It feels that the holiday that just was is now a dim and distant memory. Great time was had by all. After an epic drive down to Wales, getting snagged in Bala Festival traffic, getting caught up in a surreal situation where a road block and flapping policemen wound shed loads of traffic down country lanes resulting in me traffic directing in the middle of no where, we arrived at about 10:30pm in the gorgeous village of St Dogmeals.
The micro comminuty between the White Heart pub and St. Dogmeals Abbey plays has played host to a Shakespeare production every year for the past 23. This year the company produced Antony and Cleaopatera to a stunningly high standard. Our good friend Henry was in it who invited us down to see the performance. Set in the ruins of this glorious abbey the cast acted the traditional play to a near full house. The costumes were a bit of a suprise - away from the traditional, instead, period 1940's costume gave the whole slant of the story a new twist without deviating from the plot. Flawless acting of the highest calibre, complimented with brilliant original score - with old friend Dan playing trumpet (guitar and percussion).
Our boys had never seen a traditional production and although they didn't follow the verbiage, the plot was avidly consumed. Sophie fell asleep and snored loudly though. A harsh critic at age 3.
It was quite a sad departure from the idyllic settings of and gracious hospitality of the community between the pub and the abbey. I was glad I could lend a hand with the night and morning de rig that took place. We'll miss popping over the road to the traditional watermill bakery for our bread each morning and I'll miss the mill pond with it's coracle. One of my holiday highlights was having a go in this most primitive of transports. Much fun. Not quite as much fun as Henry attempting it badly and falling into the pond. Photos to follow!
After St Dogmeals we headed to Poppit Sands for a bit and hit a glorious belt of fantastic weather. The place is as nice as it's name implies.
Following Wales we went to Dublin for a bit and chilled at Eirene's dads. Thanks ever so much for the continued hospitality Ed!
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