{"id":4741,"date":"2006-04-02T22:53:00","date_gmt":"2006-04-03T03:53:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/?p=4741"},"modified":"2020-12-28T13:15:00","modified_gmt":"2020-12-28T18:15:00","slug":"wales","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/?p=4741","title":{"rendered":"Wales"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery columns-1 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\"><ul class=\"blocks-gallery-grid\"><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"468\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-929.png\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"4742\" class=\"wp-image-4742\" srcset=\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-929.png 468w, https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-929-281x300.png 281w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 468px) 100vw, 468px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>After a seven hours plane ride to London and a three hours bus ride to Wales I am finally in Cardiff.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery columns-2 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-2 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\"><ul class=\"blocks-gallery-grid\"><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><a href=\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-930.png\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" src=\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-930.png\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"4743\" class=\"wp-image-4743\" srcset=\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-930.png 500w, https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-930-300x225.png 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><a href=\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-931.png\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" src=\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-931.png\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"4744\" data-full-url=\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-931.png\" data-link=\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/?attachment_id=4744\" class=\"wp-image-4744\" srcset=\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-931.png 500w, https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-931-300x225.png 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>To get my \u201csea legs\u201d back, my charming host Mr Tubbly (of web design fame) suggested a walk in the park. There are daffodils everywhere as they are the Welsh national flower (as is the leek!).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery columns-1 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-3 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\"><ul class=\"blocks-gallery-grid\"><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"357\" src=\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-932.png\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"4745\" class=\"wp-image-4745\" srcset=\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-932.png 500w, https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-932-300x214.png 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The temperature may be on the cool side but spring flowers are in full bloom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery columns-2 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-4 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\"><ul class=\"blocks-gallery-grid\"><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><a href=\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-933.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" src=\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-933.png\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"4746\" class=\"wp-image-4746\" srcset=\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-933.png 500w, https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-933-300x225.png 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><a href=\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-934.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" src=\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-934.png\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"4747\" data-full-url=\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-934.png\" data-link=\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/?attachment_id=4747\" class=\"wp-image-4747\" srcset=\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-934.png 500w, https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-934-300x225.png 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The park we visit is called Roath Park and in the lake there is a miniature lighthouse in memory of Robert Falcon Scott who, in 1910, set sail from Cardiff to go explore Antarctica.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery columns-1 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-5 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\"><ul class=\"blocks-gallery-grid\"><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"375\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-935.png\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"4748\" class=\"wp-image-4748\" srcset=\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-935.png 375w, https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-935-225x300.png 225w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 375px) 100vw, 375px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Several varieties of birds live here: Canadian geese and Mallard ducks among them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery columns-2 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-6 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\"><ul class=\"blocks-gallery-grid\"><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><a href=\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-936.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"499\" height=\"332\" src=\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-936.png\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"4749\" class=\"wp-image-4749\" srcset=\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-936.png 499w, https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-936-300x200.png 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 499px) 100vw, 499px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><a href=\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-937.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"417\" src=\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-937.png\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"4750\" data-full-url=\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-937.png\" data-link=\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/?attachment_id=4750\" class=\"wp-image-4750\" srcset=\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-937.png 500w, https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-937-300x250.png 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The next morning, I am ready to explore the city. We head for Cardiff Castle.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery columns-1 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-7 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\"><ul class=\"blocks-gallery-grid\"><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"375\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-938.png\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"4751\" class=\"wp-image-4751\" srcset=\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-938.png 375w, https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-938-225x300.png 225w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 375px) 100vw, 375px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The first buildings originate with the coming of the Romans in the first century AD. After the Norman Conquest, the Castle\u2019s Keep was built and a number of medieval fortifications and dwellings followed.<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery columns-1 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-8 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\"><ul class=\"blocks-gallery-grid\"><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" src=\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-939.png\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"4752\" class=\"wp-image-4752\" srcset=\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-939.png 500w, https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-939-300x225.png 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The Castle fell into possession of many noble families, until, in 1766, it passed by marriage to the Bute family. The 2nd Marquess of Bute was responsible for turning Cardiff into the world\u2019s greatest coal exporting port. His son John, the 3rd Marquess, hired a famous architect, William Burges to transform the castle lodgings. He created lavish and opulent interiors, rich with murals, stained glass, marble, gilding and elaborate wood carvings. There is even a Mediterranean rooftop garden complete with fruit bearing orange trees. Unfortunately we were not allowed to take photographs inside the castle, but I did indulge outside where there was a medieval re-enactment being staged.<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery columns-2 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-9 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\"><ul class=\"blocks-gallery-grid\"><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><a href=\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-940.