me by... wait! I've got a ticket!...You were supposed to stop here!!! It's late! It's dark! I don't know where I'm going!!! I expressed my despair to another bus driver from a different company... he wouldn't see me stranded and took me for free. So kind! Then he forgot to tell me where to get off, and it was my own intuition that saved me. Found my way in the dark to The Oyster Hotel on Oystermouth Road in Swansea, up many flights of a stairs to a room loud with traffic noise... Slept with earplugs and a pillow over my head. In the morning I saw the view out the window of lovely seaside, and went for a walk on the beach. At my request, the owner, Cynthia, moved me to a much quieter room the next night so I was able to sleep. Again, so kind.
Today I've spent the morning in the library in Port Talbot where my father was born, with an enthusiastic young archivist who tracked down all the ships that brought my family to Canada from Wales in the early century. I wouldn't have thought of this myself, but the bus driver from Swansea thought it a pity that I'd come all this way and didn't know the actual address of the family. So he got out of the bus at the station, and kept his lineup waiting while he gave me directions to the local library.
There were quite a few trips between Wales and Canada because when Grandma found out she was pregnant, she went back to Wales to have the baby. And it looks like some of the family went with her. Dad was born in May 1914, a month before the war started, so they then stayed until 1919. Next I'm on my way to Cwmavon to visit the house where my grandma was born in 1890, 9 Hazelwood Terrace. It's still there, one of a line of connected houses that they called cottages.
It's wonderful to hear the rolling Welsh accents all around me... since I'm so close to where my father's family originated, they really do sound the same as my aunts and uncles.
Today I've spent the morning in the library in Port Talbot where my father was born, with an enthusiastic young archivist who tracked down all the ships that brought my family to Canada from Wales in the early century. I wouldn't have thought of this myself, but the bus driver from Swansea thought it a pity that I'd come all this way and didn't know the actual address of the family. So he got out of the bus at the station, and kept his lineup waiting while he gave me directions to the local library.
There were quite a few trips between Wales and Canada because when Grandma found out she was pregnant, she went back to Wales to have the baby. And it looks like some of the family went with her. Dad was born in May 1914, a month before the war started, so they then stayed until 1919. Next I'm on my way to Cwmavon to visit the house where my grandma was born in 1890, 9 Hazelwood Terrace. It's still there, one of a line of connected houses that they called cottages.
It's wonderful to hear the rolling Welsh accents all around me... since I'm so close to where my father's family originated, they really do sound the same as my aunts and uncles.
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Tintern Abbey and arggh...technology
I forked out £11 to tour the Roman ruins at Bath. It looks all touristy and tidy from the outside, but underground you can see the excavated ruins...the altar, a circular pool where they cooled off after the hotsprings, and stone steps to the temple, worn into deep grooves by thousands of feet over those centuries. Excellent commentary, and projections of characters moving on the stone walls to bring it to life.
Then took a bus through Bristol to the Wye Valley in Wales and toured the incredible ruins of Tintern Abbey, the ancient, soaring windows filled with blue sky and clouds instead of stained glass. I have some great photos, one with a black cow seen through the church door, but can't figure out how to upload them to "alien" computers. And I'm frustrated that my little Netbook doesn't want to pick up wireless signals and I'm thinking of throwing its 3 pounds overboard... I really am technologically challenged.
Then took a bus through Bristol to the Wye Valley in Wales and toured the incredible ruins of Tintern Abbey, the ancient, soaring windows filled with blue sky and clouds instead of stained glass. I have some great photos, one with a black cow seen through the church door, but can't figure out how to upload them to "alien" computers. And I'm frustrated that my little Netbook doesn't want to pick up wireless signals and I'm thinking of throwing its 3 pounds overboard... I really am technologically challenged.
Friday, October 16, 2009
Big Ben and Roman Baths
Ah London... seen through bleary eyes after a few hours of sleep in an airport... but still wonderful! I visited the Queen in Buckingham Palace, then toured the Parliament Buildings (well, the outside), inspected Big Ben (still working), and checked that the Westminster Bridge was still in place, then admired some Turners, Gainsboroughs and John Singer Sargent portraits (yum!) at the Tate. A lovely day. Then arrived at a delightful 5 story home filled brimming with funky, colourful art. It was a magical day!
Now in Bath, staying at the YMCA. The Roman buildings are so perfect that it's almost impossible to comprehend their age. Some young people had a very loud, very late party last night, which included seeing who could blow the longest notes on one of those long horns. Ah, Bath! I bet the Romans partied in much the same way!
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
October 13th, Gatwick International Airport
It was on the news... our captain announced at 1 AM, halfway across the Atlantic, that there was a crack in the windshield and he was returning to St. John's Newfloundland.
No one reacted much, but I think there were some white knuckles over the next hour. Later we heard, confirmed by a steward, that they used duct tape on the windshield!!! Add that one to your duct tape stories. If you have duct tape stories. Also that the episode was more dangerous than they let on. If you watched the CBC evening news on Monday October 12th, I was the one in the blue jacket in front of the Holiday Inn.
