Will go back to Wales in the spring!

Second day in Wales brought us to the western parts - to the sea and Aberystwyth, a nice small university town with a castle (go figure). We stayed the night in Hay-on-Wye (Y Gelli Gandryll in Welsh), a short drive from Sugar Loaf Mountain. We wanted to see Pen y Wan. Not easy to find!!! But starting out in Hay-on-Wye we were surprised to see that the town is full (and I mean they are everywhere) of book shops of all kinds. We later found out that the town is often described as 'the town of books'. The town, which has a population of 1,500 is a destination for bibliophiles in the UK and has over 30 book shops.

Bi-langual!

Back on the road, trying to find Pen y Fan. We had to get out of the car several times to ask the way. It was windy, but not that much snow and the closer we got to the coast it got windier and windier and we saw less and less snow! 

We found it! Pen y Fan! Not the right time to climb it - next time! (will be during summer)

Closing in on the coast - landscape is changing

Aberystwyth! Beach! (Not that many people at this time of year but still pretty!)

When it's windy, it's important to have a warm jacket. 

As it grew darker...

...the wind picked up

The birds seemed to like the pier!

Beach walk

A little trip to Wales

Went on a photo shop course to Bristol yesterday and decided to make a weekend out of it. Crossed the border of Wales, the part of the UK that have cities such as Ynysgynwraidd. Naturally we decided to go further than Cardiff (in fact we saved Cardiff for another visit). We started the morning with a walk around Bristol, which on another note is impossible to drive in - just no logic to it!!

Around Millennium Square we found this interesting piece of art. 

Works well for reflections. Might be hard to see, but it's me in the middle. 

Masha playing with her camera and me playing with her position... .

Some locals had fun tonight. Poor Rajah Rammohun Roy

Now in Wales - on our way to Abergavenny

Wales is cold so it's important to keep the important parts warm!

Visit to the Abergavenny "Castle"

Have had good use of my warm jacket!

The best thing with Abergevenny was the view!

 

Sugar Loaf Mountain. Not easy to find and a VERY narrow road but eventually we got there! 

 Starting to get dark. The lights in the valley are starting to light up. We continue our journey. We will stay the night in Hay on Wye. Tomorrow we are off to Aberystwyth and if we have time (probably not) to Snowdon - the highest mountain in Wales (1,085m). 

Who says it doesn't snow in England?

After the white Christmas in Sweden it would be exciting to see some snow in England. London is fairly snowless so we decided to drive off to Cotswolds to see some landscapes. Very pretty, but difficult to drive of course. When we went to Broadway Tower, which is on a hill, we learned the hard way how difficult it is to drive up a hill with summer tires... But shame to those who give up. We parked the car at the bottom and walked. It was all worth it.  

Who says there is no snow in England?

While some enjoyed the snow... 

...we made sure to be well protected

The sheep didn't really seem to care

It was more fun in the fall when the deer was moving

Hungry sheep

Checking in

 After our visit we went off to Bibury, one of the most picturesque villages in England, for some tea. 

Arlington Row. Famous post card motive. Maybe the most famous Cotswolds one...

Snow in the UK made me think of the very white Christmas

The challenges with the snow in London continue. There are negatives with snow - several tube lines were cancelled/delayed, lots of roads were closed because of accidents and very few trains ran on schedule. But it's very pretty. Below are some pictures from my dad's "summer" house from this Christmas. Welcome to Fejbol.

 Snow can be a lot of fun as well! I sure loved snow when I was younger. My niece certainly enjoys!

The thing about being very young is to try thing out. one must touch and taste most things, including soil and snow (how else to know)... Tasting snow sure is exciting!!!! 

And after all that excitement it's time for relaxation. And grapes...

In preparation for the main event - visit of Santa!!

Overnight it snowed even more...