To Wales

 Yes, we could not leave a day go by without maximum usage.

Not with dad.

Dad tolerates no waste.

After 2 evenings with the Abbots, we left Codford St Mary.

So, we had to go according to his plans.

Sara wanted to leave for London at the earliest, but dad said no.

We went to Wales to see Cardiff.

To Cardiff we drove.

Poor Sara and her map reading skills.

 Tuesday morning was wet, wet, wet. We caught the brunt of the English weather under our skin. But the necessary needed to be accomplished.So, rain or shine, the show had to go on.

 Dad told us that this is the Bristol Bridge ( I hope I got it right ) over the Severn River, a very long, long river across UK. This is also a suspension bridge which is famous and awesome...do not know whether this is the right term to use. Someone once told me that to use 'awesome' carelessly is a reflection of our understanding of the term. So what do you think? Does 'awesome' befit the description? 

After 2-3 hours of driving, just like from Kuala Lumpur to Johor Bharu, we finally crossed this bridge to our designated destination.

 To our next B & B accomodation.

This time the landlady was kind enough to give us 2 rooms but at a price that was lower than in Windsor. Sara insisted that I slept with her.

Dad was glad to have the big bed to himself; as he was highly engrossed in some consuming games!

He forgets himself and acts strangely whenever he cannot beat Sara's scores.

What games can do to people ! No wonder I hear stories of students losing their right senses and fail exams.

 This B & B is slapped in the vicinity of Cardiff city. I peeped out of the window and saw apples hanging from a tree. I get excited to see them just like when foreigners get all excited about durians drooping down from giant trees in Malaysia.

 The Modus Operandi here is slightly different. Guests come down for breakfast between 8 - 9 am and you help yourself to the menu  served for the morning. So we helped ourselves to a full one and left the place happily filled up. No more food for the day!

Strange words.

 Cardiff is distinctly Welsh. At first I was amused at the phrases that appeared almost everywhere after some English phares. Then I realiesed that it was Welsh. The locals sure know how to preserve their identity and place. So enjoy some of the interpretations. This reminded me of the one sback home...Malay, English, Chinese and Tamil !

 So we became more interested in the Welsh expressions !

 Dad was most mesmerised by the falling yellow leaves; maple leaves in Cardiff. He picked some of them and kept them for future recollections !

After leaving our luggage on the first day at the B&B place, we walked. Yes, really walked. Dad would hear of no public transport. He reiterated what was the use of being there when we do not feel the soil of the land!

He can be a big bully at times! Oh well... we gave in to him to avoid squabbles...

 After 20 minutes of walk, we saw some signs of the town.

 Yes, we were nearing the famous Cardiff Castle; a site which we were informed to visit.

 The clock tower and the Welsh identities ...

 Sara had a reason to be here; her friend from home had been waiting at the desginated spot for some minutes. They ran into each other's arms. I was touched to see them. You know, everyone from home especially if they are your children's contemporary becomes your child when you see them.

 It must have been a most welcoming sight. I asked her if she were doing fine to which she replied she wanna go home. I told her not to give up but to strive on. This will increase her tenacity and strength.

 So, they decided to go into an arcade for a drink.

We followed suit and waited for them to catch up with each other. Heart to heart sahrings poured out and the loneliness of the times were comforted. Sara tried her counselling skills and we hope they stay good till this day.

A little of Cardiff.