Wales

We did not visit with the Prince.  We did see the castle where his official investiture took place.  Seeing castles in Wales and Scotland is almost like seeing a ranch house in Latham.  There are many of them in various states of decay.  Cities grew around the fortresses that belonged to powerful men.  Some of those structures survive.  They are usually in high places and near rivers to provide optimal military advantage over possible invaders. 

Our tour included a visit in one of the United Kingdom’s largest national parks.  Spectacular views and sheep are the most prominent features.  Farmers are permitted to graze their sheep, horses and cattle within the park.  The little ewe on the ledge above is quite content to watch me take pictures. 

The final stop on our tour included a firsthand look at one of the longest words in Welsh. It is the name of a train station.  We learned a children’s song to help us pronounce it.  Truthfully, the children’s song sounded quite a bit more like something sung in a pub in Klingon.

Late addition to my blog entry because it is a real first for us on a cruise.  As the ship was readied for departure a young woman serenaded the ship from a stage provided by the port staff.  I know her first name is Lucy.  While she continued to sing all of the port staff, including all of the dock workers came out and waved goodbye to our ship.  In all of our port departures there isn't anything to rival this one for warmth.  The video will contain some of these very touching moments.