Goodbye London; Hello Wales!


Sunday, November 25, 2018  

Just over 2 hours by train from Paddington Station, London to Newport, Wales... fast and comfortable!

I am in 'first class' with comfortable seating, free beverages, and free WiFi. An easy way to travel.  Karen met me on platform in Newport while Andrew waited in car.  In minutes, we were on our way to Redbrook, in the Wye Valley, and their lovely home.

HOME and FAMILY

View from the lounge of the Wye River and railroad bridge...

Looking towards village of Redbrook

Among my goals in Wales is to meet Andrew and Karen's family.  Andrew has 2 sons, Oli ad Henry. Oli has 3 children: Ava, 7; Blake, 4; and Nyla, 2.  

Ava is a serious strategist! 

CASTLES, CULTURE, AND PUBS... life in Wales, in the winter.

Hake at the White Horse Pub

After drinking Prosecco at home and catching up a bit, we went to the White Horse Pub for delicious dinner,,,  local, rustic, well-prepared food,



Monday, November 26, 2018 Kymin, Skenfrith Castle, Tintern Abbey

Karen at Nelson Monument

While Andrew went for a golf lesson, Karen and I went up to the Kymin, a hill on the Wales/England border with a monument to Admiral Nelson, honoring the British Navy. A bit unusual since this part of Wales is far from the sea!  Weather is overcast with a few patches of blue sky...

The Kymin overlooks the Wye River valley which forms the border between Monmouthshire in Wales and Gloucestershire in England



We joined Andrew at the Rolls of Monmouth Golf Club, one of the top 100 golf courses in Wales. In addition to golf, the venue is available for weddings, conferences, ...

History of The Rolls of Monmouth

The Hendre House, originally a hunting lodge dates back over three hundred years. It was in the ownership of the Rolls family from 1767 until 1987.

The Rolls family enlarged the old house in several stages over the following decades using three famous architects, starting with George Vaughan Maddox who rebuilt parts of the south wing in 1830...

Many famous people were entertained here including the Duke and Duchess of York who later became King George V and Queen Mary.

Beginning my 'Castles" tour this afternoon - an easy way to

learn the history of Wales. Andrew and I saw the ruins of Skenfrith Castle and Tintern

Abbey.

Skenfrith Castle is a ruined castle in the village of Skenfrith in Monmouthshire, Wales. The fortification was established by the Normans in the wake of the invasion of England in 1066, to protect the route from Wales to Hereford. 

Skenfrith is one of 50+ castles built as fortifications against 'the enemy'. another

family, another tribe, another… As ever, it is all about land. He who has the most

land has the most power!

Dinner at home - Mushroom Pie, broccoli … pinot great night sleep on king sized water bed!

Tuesday Nov 27 The Cotswolds - Broadway: Lygon Arms, Broadway Deli,  

Charming limestone brick buildings ---

Lygon Arms for coffee… and use of their car park.  Lovely, very old 13thc. Building, with myriad small rooms for sitting, reading, musing…. Many with fireplaces - a must in this climate.

Broadway Deli --- a treat!  I had the best fish cakes I have ever had.  Salmon, potatoes and dill in the most crispy enclosure with salad.  I think I will return to Broadway simply to eat the fish cakes :-) 29

Weather - cold and wet.  I believe this is mostly what winter in Wales is all about!

Wednesday, Nov 28  Raglan Cafe and Castle

Thursday, Nov 29  Hay-On-Wye, Richard Booth Bookstore, Nya and Blake a home in afternoon, dinner at The Ostrich, Brexit discussion.. Debate on TV

Friday Nov 30   Said goodbye to Karen who is off to a golf lesson and Andrew and I headed to Chepstow Castle, lunch, and meeting my bus to Heathrow.

Chepstow Castle initially built in 11th c.  rebuilt in … and left in 17th c.

Lunch at Pannovina, Italian Restaurant… salmon and steamed vegetables and tiramisu for dessert.

National Express bus to Heathrow about 15 minutes late.. ‘It’s Friday you know!”   2.5 hours ride, Bus driver was not helpful in telling me where to get off bus to get to Leonardo Hotel, He simply said he had never heard of the hotel.  So, I got off at Central Station, first stop at Heathrow. Turns ut that with a lift ride and walk I reached Terminal 2 and taxis. A 10 minute, 10 gbp ride to Leonardo Hotel, its now 5 30pm. Easy enough!   

Settled in  very nice room and worked on blog. Dinner at about 7 pm.

BREXIT