We started today by going to the Great Orme Copper Mine in Llandadno. This tour was led by the man who discovered the mine in the first place. We put on our hard hats and took off on two of the nine levels of the mine. It's still operational - closing for 5 months of the year to dig. Eddie, the owner, told me they would start digging in October. This mine also dates back to the bronze age - over 3000 years ago. During that time, the digging was done with animal bones. To date, there have been over 30,000 animal bones recovered. There is a lot of interest in this mine. The Smithsonian actually sends people over to work in it. Eddie, at the end of our tour, demonstrated how you can melt the malachite to liquify the copper and pour it into molds... which was how they would make arrowheads! It was fascinating to watch.BubbleShare: Share photos - Play some Online Games.
We went to a quaint little town called Llanberis, which is the foot of Mount Snowdon. This was the ancestral home of Thomas Jefferson. There were more castles...BubbleShare: Share photos - Play some Online Games.
We also went to another little wonderful town called Beddgelert. This means something like death of the dog... I don't think that's exactly right, but it's close. We then hiked in to see the grave of the dog... I'll add the story later...This town was totally picturesque.
We ate lunch at a place that we were told has THE best fish and chips in the UK. I don't know if I agree with that...but they were good. Sam told us the chips (french fries) were authentic British chips.
We also went to Conwy...and another castle. Here there is also the legend of Merlin and Arthur. Arthur is said to be asleep in the mountain to the left of Snowdonia. He will wake up and help defend the country the next time the Saxons invade! We were able to get out and put our feet in a gorgeous lake - Lake Llyn Padarn - with, of course, a castle in the background!
We learned some Welsh...the language is so different. The spelling gives you absolutely no idea how to pronounce it. To say 'good day' you phonetically say dif-da. But the way they spell it in Welsh is dyddda. See what I mean?
Tomorrow we head back to England...it will be an exciting time for everyone, spending tomorrow night ON THE GROUNDS of another castle! The delegates have been informed to pack their warmest and driest clothes in their backpacks. The weather has actually been perfect, and as far as I know there is no chance of rain. So we should have good weather! We'll all be sleeping in tents - something like 6 - 8 to a tent. Doesn't that sound fun?
I know there will be no internet in the tents.... then we only have one night left after that! It is so hard to believe we are coming to the end of this journey. I've been asking some if they're ready to go home. Almost the universal answer is Yes...and No. Yes, they're missing their families and boyfriends/girlfriends (I'm sure they're missing their parents the most!), but No - because some wonderful friendships have been formed. Traveling with a group of your peers is an experience they will never forget.
As I've said before, and can still truthfully say after 17 days on the road, this is an absolutely wonderful group of young people. Talking with a group as we waited for the ferry the other day, I think it was Melanie who said she thought we really had a great group... I couldn't agree more!
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13 comments:
Judy, p2p folks,
WOW!!! Yes, I too have anxiously been awaiting recent updates, since Sunday I believe, But also understanding the circumstances. Three days update all at once is almost like reading a novel or something. As usual, thank you Judy (and all)for the updates. They are, as is this whole experience, wonderful...
Judy, seems like just yesterday you commented on the blog that the trip was at it's 1/2 way point. But now,a mere two days + left. It is so bitter sweet. We all do miss our beloved angels and want to see them, but yet are so sad that their adventure is almost at a close.
The education, the adventure, the newfound friendships(both, local and abroad),the ability to experience these! I do so hope these young adults realize that it doesn't have to stop here!!
Making the right decisions and taking the path of opportunity in their lives can and will give them ample ability to enjoy future experiences like this. How cool.
Wishing all a safe and pleasant flight back to the U.S.
will see you on Saturday. God-Bless.
Bob Neumann
p.s.
Sorry all that my comment is so long. Just can't help myself. Too many emotions and feelings. Thanx. Bob N
Hi Judy,
Marjorie and I thank you so much for the great blogs you have diligently posted throughout the whole trip. Your writing is wonderful: descriptive, relevant, inclusive of everyone, etc.
It reminds me of the 5-Ws plus H, the hallmark of reporting: who, what, when, where, why and how. You are a trooper, going above and beyond the call!
I can just see you sitting down at the end of a loooooong and exhausting day and dedicating yourself to this blog.
Thank you, thank you, thank you for a job beautifully done, which has morphed, on this -- the receiving end of things -- into a joyful, heartfelt, sometimes tearful and mostly laughter-filled daily ritual for this family and our fiends.
Regards,
Robert & Marjorie Bower
(as in Jennifer)
Hi Judy,
Thanks so much for your daily blogs...it's been wonderful to read them & forward them on to Melanie's grandmothers who have really enjoyed following your adventures as well.
Wsihing you all a good last few days & a good trip home.
Celine
Judy, I have enjoyed reading your updates. You are doing a fantastic job and I'm very proud of you.
Your favorite Brother,
John
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