Surrounded by Beauty: Ancient Scenes in a Modern World

Hello again, everyone!

When we returned to London, I took the few days we had to get as much work done as I could. I also paid a visit to Westminster Abbey, which was slightly less busy during the week. The building was more stunning inside, if that was possible. I was enchanted by all of the nooks and crannies and was fabulously overjoyed and overwhelmed by Poet's Corner. On the hour, there was a moment of silence where the Dean of the chapel said a prayer and warmly invited everyone to attend a service. The church itself was gloriously welcoming, giving it an oddly modern philosophy for such an ancient building.

The front of Westminster Abbey

The end of my two week break was spent in South Wales, where Emily, Piper, Katie, Jess, Saiya, and I had all booked a horseback riding weekend through BU. It would be my first time there, and I was both excited to see the beauty of the area as well as ride a horse, also for the first time. Most of us were, thankfully, in the same boat so the train ride there was filled with nervous and joyous chatter as we anxiously awaited our arrival to Swansea, and then to Parc Le Breos House in Gower.

It was dark by the time we arrived; however, we snagged the six person room and began to settle in. The beds were comfortable, with downy blankets, lots of pillows, and thick mattresses. Our bathroom was giant and so, naturally, we had a bit of a party in the shower space.

Seriously huge shower!

We woke up the next morning and explored the grounds a bit after a charming full Welsh breakfast. The sun was sparkling in the trees and on the dew upon the grass. It was at this moment we realized how big and beautiful the bed and breakfast was. It was an old, stone building with high windows, surrounded by trees and a massive yard.

All of us in the front yard.

We collected our gear and were given instructions on how to ride a horse. They told us to be firm and direct. It was necessary to show the horse, they said, that you were in charge. We were told how to start, stop, and turn and given some advice on how to gallop without too much pain. With that we were assigned our horses and began to rub them down to remove all of the dirt and mud. It was a hard task but allowed me to chat with my horse, Roger.

After that, it was time to head out onto the trail. The day was long and tough work. You didn't just sit there and enjoy, but had to guide and encourage your horse. Sometimes he listened and kept up, galloping to be right behind, and sometimes he didn't and we lagged. I honestly tried and the guides were helpful sometimes with advice and sometimes with chasing. We stopped for lunch at a pub in town and tied our horses to some tasty bushes up the cliffs.

 

Me, with Roger in the background!

After lunch it was time to ride the few hours home, taking in the stunning view of the cliffs, town, and bay below. We took the saddles off the horses and let them go back to one another while we put by our gear then showered and napped before a tasty dinner.

Some of the group, getting ready to head back up the trail.

That night was Guy Fawkes Night and most of us decided to head into town to catch some fireworks. Unfortunately, due to a football game at Swansea, the main display had gone up the night before. Nonetheless, dozens of people and smaller towns around the bay in Mumbles (yes, Mumbles, Wales!) set off small displays of their own. We walked along the beach and sat down for a while on a loading dock to take in the atmosphere. I was tickled pink to discover that Dylan Thomas had spent some time there and had been inspired by the lighthouse.

Sittin' on the dock of the bay...

Seeking warmth, we headed in town to a pub and had some delicious cocktails while we waited for our taxi back to Gower. They were tasty and the locals were charming, albeit a bit flabbergasted by us being in their tiny town! When we made it back to the house, we were thoroughly exhausted and after  some goofiness...

we headed quickly to bed!

After breakfast, we had Sunday morning free to ourselves. The six of us chose to hike the couple of miles to Three Cliffs Bay, which we had only seen from the hills above. These photos encapture only a little of the adventure and beauty we found on the way and once we arrived.

 Hopping the fence to get onto the trail.

Our first view of Three Cliffs Bay from the steep trail down to the beach.

 Me and the bay!

 Everyone eagerly running for the water

Pennard Castle ruins above the bay!

After returning to the house, it was nearly time to go, so we packed up and watched some good, ol' bad tele while waiting for the taxi. Grabbing some lunch and candy across the road from the train station, we munched and waited to depart. The ride back passed slowly as we dozed and dreaded heading back to work. The end of break was bitter sweet: I could be prodcutive again, but I'd also have to work.

All in all, it's seemed to work out!

Hope you enjoyed, ciao!
Fallon x