Wales Wales is a country with beautiful hills, valleys and coastlines. Today, Wales has a population of over 3 million people. It is a sovereign state within the United Kingdom. Its political history has been ongoing since the 11th century. The flag of Wales is considered one of the oldest in human history. The dragon on the flag is also present in the capital city of Cardiff's flag. It stands for peace, honesty, joy, hope, valor and bravery. Unlike other United Kingdom flags, the Wales flag was officially adopted by the Welsh government in 1959. Historically, the use of the dragon dates to 820 AD.
Caernarfon Castle is a medieval fortress built by the Romans on River Seiont near the Menai Strait between Conwy Bay, an inlet to the Irish Sea to the north and the North Sea to the south. The Romans departed during the 5th century. The Normans were next to occupy it. Later, it was an administrative center for north Wales during the Edwardian period of English history. Under English rule, the town grew around the castle, but both were sacked in 1294. As tension began to cease between the Brits and the people of Wales, the castle fell into neglect. Its association with the Prince of Wales has enabled it to be restored and become a World Heritage Site.
Llandudno is a seaside resort and community next to the Irish Sea. Llandudno is located on the Creuddyn peninsula in Conwy County Borough. With over 20,000 people, the town received its name from its patron saint, Saint Tudno, who founded a parish church in the Great Orme, a limestone outcrop on the north coast of Wales. Tudno was one of the sons of King Seithenyn, a Welsh legend figure. Tudno was born during the 6th century.
St. Johns Methodist Church is near Llandudno's promenade. When our group visited, we were invited to the Church's All‐Male Choir performance. There was also a young woman who performed individually. The Wesleyan Methodist church opened in 1855 when the population of Llandudno was only 2,500. The original church was raised, and a more permanent structure was built in 1866. The choirs from various areas surrounding Llandudno sing in a mix of English and Welsh and perform several evenings throughout several months during the year.
Snowdon Mountain Railway and countryside Since 1896, this unique narrow‐gauge railroad is the longest railroad in the UK. It runs coast to coast in Northern Wales from Caernarfon to Porthmadog and can take passengers to the summit of the highest mountain in Wales and England. The landscape of Snowdonia National Park in North Wales annually attracts tourists as well as locals. Mt. Snowdon's elevation is 3,560 feet.
Slate Mining in Wales Slate is formed when mud and clay are compacted and squeezed under high temperature. Geologists tell us that 300‐400 million years ago, the continental shifts in Wales caused several grades of slate found in Wales. Romans were the first to use slate for buildings such as Caernarfon Castle. During the 18 century, the demand for slate escalated worldwide. North West Wales was one region that experienced a mining bonanza. At one time, we were told, 17,000 miners worked at one mine. It was hard work and consisted of poor wages. A national strike took place in Wales. Slate was considered of the highest quality. Mines in Wales were found in Dinorwig, Llanberis, Bethesda and Blaenau Ffestiniog. Today, most of the mines are closed. Some have become tourist attractions. Those still open sell their slate for roofing, but also snooker (billiard) tables and other items. The Snowdon Railroad sells coasters made from slate. Below are two photos of a small slate mining village that used to export their slate worldwide at one time. Strikes by the North Wales Quarrymen's Union were very much a part of slate mining history.
Holyhead to Dublin by Ferry You could fly from Wales to Ireland or you could take a ferry across the Irish Sea. Holyhead, Wales was our point of departure to go to Dublin, Ireland. Holyhead serves as a major seaport serving those who wish to travel to Ireland. Holyhead is on Holy Island which requires traversing the "Four Mile Bridge" to reach the port from the mainland. Over 2 million passengers, in addition to freight, cars and trucks use the two major ferries to go to and from Wales and Ireland via the Port of Holyhead. The trip can take up to three and one‐half hours. Our ferry experience included comfort seating, a casino, duty‐free store, restaurant, sleepers and other amenities.
Food in Wales Traveling anywhere requires eating food we may have never had before. It may also mean experiencing special cultural dishes and with a history behind them. My wife and I have tried to not only taste and learn, but also photograph the many types of food we have experienced. Wales is no exception. Breakfast Bap (Welsh for bread) usually includes bacon, sausage and warmed fresh tomato. For an idea of Welsh menus as a main course, we suggest