A Musical Weekend in Cardiff, Wales, Pt. 2

**A Hay** · 22nd December 10, 01:05 PM

Part 2:
Saturday dawned bright, clear and cold. Made my way out to Derek’s house about noon. I found him shoveling a path through the snow through the churchyard of St. Augustine’s Episcopal Church. Very picturesque with the snow.

Had a nice cup of hot tea and some Welsh cookies from Elaine while Derek started supper for later. After it was in the oven, he took me down to Cardiff Harbor. Here is a pic of the Opera House, made from Welsh Slate and other stone. Also a picture out over the harbor.

We got back to his house in time for a nice supper of chicken chunks in a tasty spiced sauce over rice. Then back to the Church hall for the Ceilidh that evening. Although the weather had improve some, the turnout was small. We did have enough to manage 4 couples for some dances and the band did a great job.

Sunday, Elaine, Derek, and I met for lunch and then I went through the Wales National Museum in the afternoon. I was surprised to find a splendid collection of French Impressionist artists, collected and donated by the Davis sisters.

Monday found me at the train station headed for London through a very snowy landscape. In the afternoon I visited Harrods and Fortnam and Mason. Nice but very crowded. Behind F&M is the shop where our revered elder Hamish worked and managed. Picked up something for my wife there.

Stayed overnight in another hostel and then was fortunate to catch a Ryanair flight back on Tuesday, with minimum of delay. Safe again at home in Garmisch, Germany.

A closing word on hostels. This was my first time to use these. Couldn’t see paying 60 to 80 pounds sterling for a place to sleep when I planned on being out most of the day and evenings. A bunk in a four person room with shared toilets and showers down the hall cost only 20 pounds a night with breakfast. The Riverhouse Backpacker in Cardiff and the Generator in London were adequate and clean. I was by far the oldest person there, but it was fun. Dorms were co-ed by the way.

Many thanks to Derek, Elaine, and all the folks in Cardiff who made it a great weekend. Anyone who has a chance to visit Cardiff will surely have a trip they will remember.

Regards,
Tom
A_Hay!