If you’ve had trouble seeing the pictures in the blog, apologies for that. I changed to a “tiled gallery” instead of posting individual photos. Didn’t realize it would make them all so small. You should be able to select each photo or hold your finger on it (if on ipad or phone) to have the image become larger. But the below picswill be posted individually, in order to be more easily seen. Despite my “not really taking pictures” through the tour, I did manage to collect a few nice shots.

There is much to discover in Wales. But after a week of traveling around the country, I feel I’ve only skimmed the surface. Yes, great wool! Lush, green countryside. But the question remains: why is this country different from all others? What is uniquely Welsh, both in cultural and historical significance, and how has it changed over time to become contemporary Welsh society? What is the relationship between urban centers and the agricultural countryside? What is Welsh “identity” in relation to England? And most importantly, how are things pronounced? An introduction to Welsh language is in order, methinks.

I like to learn. Can you tell? I like to see, hear, taste, listen and feel I’ve gathered a sense of the place. I’m so pleased to know that Colleen is spending a few days between UK tours conversing and scouting in Wales with our local Fiber Ambassador, Liz Beasley. As a local, Liz has so much to share. Plus great ideas that were already added into the tour we just did. Plus she absolutely loves Wales. This tour can only get better and better and better with these two working on it.

And for me? I’ll either have to do some research of my own or plan to come back and repeat my visit. Hmmmm… guess which one of those options is my preference?

Today I’m sitting in the lobby of the Roseate House Hotel in London, just near Paddington Station. Our group for A Knitter’s Tour of British Breeds has been arriving through the morning. I’m greeting jet-lagged folks and helping them get their luggage stored or into their rooms, conferring on things to do for the day (it’s surprisingly sunny and warm in London today) and confirming our dinner meet up time. But with just three more to come in, my duties are almost at an end.

I hope to write to you of my time with Janet, house/pet sitting in Yorkshire. A preview:

Heh heh. Okay, no, we did not spend all our time in the sunroom knitting/reading while Hamish slept. We did a lot of exploring. Plus, I had The Great British Dental Experience. Don’t worry, it turned out well.

Of the two of us, Janet is BY FAR the better photographer. I’ve asked if I can use her photos for my next post. It may take some days to get to writing again. I’ll be knee deep in the next tour, for which I’m the lead guide, for the next ten days. However, I’ll get there! And you’ll get her fantastic photos. And a few of my thoughts on a place I really love to spend time.

Best wishes to all for now!