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" src=\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-940.png\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"4754\" class=\"wp-image-4754\" srcset=\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-940.png 500w, https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-940-300x225.png 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><a href=\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-941.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"329\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-941.png\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"4755\" data-link=\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/?attachment_id=4755\" class=\"wp-image-4755\" srcset=\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-941.png 329w, https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-941-197x300.png 197w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 329px) 100vw, 329px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><a href=\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-942.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"499\" height=\"417\" src=\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-942.png\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"4756\" data-full-url=\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-942.png\" data-link=\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/?attachment_id=4756\" class=\"wp-image-4756\" srcset=\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-942.png 499w, https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-942-300x251.png 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 499px) 100vw, 499px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>On the way back we walk through a farmer\u2019s market located inside a former prison. The various stalls occupy the old cells; their number is still visible above the shop\u2019s name as is the central guard tower.<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery columns-2 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-10 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\"><ul class=\"blocks-gallery-grid\"><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><a href=\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-943.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" src=\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-943.png\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"4757\" class=\"wp-image-4757\" srcset=\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-943.png 500w, https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-943-300x225.png 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><a href=\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-944.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"375\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-944.png\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"4758\" data-full-url=\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-944.png\" data-link=\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/?attachment_id=4758\" class=\"wp-image-4758\" srcset=\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-944.png 375w, https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-944-225x300.png 225w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 375px) 100vw, 375px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>In the afternoon we head out for Cardiff Bay. The area has been totally refurbished. A barrage has created a vast fresh water lake. A number of stunning modern buildings stand out: the new Welsh assembly building with a mushroom shaped wood interior\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery columns-1 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-11 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\"><ul class=\"blocks-gallery-grid\"><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"499\" height=\"461\" src=\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-945.png\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"4759\" class=\"wp-image-4759\" srcset=\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-945.png 499w, https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-945-300x277.png 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 499px) 100vw, 499px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery columns-2 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-12 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\"><ul class=\"blocks-gallery-grid\"><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><a href=\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-946.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" src=\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-946.png\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"4760\" class=\"wp-image-4760\" srcset=\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-946.png 500w, https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-946-300x225.png 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><a href=\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-947.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" src=\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-947.png\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"4761\" data-full-url=\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-947.png\" data-link=\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/?attachment_id=4761\" class=\"wp-image-4761\" srcset=\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-947.png 500w, https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-947-300x225.png 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>and the Wales Millennium Center with its immense fa\u00e7ade made of bolted pieces of steel and boasting an inscription in both English and Welsh. The rest of this building is an assemblage of stone, wood, metal and glass.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery columns-1 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-13 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\"><ul class=\"blocks-gallery-grid\"><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"499\" height=\"388\" src=\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-948.png\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"4762\" class=\"wp-image-4762\" srcset=\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-948.png 499w, https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-948-300x233.png 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 499px) 100vw, 499px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>All these constructions circle a huge central plaza known as the Oval Basin. One structure stands out: it is a shiny column that becomes a fountain in summer.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery columns-2 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-14 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\"><ul class=\"blocks-gallery-grid\"><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><a href=\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-949.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"499\" height=\"351\" src=\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-949.png\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"4763\" class=\"wp-image-4763\" srcset=\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-949.png 499w, https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-949-300x211.png 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 499px) 100vw, 499px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><a href=\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-950.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"375\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-950.png\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"4764\" data-full-url=\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-950.png\" data-link=\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/?attachment_id=4764\" class=\"wp-image-4764\" srcset=\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-950.png 375w, https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-950-225x300.png 225w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 375px) 100vw, 375px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>A bit closer to the water a very old Norwegian church still stands guard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery columns-1 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-15 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\"><ul class=\"blocks-gallery-grid\"><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"375\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-951.png\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"4765\" class=\"wp-image-4765\" srcset=\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-951.png 375w, https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-951-225x300.png 225w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 375px) 100vw, 375px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>A scuplture depicting a miner reminds us of what was the main industrial activity of this area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery columns-1 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-16 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\"><ul class=\"blocks-gallery-grid\"><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"423\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-952.png\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"4766\" class=\"wp-image-4766\" srcset=\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-952.png 423w, https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-952-254x300.png 254w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 423px) 100vw, 423px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>We ended the day at a typical country pub called the Maenllwyd<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery columns-1 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-17 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\"><ul class=\"blocks-gallery-grid\"><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" src=\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-953.png\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"4767\" class=\"wp-image-4767\" srcset=\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-953.png 500w, https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-953-300x225.png 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The next day is totally different as we set out for the coast. Breathtaking windswept cliffs, sandy beaches, rolling pastures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery columns-2 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-18 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\"><ul class=\"blocks-gallery-grid\"><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><a href=\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-954.