Train journey through Wales

The Irish Ferries ship "Ulysses" is unbelievable. This is what they should have for the Minch crossing to Stornoway. Check this pics out!








Casino, cinema, duty-free - WOW. The ship becomes the destination!

Had a great train trip from Holyhead, Wales down to Swansea. It could best be described as a milk-run as the train stopped 34 times in total! Can you believe that! I don't think we ever hit cruising speed - whatever that is on these older trains - with this many stops, and speed reduction as we entered into what seemed like every town in Wales. Still, it was absolutely fascinating to see the country this way.

The countryside itself is a healthy green (remember, it is past the middle of November!!). Lots of sheep, cattle and horses. The houses looked like they are built to last eternity + 10 years. Very well kept and prosperous.

The towns seemed to have a common characteristic - very weathered and worn town centers. Small houses made of limestone and permanently stained with coal smoke, narrow streets with "creative" parking. As you move out from the downtown areas, the houses look more modern and better kept. You seldom see graffiti or really run down areas as you do in most big cities in Britain. Welsh towns are places with character.

Lots of well managed industries in the central part of the country. Airbus manufacturing plant, train overhaul facilities, forestry operations, many many mines and power plants. Much more industrialized than I imagined but still set within an agricultural economy. Very interesting

The fun thing with Wales is trying to pronounce the town names. Try this puppy on for size.
Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch

You should hear the train announce the next stop (yes, there were a lot!). You look at the map and try to guess how the pronunciation goes then this beautiful voice says the town name and is sounds like a lovely little song rather than a name. Really beautiful.

We had to change trains in Cardiff and unfortunately, we got there at 1730 hours as all the workers were getting off work and heading home on the trains. What chaos! Lill and I ended up standing, in very close quarters, for the last two hours of the ride. But the people were very friendly and made many suggestions of places to see and things to do in Swansea. All in all, Wales is a beautiful place.


- Derek

Location:Hollyhead to Swansea