Traveling in Circles

It’s a town full of books. Who can resist visiting an honesty bookshop or a castle converted into a bookshop?

I left early am by bus and arrived in a town that had books in every shop. Several made their way into my bag. An odd jumble of botany, cooking, fiction and more. I made various mental notes for what worked and didn’t for bookshops. Perhaps the one Mom and I would like to open some day will have been influenced by this visit.

There was also a lovely small farmer’s market. I picked up some gorgeous welsh cheeses.

All too soon is was time to head back to Cardiff. Important note: Always check the bus numbers as well as times. Almost missed the proper connection because I assumed that the buses I used to get to Hay would return me to Cardiff.

6/25/2008

Early morning planning results in 1. Booking for two more nights 2. Finding bus route to Hay-on-Wye and back and 3. Finding bus route to St. Fagan’s

St. Fagan’s is a gorgeous open air museum. Lots of photos taken. One of the guides was a charming local gentleman who had lived in the area his whole life; raised his family and then retired. The younger generation should take notes from his lovely manners and compliments.

Monday

I crept out at dawn. Well not really dawn. The funny thing about daylight in the UK is that is starts early 4:30 and lingers late 9:30 or so. The long twilight allows for mental tricks ... [Continue reading this entry]

Sat 6/21/08

Day trip was cancelled on account of homework. Alex was out from work at 2pm and we headed to the Royal Mile. We explored the Edinburgh castle and then went to other end of ... [Continue reading this entry]

Fri 6/20/2008

 

Up and out early. Wrong turn at the Royal Mile, but I eventually get to the meeting place for the tour. We went head out and arrive at the Rosslyn Chapel ... [Continue reading this entry]

Up at 8am and out the door. Head into Kilwinning and arrive a bit early. Have a look around and finally try to find the Masonic Lodge. (Travel Tip #3, don't always trust the signs.) The arrow pointed ... [Continue reading this entry]

Second tour not made, they cancelled saying not enough people signed up. I use free day to find phone charger (forgot mine in Lymington), do laundry and to see Glasgow some more. Fun fact: Glasgow residents are Glaswegian (like norwegian). Realize internet ... [Continue reading this entry]

Tues 6/17/2008 The tour of Loch Lomond and Loch Ness is an all day trek complete with dour Scotsman who grumbles at the traffic, the weather and how long and stupid the trip is. Uncertain how much is character acting ... [Continue reading this entry]

Mon 6/16 Arrive at small airport, hop the train to town and then walk to the BlueSky Hostel. Can't recommend it. Granted the staff was friendly and helpful, but the facilities were lacking in many ways. No lockers (Travel Tip #2: ... [Continue reading this entry]

Lucked out with airport personnel and a late arriving flight, so myself and a scruffy young Scotsman were able to stay in airport til morning. Had a nice chat with Ian, who had come down to party with his friends ... [Continue reading this entry]