The Welsh love their symbols. The leek has been a national symbol of Wales since Saint David ordered Welsh soldiers to wear a leek on their helmets to identify themselves. The tradition ostensibly hails from a battle with Saxons that occurred in a field of leeks. The daffodil, also known as “Peter’s Leek,” apparently became … Read more
The city center of Cardiff, Wales, with its spectacular castle, may be the number one tourist destination in the Welsh capital, but Cardiff Bay runs a close second. The popular waterfront area owes its existence to abundant coal and iron deposits that were discovered in Wales during the 1700’s. Both commodities were in great demand … Read more
With more than 2,000 years of history enclosed within its walls, Cardiff Castle is a popular destination for history buffs who visit the capital city of Wales. The earliest fortifications on the site were likely built by the Romans around A.D. 50. Today, all that remains of the Roman era is a small section of … Read more
I was completely and utterly exhausted. A couple of months earlier, my right hip and knee had begun to ache constantly and walking long distances was becoming increasingly difficult. I booted up the laptop, opened my calendar, and began counting. It was mid-October, 2016, and I’d visited 23 countries so far that year, some of … Read more
London’s financial district and the Tower of London, seen from the Tower Bridge across the River Thames. Notable among the gleaming skyscrapers, from left to right, are 20 Fenchurch Street, the Leadenhall Building, and 30 St. Mary’s Axe. Nicknamed ‘The Walkie-Talkie’ because of its distinctive shape, 20 Fenchurch Street is a commercial skyscraper with 34 … Read more
