One of the blessings of my life is to have family in Wales. Thanks to my father's sister, Aunt Jean, correspondence was faithfully maintained through the years with my grandfather‘s siblings and their families. Hayden and I went to Wales for the first time in 1975 and had a magical day meeting second cousins for the first time. They have given us the chance to host them in the States over the years. Megan was a flower girl in Sue's wedding in Wales, we made it to Lyn's college graduation in the Midlands, and Lyn and Adrian were able to come to Megan's beach wedding at the Sanderling Inn in North Carolina. We have watched Sue's boys Matthew and Christopher grow into fine young men and make excellent choices in partners. Brittany lived with cousin Lynda during her fellowship with the Welsh Assembly in Cardiff and the family has entertained us in their homes and in the pubs of Wales over the years. They have introduced us to rugby, the Gower, Welsh ales, and the castles and churches of this ancient and beautiful Celtic land.
So before we embarked from Bucharest on a river cruise of the Danube on Viking longboat Ullur, we stopped in Wales for some family time. With Lyn and Adrian in Llantwit Major, the whole family for a Sunday lunch at Butchers Pub in LLandarog, and a splendid dessert and afternoon at Sue and Dales home in Ty Croes Ammanford we had a "Welshness recharge". Newest cousin Alice Alford was the star of the show at lunch and getting to meet her and see her proud parents, Matthew and Rosie again was a highlight. Patriarch Graham Francis, my Dad's first cousin, still has that twinkle in his eye that is worth a transatlantic voyage to see.
On the ride to the Bristol airport for our connection to Bucharest we stopped off in Bath, England for lunch and photos. Still stunning after centuries, it was a great way to end our stay. Thank you Lyn and Adrian for your hospitality, chauffeur service, and that extra treat.
So now the video version of this second installment of 50th wedding anniversary travel. Stay tuned for the Balkans coming next.