Sleepy lil Conwy
Trip Start
Jan 18, 2010
1
7
14
Trip End
Mar 06, 2010
Conwy, Wales, United Kingdom
Friday, February 12, 2010
It really made me think about the pace of a town like London and how we take for granted the conveniences of modern life. In a town like this people really care about the community they live in and almost alway notice a stranger. Everyone in London is always on a mission, head down, brisk walk, full speed ahead in the direction their headed. Its almost like stepping back in time in Conwy, the pace of the town is slow or relaxed, better put. Even though this particular (traditional) pub was closing for the night, the owner agreed to make us some dinner and turn the ovens back on. We instantly felt like outsiders when we entered this pub, the handful of people still inside glanced over at us and there was no music, just chatter coming from the locals. After we settled down in our seats, we were presented with a gigantic burger and I can honestly say, it was one of the best I've had since coming to the UK (I made sure the chef was aware).
We went back to the hostel and were defiantly ready for bed, we had big plans for tomorrow. We got up a reasonable time and then headed straight to the information center. After talking to the city guide for awhile, we decided to walk the walls of Conwy and visit the castle. It was a pretty site, bay on one side, hills on the other. The castle was considerably cheaper than the few others we have been too £4 and my favorite so far! Its probably because its a medieval castle built by King Edward the 1st in the 13th century and is almost a ruin. Its an impressive example of medieval architecture and is a world heritage site. It is completely open (no ceiling) and has spectacular views of the bay, Snowdonia, Conwy Mountain and much more. It was magnificent, the towers had amazing views of the city and I enjoyed imaging what it would have looked like in the 13th century. Even though it was freezing weather, it couldn't getting me down whilst walking the halls of this castle.
Next we decided to head back to the hostel for some lunch, the only good thing about this hostel is the location. We enjoyed having lunch outside the kitchen and common room, on the balcony over looking the mountain side. We decided to go up to the observation deck of the hostel but were disappointed to find that the walls of the building blocked half the view and the balcony outside was locked. This hostel was pretty lame for fun, the desk lady claimed the TV didn't have reception and so was rendered useless, normally we wouldn't have cared but the town has no night life and the buses to the nearest city come irregularly and finish early (the same for any country town). It claimed to be a youth hostel but any youth there, would have frightened off by the expense and the crowed, mostly old people looking for peace and quiet. Its designed almost like a hospital, the shower pressure was extreme, so much so that it hurt to have a shower lol. When we asked if this could be fixed, the answer was no from reception because the water pressure had to be extreme, so when shower usage was at its maxim, every one would have a decent shower. This would have been ok but I didn't feel that there was enough people in the hostel for this. This hostel was the worst we have stayed in and we almost felt quarantined!
Feeling adventures we decided to climb Conwy Mountain. The information center told us this would take about an hour, but we could have easily have spent all day up on the mountain top. It was amazing and I am totally in awe of the beauty from the top. We left our hostel and travel left down the main road and almost missed the turn off for the walking track. We took a walk across a green open field which lead to a small steam and walking track. We walked through red and golden trees, climbing steadily to the upper ledge of the mountain, we sat here for about half an hour enjoying the views of the valley below and the distant peaks of Conwy Castle and bay. I'm guessing this is why information said it would only take an hour but we were enjoying ourselves and wanted to see more. And more we sure seen! We took another tack that headed up, leading us through green fields and jagged rocks. We climbed several mountain peaks, each one portraying a different view of the valley and beach below! It was spectacular! The sky was turning pink, the ocean was a blue and grey swirl of water, we were so high up that the water appeared motionless. Again one side was the ocean and the other side the valley and the front peak was the castle and surrounding village! Half the day was spent wondering the peaks and field of Conwy Mountain and we were completely alone and isolated (no tourist), it is defiantly a secrete of Conwy! By the time we left the sun was setting, creating a different scene around us. Golden light changed the trees from rustic red to a golden red! The sky was magnificent, greys and blues, contrasting with the fiery light of the sun and we were able to capture some beautiful pictures. Though these photos are only a mere glimpse of what the mountain had to offer and the camera did not have the ability see what the human eye could.. I did not want to leave it was so beautiful but slowly we headed back down, taking pictures of the changing view. After some protesting from Mel we headed to the local milkbar (pass our hostel) for some dinner and we able to find a cottage pie and some chips, then headed happily but wearily back to the hostel. After our day of hiking we ate and almost fell into bed, tomorrow we would be climbing Snowdonia..
