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The Drifter Journals

3 Random Reasons Why I Really Want To Go To: Wales

7/11/2013

15 Comments

 
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Okay, so we all have wishes and hopes and dreams, right? Well here are some of mine. "3 Random Reasons Why I REALLY Want To Go To..." is a segment on The Drifters Blog wherein I share with you one of the many places I have always wanted to explore and 3 reasons why I feel a trip there is warranted. Next up: Wales
My introduction to Welsh culture started in Panama of all places, in the island archipelago of Bocas Del Toro, where I met a globe drifting surfer kid. He spoke to me about the unique culture that is found in his homeland of Wales, a small country to the west of England and a part of the United Kingdom. 

Ever since I heard his stories of growing up in the countryside and speaking Welsh, one of the oldest of Celtic languages still spoken today, I have always wanted to go there. I can think of a ton of reasons why going there would be great, but here are just 3 random reasons why:

#1 Cardiff is One Cool Capital City!

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From what I've read about the Welsh capital city of Cardiff, it is the largest city in Wales and one of the largest in the United Kingdom. I did some research and learned that, although the origins of this city dates as far back as 53 when a Roman settlement was first established there, it wasn't until relatively recent years, in 1905, that Cardiff was officially declared a city.

Apparently, Cardiff has it's own castle, which is a major tourist attraction, as well as other interesting architectural features worth visiting, such as the City Hall and Cardiff Crown Court. 

When looking for accommodations, it's pretty simple to find a hotel in the heart of the city, as most of the places to stay can be found on or around St. Mary Street, or on one of the smaller streets that come off of it.

#2 The "Wales Coast Path" Shows Off Another Unique Side of the Country

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I was surprised to discover that there are more than 870 miles of rugged coastline to be explored along the shores of Wales, and it's all organized under the "Wales Coast Path". You can visit it on a quick day trip, or on a trek as many as 80 days long.

Along the way there are quiet picnic spots, historical sites, Roman ruins, towns and villages, bustling cities, vast harbors and golden sand beaches. 

Sounds like enough to keep even the most active of us globe drifters busy!

#3 The Town With the Longest Place Name in Europe, Llanfairpwllgwyngyll, Is There

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Listen to an audio sample of how to pronounce this unique town name:

Although the town name in the title seems to have only 20 letters in it, the actual name of the town, as you can see in the picture above, is 58 characters long! Not only is it the longest recognized town name in all of Europe, but it is also one of the longest place names in the world.

A name this long should clearly have a meaning, below is a general translation of the meaning behind the name:
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And there it is, just 3 random reasons why I REALLY want to go to Wales! 

Of course, this is just one of the many places that are on my hot list of places I've got to see at least once, so please keep following along to see where else on my travel map has been pinned for future drifter exploration!
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And now we ask you: - Do you have any other great reasons why I should go to Wales?

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15 Comments
zof link
7/12/2013 07:52:50 am

OK, now I want to go to Wales too:-) Me and my Welsh Corgi:-)

Reply
JR Riel link
7/12/2013 08:21:23 am

Awesome idea! It'll be like bringing him back home to the native land...

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Anita Mac link
7/12/2013 09:25:18 am

Too funny but I remember when Canada AM went to Wales. Not going to even try to type it out, but they went to the town with the longest name too!

Reply
JR Riel link
7/12/2013 02:09:32 pm

Believe me, I didn't type it out either. That's what cut and paste is all about!

Reply
Bennett - The Further Adventures of Bennett link
7/12/2013 03:56:46 pm

JR, I'm loving this series as it seems to focus on my fair isle right now! Welsh beaches are also beautiful too!

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JR Riel link
7/14/2013 09:39:40 am

I'm glad you enjoy it Bennett. There's a lot more to come! Stay tuned...

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Anna link
7/13/2013 12:06:12 am

The Wales Coast Path sounds very cool to me! Reminds me a lot of the cliffs of Moher in Ireland. Beautiful!

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JR Riel link
7/14/2013 09:42:10 am

I totally agree, Anna! Whenever I see pictures of it, it reminds me of so many other beautiful scenic places, but at the same has its own unique look.

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Kalei
7/13/2013 05:13:38 am

The rugged coastline looks cool from that one picture.

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JR Riel link
7/14/2013 10:01:52 am

If you follow that link under the picture of the coastline it will take you to a site with more beautiful pictures of it. It looks awesome!

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Phoebe link
7/14/2013 06:17:44 am

I was just in Wales accompanying my boyfriend while he did the BMW Off-road skills course. I wish I could remember the name of the town but all I do remember is that it had too many consonants and lots of young kids in crop tops! Eek. However, the Brecon beacons are amazing! I'd love to get to the coast where those pictures are from though!

Reply
JR Riel link
7/14/2013 10:03:09 am

Wow, Phoebe, sounds like it was a memorable experience. I wonder what town was that? Hopefully one day I get to go there and see it for myself!

Reply
Vanessa link
7/14/2013 11:23:41 am

I'm in for the Welsh roadtrip JR! For history lovers, there are tons of fascinating locations to visit - castles, monasteries, ruins.

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thatsofarah link
7/18/2013 01:07:46 am

You make me want to do Wales soon! Neat layout!

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holly link
1/7/2015 11:46:18 pm

Croseo! (Means hello) Im from Cardiff & your right it is a brilliant place to visit, since I have been travelling I have realised how much of my own country I have not explored!

Reply



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    I'm JR. I come from a long line of adventurers, some were nomadic explorers of the sea and others wandering cultivators of the earth. Ultimately, this legacy of drifters has deeply affected my view of travel. Read more... 

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