Wales Farewell

Wales is a country often over looked on the world stage. It hasn't been promoted by Hollywood like other British countries (Scotland and Northern Ireland most notably) and many people don't even know that Wales is it's own country with it's own language and it's own glorious history.

When we arrived in Wales nine months ago we had no idea what to expect. We had never heard of terms such as mobiles, teles, or boots. We didn't know we would be asked "Y'all right?" nearly every day or be addicted to a T.V. show called the X-Factor.

Despite these differences we were quickly taught the world of speed cameras, rugby, and lamb, and eventually became accustomed to the simply baffling cost of gasoline (although dad still goes into cardiac arrest when passing a 'petrol' station). Driving on the 'wrong' side of the road came easier than expected even though the only time dad had seen a round-about was on European Vacation.

Within weeks we were taking regular trips to castles and other historical sights in Wales. We discovered little known (at least internationally) cities such as Bath and Cardiff and visited major cities like London and Edinburgh. Wales was also used as a platform to visit the rest of Europe such as our trips to Ireland, Norway, The Netherlands, and France.

Now that it is time to leave we will miss things about Wales that have become like home to us. Things like chocolate covered digestives, Haribo candies, and Joe's ice cream, just to name a few.

But more than anything that we leave behind we will miss the Welsh people and the friends we have made in Wales the most. We feel we have really got to know the Welsh people and gained some understanding of Welsh life and Welsh history.