World's End

World’s End looks like the end of the world but not in the apocalyptic sense.

A remote valley located between Llangollen and Wrexham in North Wales it is one of my favorite spots on earth – no people or buildings, stunning vistas and the cleanest air I’ve ever inhaled. A single lane road winds through and up and down the mountains where the light seems to change with the wind, illuminating layers of heather covering the hills.  The only sounds are those made by sheep, which for some reason sounded like men trying to imitate sheep. 

I’ve visited World’s End many times throughout the years since childhood, thanks to having a mother who was born in North Wales and a large extended who remains there. It’s a family ritual, perhaps our Celtic Mecca, and one of the few places on earth that instantly clears my mind and soothes the soul. In the two weeks I recently spent in North Wales we drove through no less than three times, thanks to patient cousins who helped me chase the light.

UK Bound

I’m heading to the UK for a few weeks. Time will be spent mainly in North Wales and surrounds. This trip is both personal and professional. I’m a half Brit and will be attending a family wedding. I have a large extended family there and look forward to seeing everyone.

I’m also looking forward to photographing the beautiful countryside, villages and do a fair amount of castle hopping.

This image was taken on my last trip in the Spring of 2012. The aim was to capture patriotism with a humorous twist in the run up to the Summer Olympics. It was one of two days when it didn’t downpour without mercy non-stop, the bane of a travel photographer’s existence. Hoping for better weather this time. Photographs to follow when I return. 

Cathedrals from around the World

Some of the most visited sites in the world are religious institutions. The world’s cathedrals are among them due to their grand architecture and history.

 
York Minster in Yorkshire, England has roots dating back to 627. Construction of the current Gothic style structure began in 1220 and was completed in 1472.

The Metropolitan Cathedral in Mexico City is the largest in Latin America. It dates from the late 16th and towers over the city's enormous square, the Zocalo.

--> Catedral de Santiago In Antigua, Guatemala has undergone many makeovers over the centuries due to earthquakes. It was established in the 1500s.

 
Saint Nicholas Cathedral is a popular tourist destination in Monaco. It is the final resting place of Princess Grace.

More than 5 million people a year visit Saint Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City. Known locally as Saint Pats, it opened its doors in 1879.

Snickelways and Spirits in York, Yorkshire

York in Yorkshire, England has its own name for the dozens of narrow alleys and passageways that wind throughout the walled city. Dubbed snickelways many are named after prominent residents of centuries ago.

Pictured here is Lady Peckett’s Yard. It is named after Alice Peckett, the wife of John Peckett, who was Lord Mayor of York in 1701. The former mayor owned what is now the Golden Fleece, a pub and inn, which has the distinction of being the most haunted pub in the UK. Lady Peckett is said to be one of several spirits who haunts the establishment, which is a stone’s throw from the snickelway after which she is named.

The Ladies of Llangollen

On the outskirts of the small town of Llangollen in North Wales is Plas Newydd, which was home to the Ladies of Llangollen for 50 years. Lady Eleanor Charlotte Butler and Sarah Ponsonby were Irish aristrcocrats who in the late 1880s fled their homeland for Wales rather than be married off to suitable privileged men.

Needless to say their departure was scandalous. Despite not following the norms of the upper crust the two received numerous visitors throughout the years who were intrigued by the pair. Writers William Wordsworth, Percy Shelley, Lord Byron and Sir Walter Scott are among those who walked through the diminutive doorways of the cottage they redesigned in Gothic style.

Today Plas Newydd is a museum reached by a short walk up a hill from Llangollen.

The Eyes of Ruthin, North Wales

Ruthin has a medieval footprint and more listed buildings than any other market town in North Wales, UK. All roads lead to St. Peter’s Square. Back in the day executions were performed here next to the old courthouse, which is now a bank.

Overlooking the square is the former Myddleton Arms built in the 16th century. It is also known as the "Seven Eyes of Ruthin" because of its seven dormer windows and Dutch style roof. What those “eyes” must have seen throughout the centuries.

The building was for sale when I was there earlier this year. Ruthin is the perfect location to stop for a pub lunch after a leisurely drive through the Welsh countryside.

Celtic Threads Welsh Style

When traditional Celtic dress comes to mind most think of a tartan kilt. Did you know that Wales has traditional dress if only for the women?

