Sunday 12 August 2012

welsh cottages, cream teas and castles

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On the Sunday of the weekend spent in Wales, we headed to St. Fagan's Natural History Museum, just outside Cardiff, which is a fascinating collection of authentic Welsh buildings, transplanted from around Wales, that show how life was for the average person throughout the country's history. We wandered around in a not very organized fashion, (pretty sure there were supposed to be Tudor buildings for example, which we saw no sign of) and it's the kind of place that, if I lived in Wales, I'd always be dropping into for short periods of time, not trying to see it all at once. As it is, I'd definitely like to go back. One of the most interesting set ups for me was a series of "row cottages," arranged as they classically would be through time, yet each one showing life at a different period, from the 18th century I believe (Alzeihmers) to the 1940s. It was fascinating watching how a plain two-room dwelling became a cottage with a kitchen and a television, and reflecting on the fact that actual quality of life for working class people doesn't necessarily improve much: bread and cheese for dinner and reading the Bible afterwards are substituted for fish and chips in front of the TV. Anyway, after enough reflecting, and visiting the cows and pigs in their various fields, we found the tea rooms, where we indulged in cream teas. For those who haven't had one, it's a scone with clotted cream and jam, accompanied by tea.

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And then we went to Caerphilly Castle, which is, well, a castle. I think everyone was a bit tired and tourismed out by that point. Still, it was the first time I'd actually seen a filled moat, and it did make the idea of storming a castle in Medieval times a bit more dangerous.

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Right, I'm off to a remote corner of the earth without internet for a week... hopefully I'll make it to the library at some point to update you on outfits and adventures from the Southwest of England. If not, see you in a week!

20 comments:

ZZ said...

Cream tea, yum. You look happy there!

studentfab.blogspot.com said...

Looks like you had a great time! Love your outfit and that cottage is so cute

Would love for you to check out my blog

www.studentfab.blogspot.co.uk

Emily, Resplendent Tranquility said...

I can't wait for the day I can indulge in an authentic cream tea. Your photos are a pleasant substitute, though.

I've been loving these recent all blue outfits of yours.

Enjoy your upcoming week of adventure!

Nina said...

Ah you're in my neck of the woods! I was in St. Fagens just over a week ago! It's a really great place especially at Christmas when they have a christmas fair (baby reindeers and all!). Hope you've enjoyed your time in Wales!
xxx

Is It Secret, Is It Safe said...

Beautiful pictures! That castle with the moat is amazing!

-Katie

Shybiker said...

What a fun post. I've been travelling around the world with you. :)

Closet Fashionista said...

First, love that dress!
And second that place sounds so cool!! I would love to see the evolution of early american homes too...but those would be far different, ha ha...
(and woah, a moat!!! I've always wanted to see one, ha ha)
I hope you have a good trip!
http://www.closet-fashionista.com/

Amy McStevens said...

Love the outfit, I think you can wear burgundy or red tights with that dress as well. Have lots of fun on your adventures through the Southwest of England. Are you going to London during you trip?

Melis said...

you look adorable and you fit right in. the scone and cream looks delicious! i'd love to go somewhere exotic. and isn't it nice to be disconnected from the internet for awhile?

dr.antony said...

You look great!Lovely scenic locations.
Have great adventures!
dr.antony

Monique said...

emily, sounds like an awesome day trip. i love your dress. my sister got me a similar navy and orange polka dot dress but your dots are smaller, which i quite like. the moat makes it that more magical. enjoy your week!

Irene Wibowo said...

love the dress. :)

http://lovesimplegreen.blogspot.com/

Helen at THELOVECATSINC said...

you look great!

from helen at www.thelovecatsinc.com // @thelovecatsinc

Ashley said...

Lovely, just lovely!!

I adore cream tea and am rather happy that I can have some soon ;)

Kezzie said...

How interesting! I love your account! The dress is really pretty too!
By the way, I am off to Goathland on Friday! (and managed to finally track down a Jaeger dress in size 6!!!!!!)

Raj said...

Gorgeous outfit and such lovely photos!
It sounds idyllic
Hope you have fun on your adventures

Sian said...

I always read your blog and made me giggle you were in Wales as I'm Welsh but currently living in Amsterdam. Glad you enjoyed St Fagans it's one of my favourite places ever, there are no Tudor houses there though so you didn't miss them! Also remember that Wales is a country, not a county ;0) x

Emily, Ruby Slipper Journeys said...

@Sian: Hehe, typo! Sorry, I know it's a country!

Laura said...

How lovely! I would so love to visit Wales - or any other country in that region, really. Hopefully someday :) Adorable dress!

thejoyfulfox.blogspot.com

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