Speeding toward Wales, I watched the English countryside fly by the train window. It occurred to me then it would be my first visit without my mother to the country of many of her ancestors.
My third visit to Wales also had interesting numerological synchronicity. My first visit had been part of a 'round the world' trip with my family around Christmas 1991. My second visit was in 2001 with my parents and my then-boyfriend. And I was taking this journey in 2021. I trust that number pattern won't repeat itself, leading to me not returning to Wales until 2061!
On top of those realisations, it occurred to me it was just a little more than two years since I'd last left England. Though this time, I was only going across the border into Wales. Rather than through the air, over land and sea to Australia.
So, to say high expectations were hanging over the trip might have been an understatement. There was a lot of anticipation and excitement about what the week may hold.
After a week of kitteh hijinks with Bao and Paczi, there was also a yearning for a low-stress week. One that would allow me to concentrate on things other than kittehs while still enjoying kitteh snuggles and pets.
Despite taking about five hours to travel each way due to train delays and a wait for a cab from Wrexham to Minera, the week and Wales definitely delivered.
As well as being able to complete various life admin tasks ahead of my new flatmate moving in and enjoying many, many kitteh snuggles, Minera proved to be a much-needed change of pace and very picturesque.
Though there was drizzle for at least part of most days. And though there were a couple of days of gusty winds. And temperatures were in the low teens most days. The weather really turned it on for me on Monday.
Once the morning drizzle stopped, it left the landscape and details super-saturated in colour. The beautiful post-rain light across the countryside and across headstones was lovely.
