Wales
If medieval history holds your interest, travel to Wales where more than four hundred castles are scattered across this small country. I didn't visit them all, but with three sisters along, I saw a good selection of these ancient buildings. Thanks to the internet, we came across a small tour company, www.dragon-tours.com which is a one man operation. Dr. Mike Davies has a degree in ancient history and a love and knowledge of his country which suited our needs perfectly. We met up in Cardiff and began our eight day adventure. Travel was by van with just the four of us. We stayed in pleasant Bed and Breakfast homes, ate in neighbourhood pubs and could linger as long as we liked at our various stops or move on quickly at places with less appeal. Here we are having a pub meal. Left to right .Rose, me, Ruth and Dot.
Cardiff Castle was built in the 13th century but later belonged to the 3rd Marquis of Bute who spent a fortune in 1887 refinishing the place, even to the extent of installing hot and cold running water. The rooms are elaborate with decorative walls and ceilings, carvings ,flowing fountains and incredible marble fireplaces.
Caerphilli Castle, complete with moat, is the largest one in Wales and the 2nd or 3rd largest in Britain. It was built in the late 13th century by the Anglo-Norman lord Gilbert de Clare. One spiral staircase took us up sixty-five steps. There is a leaning tower which looks in danger of toppling over.
Driving towards Monmouth for lunch, we crossed the Usk River on the old stone bridge Llangynitr built in the 1600's. Here I am with Rose, admiring the view.
Driving up the Wye Valley was a picturesque sight with high hedges, tall trees almost meeting above us and always the green rolling hills on either side.
Of course, as with everywhere you go, we ran into the occasional traffic jam.