The national threads typically include a stovepipe hat, gown, skirt, shawl and apron. Colors are red, black and white. Lady Llanofer, a Welsh heiress who wanted to preserve Wales’ cultural and individual identity, designed the Welsh National Costume in the 19th century. It is based on what countrywomen wore.

Today you aren’t likely to see anyone dressed this way unless it’s at a festival or on Saint David’s Day, when the traditional attire is worn by schoolgirls. Saint David is of course the patron saint of Wales.

What traditional clothing is worn in your part of the world?

Britishness

What makes you think ‘that’s really British’? I pondered this before I set off to the UK earlier this year.

The purpose of the trip was threefold: visit family, travel photography and photography capturing Britishness.  This was planned in the run up to the Summer Olympics, with all eyes set to be on London.   

 
Pictured from the top is the classic red phone box and letterbox. I looked high and low, with the help of cousins, to find one in a rural setting. There aren’t many left.

High Streets in the UK are what Main Street is to the USA. You’ll find them in London as well as villages and towns throughout the country.

It’s mandatory that all students wear school uniforms in the UK, even those still in kindergarten. They vary from region to region. Cardigans are typically worn in North Wales.

Patriotism can be expressed in many ways, even in the form of washing drying on a line in the back garden

Steak and ale pie is classic pub lunch fare. Shandies - half lager and half lemonade - often wash down pub lunches. The latter is fizzy in the UK.  And if you stay at the pub too long a classic English breakfast the next morning might help cure your over indulgence.   

I left out the ubiquitous fish and chips. That would have been too predictable, particularly after watching Danny Boyle’s epic and eccentric portrayal of all things British during the opening ceremonies. 

Great Britain’s Smallest House

The last inhabitant of Great Britain’s smallest house was a fisherman who left in 1900. Perhaps he bumped his head in the doorway one too many times. 

At 6 feet 3 inches tall he would have barely had a place to put his boots in the two-room abode, which is 9 feet high and six feet wide all said.

The house, located in Conwy, North Wales, is still owned by his descendants and open to the public during the high tourist season.

Strange Souvenirs: Jubilee Ma'amite

Mugs with the Queen’s (err hem) mug are typical souvenirs to bring back from the British Isles especially those marking milestones.

But Marmite has taken commemorating her Majesty a step further with a special edition Jubilee Ma'amite. After addressing the Queen as "Your Majesty" first, correct protocol is to call her "Ma'am" after. 

Marmite, which can be found in most kitchen cupboards in the UK, is a savory spread made from yeast extract. It can be an acquired taste, much in the same way people love or hate olives - there is no in between.

Those who managed to get their hands on a jar of Jubilee Ma’amite can spread some on their toast and literally toast the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. Sixty years of reign is a long time.

I’d love to have a pint with the person who coined Ma'amite.

The Longest Town Name In Britain

Welsh is not an easy tongue to pronounce for most but the 58 letter long town name Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch would take even a phonetics expert to Olympic levels. Located on the island of Anglesey in North Wales this Celtic tongue twister is also one of the longest place names in the world.

In English the name means: St. Mary's Church in the hollow of the white hazel near the rapid whirlpool and the church of St. Tysilio with a red cave.

The village is also called Llanfairpwllgwyngyll and was given its longer name in the 1860s to snare the honor of having the longest train station name in Britain.  Today tourists flock here to have their photo taken in front of the sign.

Go on, try and say it in Welsh. I dare you.

The Ugly House, North Wales

Situated in Snowdonia National Park in North Wales The Ugly House, or Ty Hyll in Welsh, appears to unfairly labeled.

Legend has it that its origins date from the 1500s when two outlaw brothers homesteaded the land. At the time the law allowed that if between sunset and sunrise you could build four walls and have smoke coming out of the chimney the building was yours. A property line was defined by standing at each corner of the house and throwing an axe as far as you could.

It’s unclear why it was named The Ugly House. One account maintains the home was named for the less than attractive outlaws, who used it as a hideout.

The last private owner moved out in the 1960s. The cottage lay derelict until the late 1980s when the Snowdonia Society bought it. It is open to the public during the peak summer season.

What do you think? Is this house ugly?

UK Bound

I’m spending the next few weeks in the UK. My mother is from Wales and I’ll be visiting and staying with family and friends in North Wales and surrounds. This trip is long overdue.

Naturally photography is on the agenda. In addition to travel photography I plan to take images that depict everyday British lifestyle. The goal of the latter is to take  photographs that immediately make you think  “Britishness.”

When you think of Great Britain what images come to mind?