Barbara's travels continue 2018

What a fantastic stay with family in Llantwit Major, S. Wales. It  was a perfect mix of madness, when the house was full of four-legged pooches, so excited to be with us all, amd Mabli toddling around in perpetual motion, whilst Betsy amazingly closed her eyes for a short nap And trips to some of the many coastal areas and forests, only a short distance away. It was marvellous to spend time with Annie at the local fair in St Donat's Castle, used as a college now for overseas students. I had not been there for years, so despite overcast skies, and some quite welcome showers, we had a great day enjoying the magnificent grounds and gardens with their rather strange and sometimes grotesque animal statues,with the garden  levels gradually descending to the stony beach. A highlight was certainly an opportunity to see several rescued owls close up. What magnificent creatures they are. The beach there may not be perfect for swimmers, but the cliffs and colours were spectacular. It is alwa

I was so excited about seeing the family again after three years. The time seemed to pass very slowly in Amsterdam, waiting for the final flight to Cardiff. After 45 minutes sitting on the plane after boarding, we were off! I was very lucky actually to be flying, as so many flight had been cancelled. Home again, to my Welsh home in the pretty village of Llantwit Major. Home to the ever-growing family, mainly females. Poor Ben and Darren are hugely outnumbered !  Three generations together here, with a further generation (me) taking the photo!Bethan, new mum, Betsi 6-week old, Daisy and Ceri ( believe it or not, grandmother!). Some of family missing! Meek, Peaches and Molly, belonging to Ceri, Daisy and Bethan respectively. All dogs are great characters, but possibly Peaches being the youngest is the most entertaining and energetic! Except, when there are unexpected noises she digs her heels in and will not move! Poor Ceri had to carry her quite a way because of the tractor in the adja

I set aside five days in the Geneva area just in case I needed tests, or something for Covid, and to try to see my friends in this lovely part of Switzerland. It all worked out brilliantly and Covid was not an issue. In fact, it is easy to forget about it here despite the ongoing cases. I only feel like wearing a mask in stations and airports, and am usually one of very few using them.  The first afternoon and evening I  caught up with Fred and had a full on afternoon of talking, under the shade of his tree in his lovely garden. It was a pleasant 30 degrees, hot for Switzerland but refreshing after Sardinia.  Not only is Fred great company, he can cook very well too. Delicious marinated chicken with zuchini,done barbecued, plus tomatoes,basil and garlic. After a very warm welcome minutes before hotel closed for the day and a comfortable stay in the 500-year-old hotel in Nyon, Next day  I headed through the old town Towards the castle. The wine tasting weekend, which I often did in the