In 2002 Elaine and I travelled through New Zealand on a tour called the Kiwi Experience. It was a hop on - hop off tour for teenage thrill seekers who alternated their time between bars and bungee jumping. We ate sandwiches and visited sheep farms (we took the 'mature tour' options). We met a fellow 'mature' traveller on the south island from Wales named Rhys Roberts. He was a chimney sweep and we had a few great days together. When we had Matthew a few months later, we decided to use the name Rhys for Matthew's middle name. When we informed Rhys of this, he was 'over the moon' about it. He sent Matthew a few special gifts and we kept in touch. When we decided to visit the UK, we knew we would be visiting Wales. Matthew had waited fifteen years for this and now it was time for him to meet Rhys.
Rhys lives on the north coast of Wales near Llandudno where the beautiful coastline is a big draw for vacationers from nearby Liverpool and other English cities. We fell in love with the area. Rhys took us on a hike up the Great Orme which gave us great views of the whole area. Conway Castle overlooks the nearby harbour and the medieval wall is a fascinating hike around the city. We barely scratched the surface of what there is to see here. We will definitely not wait another fifteen years to reconnect.
Our visit was too short and soon we were heading south through the Snowdonia Mountains to Aberystwyth, another coastal mecca for the locals. Then we left the green and lush countryside of Wales behind. Wales, you deserve a closer look (next time).
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