Halfway across the Atlantic, and after watching the same movie twice in a row, I opened my travel guide to the United Kingdom. I'd been to the UK several times - lucky to have several business clients there. Coming from the States, you arrive in the morning. In the past, I've tried to conduct business the same day - not an overwhelming success. Too many time zones to be very productive on basically no sleep. So, instead, I use the first day to acclimate myself and to see as much of this beautiful country that I can - even in Winter.

Looking through my guide book, I wanted to find something a bit 'off the beaten path.' I was renting a car at Heathrow as my business would carry me as far North as Sheffield. Thus, I had 'wheels' and the better part of a day to be a tourist. Where to go? My last trip, I spent time at the Blenheim Palace. A very relaxing and enjoyable afternoon. Something like that would be good. Get outside, take in some fresh air, and keep myself awake until that night.

We'd just passed over Ireland and I looked down outside my window to see the coast of Wales approaching. Small lights dotted the coastline as the sun began to rise in the East. Looks like good weather...in the UK....in January...someone pinch me. This changes things. So what about Wales? I'd never managed to get there before. It's simply too far from everything else to spend much time there - as a day trip.. "Simply too far from everything else.." certainly fits the 'off the beaten path' comment. I begin to review my guide book by looking at the small map of Wales - dotted with the important sites. I concentrate on the eastern edge, closest to England. Looking for a path that would circle back towards Nottingham. The first site that I review is an old abbey - Tintern Abbey.

The book begins, "Ever since the 18th century, travelers have been enchanted by Tintern's setting in the steep and wooded Wye Valley and by the majestic ruins of its abbey. Poets were often inspired by the scene." Sold.

I clear customs, pick up the car, and head West. It's early on a Sunday morning. Very little traffic. I take in the rolling hills and beautiful scenery. My basic plan...get to the Abbey before lunch. Spend an hour or so there, and then head up the valley to see a little more of Wales prior to heading East.

Soon I'm crossing the Severn Bridge. This crosses the long finger of the Bristol Channel. A windy place - at least today. I'm soon winding my way through the town of Chepstow, following signs for the Abbey. The road narrows and picturesque woods abound. I begin the descent into the Wye Valley. There's the Abbey.

The Abbey was founded in 1139 by Cistercian monks. In its time, it was one of the richest abbeys in Wales. That is until it was dissolved in 1536 by Henry VIII.

Tintern Profile	Tintern Interior

I hope these pictures do some justice to the setting and the Abbey. For someone who loves to take pictures, the Abbey offers many interesting patterns, exquisite geometry, and natural lighting. As you can see, the roof has been gone for centuries. All of the windows and grand arches are almost completely intact - save, of course, the actual glass.

Tintern Arches	Tintern Interior	Tintern Interior

This makes the site hauntingly picturesque. I was amazed at how well the structure has stood the test of time. Some of the windows even have the original stone 'mullions' in the center.

Tintern Eclipse	Tintern Window

Needless to say, I took a few pictures (about one a minute for an hour). If I had more time, I would have stayed until later in the day for even more pictures (dusk and night shots). Unfortunately, I still had a pretty good drive ahead of me. I was able to make it to the Cotswold District just as the sun was setting.

Cotswold Hillside	Broadway tower

All in all, a great day in Wales / England. I sincerely hope to return to Wales in the near future. There are a great many sites to see and pictures to be taken. It's strange to say, especially because I was only there for a few hours, but it did feel a bit different than England. Then again, the cold temperatures and numb fingers may have attributed to that feeling.

As always, please email me if you have any questions or thoughts.

Lance Livingston