In This Issue:
Spotlight On: Aberystwyth
Travel Offers and Deals
A Taste of Wales
Contests and Promotions
Greetings
from Claire
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Images
Your
Wales Story 
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GREETINGS: I’d
just returned from a quick trip "home" to Wales when we
received news of the terrible events of 7th July in
London. Our thoughts are still with the people whose
lives have been affected. The second, failed
attempts may have raised concerns, but did little actual
damage and caused no injuries at all. London is quickly
returning to normal and if you have, or are considering
plans to visit, airports, ports, airlines, theatres,
restaurants, hotels, attractions and shops are welcoming
visitors as usual.
Travel in and around Wales
was, and remains, unaffected by the events in London.
Wales is easy to get to through the gateways of Heathrow
and Gatwick. And it's now easier than ever to visit with
direct, non-stop flights to the nearby cities of Bristol
to the south and Manchester to the north. Either one
will put you within an hour's easy drive of
Wales.
At this time of year the days in Wales are
even longer than here in the States, the weather is mild
and mostly sunny, we do get the odd drop of rain, but
the land seems even greener and more bursting with life
than ever. This is a beautiful time to enjoy walking,
biking or car tours along the coast or in the
countryside, lingering in the towns and villages, or
attending one of the many outdoor festivals ranging from
jazz through to classical music, pop concerts and food
festivals. There are hundreds of events happening over the next few
months and the people of Wales look forward to welcoming
you soon.
Claire Goold
Wales Marketing
USA,
Wales Tourist Board
DESKTOP DOWNLOADS:
     
If you can’t travel to Wales
right now, maybe a bit of Wales can come to you. We’ve
selected a few of our favorite summertime images from
our photo library and posted them on our website so that
you can download them for free as desktop images on your
computer (for Mac or PC). Enjoy! Click here to view and download pictures of Wales.
YOUR
WALES STORY:
Do you have a story to share
about your visit to Wales? We'd love to hear it. And if
it shows up in a future issue of Croeso we'll send you a
$25 gift certificate as a token of our appreciation.
Tell us your
story.
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VICTORIAN AND
EDWARDIAN GUEST HOUSES face a
white-railed seaside promenade in this popular
mid-Wales town. And for those tracing their family lineage
back to its Welsh roots, Aberystwyth is a
must-see destination.
The National Library of Wales is a
treasure-trove - the principal center
for genealogical research in Wales. Over
4,000,000 volumes date back as far as 1546,
including manuscripts, parish registers,
baptism, marriage and estate records,
photographs and drawings. Add in maps, sound
recordings, film and video collections and it’s
a fascinating place for all. Admission and use
of its facilities are free.
Aberystwyth also
boasts the longest electric cliff
railway in Britain, bringing visitors up to an
astounding, panoramic view that can reach from
the Preseli Hills in the south to the mountains
of Snowdonia in the north, with spectacular
sunsets to the west over Cardigan Bay and the
Irish Sea. A popular swimming and surfing beach
just north of town is one of Wales’ forty top
quality Blue Flag Beaches - and this
small university town offers a cosmopolitan mix
of cuisines, cafes and an active nightlife.
Today’s weather in
Aberystwyth. | | |
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IF YOU LOVE GOLF -
OR SOMEONE WHO LOVES GOLF - you’ll want
to consider this exceptional Best of North Wales Wales tour. Six nights of superior accommodations and
rounds of play on championship links are
featured. Discounted rates are available for any
non-golfers in your party.
You’ll play Royal
St. David's, site of the Welsh Senior
Open, and Conwy, site of the 2006 British Open
Qualifying - and enjoy spectacular settings in
the shadow of the 13th century Harlech
Castle.
Wales will host the
prestigious Ryder Cup in 2010 but
there’s no need to wait; several of Britain’s
best courses can be played in Wales today.
TRAVEL
TIP: Continental Airlines has just
added direct service to Bristol, England – just
a quick one-hour drive from the Welsh capital of
Cardiff. Now Wales is closer than ever! | | |
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BORN OF HARDSHIP
and hard labor in coal mines, ironworks
and quarries, the Welsh tradition of
perseverance in the face of adversity was given
voice in the male voice choirs that formed
throughout the land. Today, with almost all of
the mines long since closed, the tradition
continues as a joyous expression of fellowship
and of the poetry and song that lie in the heart
of the Welsh people and culture.
Male voice
choirs can be found throughout the country
today and many welcome visitors to attend,
sometimes even participate in, their rehearsals.
There are few better ways to experience the
warmth and depth of the Welsh spirit and way of
life.
FIRST PERSON:
“We were directed to the Caerphilly
Male Voice Choir which met at an elementary
school in town, and so it came to be that I sat
in on a rehearsal. The long and short of it is
that upon discovering that I was a choral
director from the U.S he asked if I would like
to conduct the group in "When the Saints Go
Marching In." The men were happy to encourage me
to give it a go, so I did! They also took time
out of their rehearsal to sing their best
numbers just for me. It was a truly remarkable
and unforgettable life experience. They were
amazing and I'll always be grateful to the
chorus for their warm and generous reception.” –
Joanna B. | | |
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PEOPLE TRAVEL THE
WORLD OVER to the National Eisteddfod, the
oldest and largest celebration of Welsh Culture
and the Performing Arts. This summer it’s set on
the splendid Faenol Estate, just outside of
Bangor in north Wales, also home to the annual
Faenol Festival in late
August.
We’re giving away a
set of Welsh music CDs to three lucky
winners, in honor of this great event and the
role of music and song in Welsh culture.
ENTER FOR YOUR
CHANCE TO WIN.
Just answer the
following question:
I like to sing: In my
local choir/chorus; After a pint at the pub;
Only in the shower; I prefer to just listen. Click here to answer.
View official rules.
CONGRATULATIONS:
Judith B. from Yarmouth, MA, was the
winner in our "New Year’s Resolution" early-bird
drawing. Judith received a 5.0 megapixel digital
camera. Judith – we hope you’ll email us your
favorite summer shot!
CONGRATULATIONS:
Susan B. from Bayside, NY, was the
winner in our "Stay in Touch" sweepstakes. She
and a traveling companion will be flying to
Britain on American Airlines and staying for
three nights in one of Wales’ many charming
B&Bs. Siwrne dda Susan! | | |
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