Swansea and the Sea

My uncle took me to Swansea with him on the way to work last Thursday. I saw the sea!! I ran down to the beach, passing through sand dunes covered in plants, some of which I have never seen. I had fun taking pictures (of course). Dad, I am becoming worse then you! I have already taken over 600 pictures and I have only been here for 6 weeks. I better start editing down...

Of course, as soon as I crossed the beach and ran to the water, it started to rain. Grr. So I ran back to where my shoes and bag were and scrambled through the dunes barefoot since my feet were covered in sand. The rain kept pouring down and I was doing my best to not step on brambles. I finally made it to the cement and the rain kept coming down. I walked back towards the National Waterfront Museum and found a place at the dock to put my socks and shoes back on. Now it was all sunny and it looked like it had never rained. Oh, Welsh weather.

I stopped at this little cafe and had some lovely tea and a welsh cake, the most yummy things ever. It started to downpour just as I was considering to leave. Another woman was about to leave as well but she said that she might as well wait till the rain stopped. I started to talk to her about the weather and traveling and all the places that I have so far seen. She was very friendly and well traveled. I wish by the time that I am her age (about 60) that I will be as much of a world explorer.

It stopped raining (again) and I went to the museum. It was the coolest place ever!!!!!!!!!
I am not used to museums being that fun. Everything was in Welsh and English and most of the interactive activities also had sign language. Apparently there is braille as well, but I didn't see it. The displays were objects with placards, but on the side were videos showing the use of the objects in every day life.

I saw the importance of music in Welsh history, as well as how jazz appeared in Wales. I heard a first hand account of what life was like in the late 19th century, jobs that children could have, and what the docks were like. I spent over 2 hours there and then went downstairs to a cafe and curled up on a big comfy chair and read a book while listening to my ipod until my Aunt came to get me.

I never made it into the city center, but I am okay with that. I am pretty sure that I am done with my present buying. Dad, I cannot figure out what to get you!!! AGH.

My aunt then took me and the kids to the Egypt center at Swansea University to explore a bit. Afterwards we went to the park next door and planned on going on those boat thingys that you move by pedaling. Of course, it was closed. So we did mini golf instead with me taking score and my aunt and cousins playing. My aunt won by a landslide. Afterwards we played at the playground which was a lot of fun. I went on a few too many spinning rides with the boys until even just swinging on a swing made me feel nauseous. Ick.

That night we had some super yummy currry at the local Indian restaurant. One of my uncle's friends joined us. He had just come back from Japan for a visit. It was nice having more people to talk to. I really love curry. Mom, you should make more. And I am bringing some Balti home for you.

Friday we left to Kelmarsh. But I will save that for another post, hopefully done by tonight.