Wales

It was a rather bumpy start to my trip home to Wales and my family there in Llantwit Major. Stormy skies, strong, gusty winds and rain made take off and landing a bit unpleasant, but the pilots did an amazing job of steadying the swaying plane for perfect landings. 

Welcome to Wales!

 

It didn't seem any time at all since we said our goodbyes in October last year. We just took up where we left off apart from seeing everyone, especially the kids, 6 months older and certainly in the case of Ben and Daisy, more mature. I am so thrilled to be able to keep in touch so well. There was a major change to Ceri's household, the introduction of one of the cutest wee puppies imagineable, Meek the spoodle, Bethan's dog. 

 She is an absolute lunatic, springing around like a tiny gazelle, leaping over any obstacles in her way, be it legs, dogs, chairs or coffee tables. 

Molly, the docile Jack Russell, tolerates her well considering that her years of being top dog have now been brought to an abrupt halt! We all make a fuss of Molly, but it is clear who attracts all the attention when we are out. 

  They do seem to enjoy watching tele together at times, interspersed  with hilarious hide and seek games with Ben, when they dash through the house looking behind sofas, in bathrooms and behind curtains until they can find him. Entertainment for all!

We had some gorgeous walks whilst I was in Wales, enjoying the cool but generally dry days. Sadly, I didn't have my phone or Ipad with me so have no photos. Porthcawl was particularly lovely with its colourful stones and long beaches.

So , after another pretty turbulent landing, i am now in Ireland and Trudi and I enjoyed an evening and few  hours this morning  in Dublin.

I love the signs here in Ireland, both serious poetry

 

And not so serious pub advertising

 

Not to mention  the magnificently colourful hanging baskets which adorn the pub walls and brighten up the dullest days

 

 And of course endless empty beer barrels! I have never seen so many pubs in one area. 

 

Dublin was nice despite masses of roadworks and building. The River Tilley has a calming influence amidst all the hustle and bustle of this busy international city

 

These were the only two ladies I saw sitting and chatting!

 

Time to set off on our road trip round Ireland. Our upgrade to automatic is incredible - a super smooth immaculate BMW , capable of 260 kph! ( in the right hands and in Germany).

 A terrifying responsibility I have to say. More in next blog!