All 257 passengers were transported in 5 buses to a nearby hotel, but some didn't get to their rooms until 7 AM because of the slowness of the 3 desk clerks, who were actually chatting with people while over a hundred people stood patiently waiting.
And here I am at 6 AM in Gatwick, having decided to spend the night here on a cheap bench rather than catch a few hours sleep in an expensive hotel.
Soon I'll find my way to the Gatwick Express to Victoria Station to have a peek at, oh, Buckham Palace for example... I wonder if the Queen will mind a surprise visit? She probably keeps tea and cookies handy for unexpected guests.
It was on the news... our captain announced at 1 AM, halfway across the Atlantic, that there was a crack in the windshield and he was returning to St. John's Newfloundland.
No one reacted much, but I think there were some white knuckles over the next hour. Later we heard, confirmed by a steward, that they used duct tape on the windshield!!! Add that one to your duct tape stories. If you have duct tape stories. Also that the episode was more dangerous than they let on. If you watched the CBC evening news on Monday October 12th, I was the one in the blue jacket in front of the Holiday Inn.
All 257 passengers were transported in 5 buses to a nearby hotel, but some didn't get to their rooms until 7 AM because of the slowness of the 3 desk clerks, who were actually chatting with people while over a hundred people stood patiently waiting.
And here I am at 6 AM in Gatwick, having decided to spend the night here on a cheap bench rather than catch a few hours sleep in an expensive hotel.
Soon I'll find my way to the Gatwick Express to Victoria Station to have a peek at, oh, Buckham Palace for example... I wonder if the Queen will mind a surprise visit? She probably keeps tea and cookies handy for unexpected guests.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
The day after the wedding
Today is the day after... what a wonderful day. Beautiful, funny, emotional. I cried all through the ceremony. I'll post pictures when I have the right flash card reader for the new camera. After the mothers were seated, my son entered to taped dance music, wearing dark glasses... strode down the aisle like a gangsta, holding hands with his little brother, Jade, in orange sunglasses and who, as ring bearer, carried a huge silver briefcase containing the rings. Can't describe my emotions. Then came 7 groomsmen, all in sunglasses with bright orange ties and roses. Then the bridesmaids, in black dresses with orange scarves and bouquets of orange roses, to slow romantic music, and last, lovely Laura in traditional white gown. At the reception, a Mennonite Thanksgiving dinner. I'd forgotten food could taste like that! Later, the young people went Oktoberfesting, since KW (Kitchener Waterloo) is the place to be for that odd celebration of beer and sausage...
Backing up a bit, the trip across Canada was delightful. I love the prairies, and felt like I was coming home as I drove through Northern Ontario, even though I still had 2 days of driving before I would actually arrive in my old stomping grounds. After only a few days in Kitchener, I flew to Yarmouth, Nova Scotia for a visit with my 91 year old mother who couldn't come to Micah's wedding, then back to Owen sound where...
Where I bought a house!!! Yes! It's a small, no-frills ranch style bungalow on a dead end street, 10 minute walk from down town. Across the street, not houses but... the Sydenham River, complete with swans and a huge weeping willow. The back yard is like a private park, and the salmon run is a 5 minute walk. I take possession Dec.3rd. Lovely to know I have a home to come to after my travels.
Which I'm not really prepared for... I didn't allow much time to research, though just bought a Rick Steve's book of travel tips which I should have read a month ago! I fly out tomorrow evening and arrive in London on Tuesday morning. Feels surreal. I cannot recommend highly enough... to anyone foolish enough to sell their house, drive across the country for their son's wedding, find and buy a new house and then leave for Europe all in less than 2 months....the benefits of Valerian and Bach Rescue Remedy drops. Truly.
More to come.
Backing up a bit, the trip across Canada was delightful. I love the prairies, and felt like I was coming home as I drove through Northern Ontario, even though I still had 2 days of driving before I would actually arrive in my old stomping grounds. After only a few days in Kitchener, I flew to Yarmouth, Nova Scotia for a visit with my 91 year old mother who couldn't come to Micah's wedding, then back to Owen sound where...
Where I bought a house!!! Yes! It's a small, no-frills ranch style bungalow on a dead end street, 10 minute walk from down town. Across the street, not houses but... the Sydenham River, complete with swans and a huge weeping willow. The back yard is like a private park, and the salmon run is a 5 minute walk. I take possession Dec.3rd. Lovely to know I have a home to come to after my travels.
Which I'm not really prepared for... I didn't allow much time to research, though just bought a Rick Steve's book of travel tips which I should have read a month ago! I fly out tomorrow evening and arrive in London on Tuesday morning. Feels surreal. I cannot recommend highly enough... to anyone foolish enough to sell their house, drive across the country for their son's wedding, find and buy a new house and then leave for Europe all in less than 2 months....the benefits of Valerian and Bach Rescue Remedy drops. Truly.
More to come.
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