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" src=\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-954.png\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"4768\" class=\"wp-image-4768\" srcset=\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-954.png 500w, https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-954-300x225.png 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><a href=\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-955.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" src=\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-955.png\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"4769\" data-link=\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/?attachment_id=4769\" class=\"wp-image-4769\" srcset=\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-955.png 500w, https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-955-300x225.png 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><a href=\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-956.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" src=\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-956.png\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"4770\" data-link=\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/?attachment_id=4770\" class=\"wp-image-4770\" srcset=\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-956.png 500w, https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-956-300x225.png 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><a href=\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-957.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" src=\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-957.png\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"4771\" data-full-url=\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-957.png\" data-link=\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/?attachment_id=4771\" class=\"wp-image-4771\" srcset=\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-957.png 500w, https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-957-300x225.png 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Sheep roam free and like to scratch themselves on bushes leaving tuffs wool on low branches.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery columns-1 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-19 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\"><ul class=\"blocks-gallery-grid\"><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" src=\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-958.png\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"4772\" class=\"wp-image-4772\" srcset=\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-958.png 500w, https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-958-300x225.png 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery columns-2 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-20 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\"><ul class=\"blocks-gallery-grid\"><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><a href=\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-964.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"308\" src=\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-964.png\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"4778\" data-link=\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/?attachment_id=4778\" class=\"wp-image-4778\" srcset=\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-964.png 500w, https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-964-300x185.png 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><a href=\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-965.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"499\" height=\"370\" src=\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-965.png\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"4779\" data-full-url=\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-965.png\" data-link=\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/?attachment_id=4779\" class=\"wp-image-4779\" srcset=\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-965.png 499w, https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-965-300x222.png 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 499px) 100vw, 499px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>After going west we next head northeast towards the Forest of dean where we visit several charming villages. I cannot get enough of the rows of houses with their tiny walled gardens and bay windows; some are obviously quite old when you consider their front doors that are hardly 5 feet high. There are a few traditional red phone booths standing.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"375\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-967.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4781\" srcset=\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-967.png 375w, https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-967-225x300.png 225w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 375px) 100vw, 375px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery columns-2 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-21 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\"><ul class=\"blocks-gallery-grid\"><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><a href=\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-968.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"375\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-968.png\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"4782\" class=\"wp-image-4782\" srcset=\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-968.png 375w, https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-968-225x300.png 225w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 375px) 100vw, 375px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><a href=\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-969.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"375\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-969.png\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"4783\" data-full-url=\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-969.png\" data-link=\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/?attachment_id=4783\" class=\"wp-image-4783\" srcset=\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-969.png 375w, https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-969-225x300.png 225w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 375px) 100vw, 375px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>In Usk we visit St Mary\u2019s church, which has a very ornate and unusual organ, with pipes pointing outwards rather than upwards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery columns-2 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-22 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\"><ul class=\"blocks-gallery-grid\"><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><a href=\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-973.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"375\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-973.png\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"4787\" class=\"wp-image-4787\" srcset=\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-973.png 375w, https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-973-225x300.png 225w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 375px) 100vw, 375px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><a href=\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-974.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" src=\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-974.png\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"4788\" data-full-url=\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-974.png\" data-link=\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/?attachment_id=4788\" class=\"wp-image-4788\" srcset=\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-974.png 500w, https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-974-300x225.png 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>In Tintern we walk around an Abbey, dating back to the 12th century. Built by Benedictine monks, although partly destroyed, it still conveys the feeling of its former grandeur.