Girls Love Dirt

(photo taken in Dublin Port, from the ferry to Wales)

Last Sunday I hopped on a ferry from Dublin to Holyhead to meet my New Zealand friends for a few days of R&R in North Wales. We spent our 3 nights together celebrating, stuffing our faces in true Xmas style, playing games, and exploring Wales. It was a wonderful little trip despite the fact that both my fast ferries to and from Wales were canceled to to high winds and I was forced to take the 3 1/2 hour slow boat. It was pretty exciting to see the waves crashing into our boat and feeling the ferry tip back and forth to the rhythm of the sea. I guess its lucky for me that I don't get sea sick!

We knew we all wanted to do something for Christmas, especially because Ella, Pete and their new baby Joesph were giving up the Manchester home to travel for a couple of months and then start the long trip home to New Zealand. Sue-Li had the inspired idea to rent us out a Folly (read about Follies here).

Our folly, Brynkir Tower (links here and here), was six stories high with a well stocked kitchen, a comfy living room with a fireplace, a brilliant bathroom including a grand old bathtub, two large bedrooms and stunning views.

Here's an excessive amount of photos of our Folly:

Our yard:

One of our little side trips was to the faux town of Portmeirion, location for the 60's television show, The Prisoner: