Swansea, & Gower Peninsula

July 1999 -- I had a few days to kill, so I decided to take a train to Swansea, Wales... Why I chose Wales I don't know. Most everybody in England doesn't care much for Wales. Its kind of the bastard stepchild of the United Kingdom; No identity of it's own. Plus it rains alot, but being from the Pacific NW, USA - I'm used to rain. I had only met one actual person from Wales up to now; This wanker at my local pub, Scruffy Murphys. After listening to this dude for a few hours, I had formed an opinion on a few things:

1> They shag sheep in Wales.
2> Although Wales worships the game of Rugby, they have sucked since the 70's...
3> People from Wales, when they're really pissed, like to sing Welsh hymns at the pub.

Anyway, I came to Swansea to see the ocean. Aside from the fact I have a live Who album recorded in Swansea and its the hometown of Dylan Thomas, I knew nothing else about it.

Here are a few pictures; Nothing of journalistic excellence, just some shots from my digital camera... I'll start with the pictures of town; And yes, that is the ruins of a castle in the center of town.

The booming metropolis of Swansea, Wales




Rhossili Beach, Gower Peninsula


I spent a day at Rhossili beach, which is on the western end of the Gower Peninsula. If you ever get the chance to visit Gower Peninsula, I highly recommend you go for it. It is really a beautiful stretch of countryside, with cliffs overlooking the ocean. I imagine it gets quite packed sometimes, but when I was there (on a Tuesday) it wasn't too bad, as far as crowds go.



And last but not least; Some sheep, and other critters hanging around.



So after spending a whirlwind 48 hours in Swansea, my perception of Wales has changed slightly. I can see why they are known for shagging sheep, as they are literally everywhere. I did go out drinking on Monday night, and met some cool people who seemed fairly normal; They weren't crying in their beer over the state of Wales Rugby (even when I brought it up), and they didn't sing any hymns.


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