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery columns-2 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-23 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\"><ul class=\"blocks-gallery-grid\"><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><a href=\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-975.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" src=\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-975.png\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"4789\" class=\"wp-image-4789\" srcset=\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-975.png 500w, https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-975-300x225.png 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><a href=\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-976.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" src=\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-976.png\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"4790\" data-full-url=\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-976.png\" data-link=\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/?attachment_id=4790\" class=\"wp-image-4790\" srcset=\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-976.png 500w, https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-976-300x225.png 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>In Clearwell we visit a coalmine going down 100 meters, in dark eerie caves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We also stop in Symonds Yat, where we come upon a bird watching post. The view is spectacular and thanks to powerful binoculars we get to watch peregrine falcons. We are told about one particular couple, which is unusual in that the female is better at hunting than the male so she does most of the food gathering for their young. The reason seems to be that the male must have been raised in captivity as he has a ring on his foot, so he never had to hunt for his food until his probable escape.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery columns-2 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-24 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\"><ul class=\"blocks-gallery-grid\"><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><a href=\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-977.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"375\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-977.png\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"4791\" class=\"wp-image-4791\" srcset=\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-977.png 375w, https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-977-225x300.png 225w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 375px) 100vw, 375px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><a href=\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-978.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" src=\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-978.png\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"4792\" data-link=\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/?attachment_id=4792\" class=\"wp-image-4792\" srcset=\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-978.png 500w, https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-978-300x225.png 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><a href=\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-979.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" src=\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-979.png\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"4793\" data-full-url=\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-979.png\" data-link=\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/?attachment_id=4793\" class=\"wp-image-4793\" srcset=\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-979.png 500w, https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-979-300x225.png 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>On my last day, as the weather is a bit rainy, we spend the morning in St Fagans, the museum of Welsh life. There is a castle (or grand house) set amid awesome gardens. The rooms are furnished which makes the visit all the more interesting. The kitchen (as usual) caught my eye.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery columns-2 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-25 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\"><ul class=\"blocks-gallery-grid\"><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><a href=\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-980.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"499\" height=\"341\" src=\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-980.png\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"4794\" class=\"wp-image-4794\" srcset=\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-980.png 499w, https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-980-300x205.png 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 499px) 100vw, 499px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><a href=\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-981.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"395\" src=\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-981.png\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"4795\" data-full-url=\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-981.png\" data-link=\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/?attachment_id=4795\" class=\"wp-image-4795\" srcset=\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-981.png 500w, https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-981-300x237.png 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Over the grounds are several buildings, such as stables, woolen mill, and boathouse.\u00a0<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" src=\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-982.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4796\" srcset=\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-982.png 500w, https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-982-300x225.png 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>A little further is a \u201cvillage\u201d regrouping houses from different periods of Welsh history, even a few thatched roofed houses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery columns-2 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-26 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\"><ul class=\"blocks-gallery-grid\"><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><a href=\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-983.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" src=\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-983.png\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"4797\" class=\"wp-image-4797\" srcset=\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-983.png 500w, https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-983-300x225.png 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><a href=\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-984.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" src=\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-984.png\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"4798\" data-full-url=\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-984.png\" data-link=\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/?attachment_id=4798\" class=\"wp-image-4798\" srcset=\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-984.png 500w, https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-984-300x225.png 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>There is a general store with boxes of products that I remember seeing as a child, a few of them still exist today\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery columns-1 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-27 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\"><ul class=\"blocks-gallery-grid\"><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" src=\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-985.png\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"4799\" class=\"wp-image-4799\" srcset=\"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-985.png 500w, https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/image-985-300x225.png 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>And to finish my stay with a flourish we went to see a musical in the Millennium center. An Andrew Lloyd Webber creation called the \u201cStarlight Express\u201d. Great show! Wonderful costumes and dancing\u2026and rollerblading as all the characters are on skates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This ends my too short stay in Wales!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Hywl!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>After a seven hours plane ride to London and a three hours bus ride to Wales I am finally in Cardiff. To get my \u201csea legs\u201d back, my charming host [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[65],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4741","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-europe"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4741","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=4741"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4741\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4800,"href":"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4741\/revisions\/4800"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=4741"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=4741"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=4741"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}