I think I had a preconceived idea that I was going to the UK, therefore the language at hand would be English. Except for the differences between American English and British English, there should be no problem.

All that changes when you go to Wales. Though English is spoken everywhere and I had zero problems communicating, problems arrive when you're trying to get from point A to point B. Welsh is taught in the schools and is the first language spoken in the North and West of the country. All  signs are in English and Welsh. So what's my problem?

Well, there seems to be a large amount of consonants with few vowels and those plentiful consonants make totally different sounds than my little English speaking brain can wrap itself around. The bounty of the signage is spelled the same in Welsh and English.

One fine cold Sunday, Emily, her family and myself drove along the famous Dee river to Llangollen.

 
Nestled in the mountains between Berwyn and Eglwyseg mountains, Llangollen is home to a very famous music festival in July called the Eisteddfod.

One of the great highlights of this beautiful journey was getting to see the home of Thomas the Tank Engine. If you knew how many times I watched those videos raising three children. Infact I should get an award.

Thomas and friends were keeping themselves in warm quarters for the winter. I love trains and train stations. It was just really fun to text my family and say I'm in Llangollen where Thomas the Tank engine's from.

The reply was quick….."Great mom, Where are you? How do you say that?"

As we walked along the Dee river, I lovingly texted…….(Warning: I'm a long texter.)

 
"I know in your head you are saying Lang Gollen but actually it's Clangothlen."

 
Reply: "ur right. I was saying langollen. How'd ya know?"

 
"I'm your mother."

Reply: So Mother, Sut ywt ti?

What?

Sassy daughters reply: How are you in Welsh? Googled it.

Yes we can all google Welsh but can we speak it? Not this girl. So off to the pub for some warm cider and chips and a view of this lovely old, old castle Dinas Bran. I think it's pronounced Denis Bron.

 
Thank you Emily and family for a wonderful afternoon roaming in old bookshops, a lovely walk along the river, pub hopping, and sharing your part of the world with me……and the sassy texters.