Week in Wales!

We’ve been visiting Wales annually for over 20 years so there’s always a strong sense of wellbeing and quiet satisfaction when we arrive at Bryn Dowsi. Although ordinarily we love discovering new places, over the years, this week has evolved into a comfortable experience that celebrates our family, our enjoyment of the outdoors and importantly, allows us to relax, preparing for winter’s chilly embrace. And although Mavis wasn’t able to join us in Wales, we still enjoyed our week, doing something different every day, be that re-visiting old haunts, exploring some new places and eating and drinking far too much.

Mull

Our holiday in Mull shared with Grandma, Robin and Cathryn, seems a long time ago although we came home just over a week ago. It was a restful interlude in an otherwise hectic life and coming swiftly after the results of the EU referendum, was a welcome haven from the horrors that seem to be afflicting all the major political parties. As Robin and Cathryn had never visited, Grandma had only passed through on her way to Iona and we’d never had good weather on previous holidays, it felt like a first visit for us all and that was exciting!

Wonderful Wales

Our week at Bryn Dowsi was as happy as ever.  We discovered Penmon and the summit of Foel Fras as well as revisiting old favourite haunts of Newborough and the Sychnant Pass. We also fitted in the new Bond movie on a damp afternoon when we weren’t inclined to enjoy the great outdoors.  Although the week began with stunning weather it slowly deteriorated as the week progressed. As it wouldn’t be Wales without at least one walk in torrential rain and howling winds, we chose to enjoy the full wet and windy Welsh experience above Capel Curig. Until next year......

Green Eyed Monster

Unsurprisingly, Nerea and Alex had a wonderful time in Rome with Nerea falling in love with the city as anticipated.  The hotel they stayed in was amazing (and clearly out of Mr Glis’ and my price range, being mere mortals with domestic expenses and bills to pay!) but as it was an anniversary treat for them, they’d decided to splash out. They managed to squeeze in visits to all the main sights, enjoyed a spot of people watching and several delicious meals so they came back feeling very relaxed and delighted with their break. Mr Glis and I remain envious!

Holiday Blues

I’m desperately trying to cling to the last few “granitey” grains of holiday wellbeing but sadly and somewhat predictably, they’re slipping through my fingers at an alarming rate.  I’m maintaining the feelings of positivity generated by our PCT adventures and remembering the many “wow” moments but it’s all too easy to allow the detritus of the daily grind (no one should underestimate the extent and scope of dramas that are generated out of absolutely nothing in some areas of my life) to distract me from my well-intentioned efforts.  I must get back out in the hills and recapture that joy!

 

Remembering the sheer joy!

On our way

We were on our way. As the Newhaven-Dieppe ferry, MV Cote D'Albatre left on time, we watched  the English coast recede into the distance, the white cliffs iridescent in the shimmering sunlight.  After Mr Glis had made his inevitable prowl around the boat, we headed to the Bar Corneille  in search of coffee and croissants to get us in the holiday mood.  Suitably replete, we returned to the outdoor decks to enjoy the voyage across a channel as calm as a mill pond.  Mr Glis, king of the iphone Apps followed our progress assiduously.  Well he would, wouldn’t he?

Spring is slow in coming this year

Once I’d left the chilly, snow covered tops of Cumbria behind early last week, I really felt the holiday spirit fill me, for although the beauty of Britain is matchless during the occasional, dreamy, cloudless days of summer or on a bright, crisp winter morning, the damp greyness that fills much of our calendar makes me long to escape. On Tuesday, despite the snow, the light was dull in a bleak landscape, an uninviting pall of heavy cloud hanging over the hills.  Desolate trees stood starkly against the skyline, leafless limbs despairing at the on-going triumph of winter over spring.