Noswyl Nadolig

Pronounced ‘Nosoowell Nadolig’. Christmas Eve. The night before Christmas (Nadolig), when Sîon Corn (Santa Claus) comes down the chimney and brings toys to the children of the world. Our presents (anrhegion) are wrapped, cookies (briwsion) are baked, and the family (teulu) is playing card games. It’s time for an update, in between Christmas movies that may, or may not, bring a tear to my eye.

Robin and are slated to spend four days in London (Llundain). We’ll take a train (trên) to Manchester (Manceinion), pick up a rental car, then drive west to Conwy. Our travel agent has booked our flights to and from England (Lloegr), our hotels in London (Llundain), and our rental car (car rhentu). We booked an Air BnB in Conwy, right inside the Conwy Castle (Castell Conwy) walls.

Now to me, a place to stay isn’t just about ambience, although that is a a nice thing to have. At my age, an important factor is where I sleep. The bed has to be comfortable. My good wife knows this. I’m pretty sure she found the only king-sized bed in northern Wales (goggled Cymru), and it’s a 4-poster! It is on the third floor, but I’m quite sure it will be worth the climb!

We’re currently looking at various places to visit in the week and a half we’ll be in northern Wales. Thus far we’ve considered Betws-y-Coed, a lovely hamlet in Snowdonia National Park (Parc Cenedlaethol Eryri), less than 20 miles south of Conwy. Around there is the Fairy Glen (Tylwyth Teg Glen), reported birthplace of the faeries, Swallow Falls (Rhaeadr Ewynnol). the Ugly House (Ty Hyll), Dolwyddelan Castle (Castell Dolwyddelan) and Conwy Falls (Rhaeadr Conwy). Lots of things to do in and around Betws-y-Coed!

Then there is Llandudno, a resort on the Irish Sea (Môr Iwerddon). Harlech Castle (Castell Harlech) on the western coast of Cymru, Holyhead (Caergybi), Caernarfon Castle (Castell Caernarfon), Snowdonia Mountain (Yr Wyddfa), Llanberis, Wrexham and the Racecourse (Cae Ras), and all sorts of grand places to visit and see.

The town of Conwy has a lot to offer besides the castle. There’s the Manor Restaurant (Bywty Manor), The Plas Mawr-Elizabethan Mansion House, and the Smallest House in Great Britain (Y Ty Lleiaf Ym Mhrydain Fawr)!

As the clock winds it’s way to Nadolig, all I can say is we will have the trip of a lifetime, and I, for one, can’t wait. I’ll be seeing places I’ve only dreamed of, with the woman of my dreams.

Nadolig Llawen!