With a land mass a bit larger than the size of New Jersey, ancient Wales has a burgeoning population of 3.1 million. Wales is known for its grazing grasses, moors, King Arthur & Camelot, the infamous literary "cywydd metre"(elegies & eulogies), the William Morgan 1588 Bible, "The Bard" 1774, the Prince of Wales, Welsh choirs, popular Portmerion pottery, the famous Tintern Abbey 1131, the Battle of Hastings 1066, Cambrian mountains, Pembrokeshire wild horses, many famous Church choirs and glee clubs, and Welsh Rugby.
Famous actors and artists include: Catherine Zeta-Jones, Anthony Hopkins, Richard Burton, Dylan Thomas, and Tom Jones! Movies and TV include "How Green Was My Valley", "Dr. Who", "BBC Sherlock Holmes", "Torchwood" and "Third Star", starring Benedict Cumberbatch.
Natural resources in Wales are coal, slate, iron, limestone, wool and many metals & minerals. Wales grows barley, oats, dairy, hay, potatoes, turnips, and of course, cows & sheep graze on the vast and lush yet rough grazing grasses. The Capital of Wales is Cardiff which is an ancient and quaint yet sophisticated city, and a cultural & media center. GDP per capita is about $30,000 USD. The weather is cold, foggy and wet. Average temperatures are 40-70 degrees F., so when packing, best to layer.
Dress code is casual chic. For any means of travel, a thin wool Pashmina is worth its weight in gold, as is a light weight travel rain coat with hood. Navy or black is best because it blends into any city scape, can be easily dressed up, and can mix and match with jewel tones or beige. Comfortable black walking shoes and black clothing may be boring but it makes you look thinner for those travel photographs!
When out and about, please use your 'magic words' ('Thank You", "Please", "May I", and "You're Welcome') and be quiet and reserved. No hand gestures. Don't rub your nose (means 'rub your nose in it"). Don't put your hands in your pockets. Do not eat or drink while walking down a public street, or in a taxi or bus. Eating & drinking in public is considered rude.
Some helpful Welsh catch phrases: Hello = 'S'mae', Good Morning = 'Bore da', Thank You = 'Diolch o gallon', and Goodnight = 'Nosda'. Do NOT say "pants" as these are underpants. Say trousers or slacks.
Hand shaking is 2 firm shakes, then down. Eye contact is to look someone square in the eyes and smile. Do not stare. Introductions are more 'old world': "How do you do?" and stand. Women extend their hand out first. Welsh demeanor is reserved, quiet, very polite and courteous. Private.
At the Pub: Men order a "pint." Women order a "half-pint." Over 28 famous Welsh beers available. Study up on which beer you'd like to order!
Welsh cuisine is famous for Welsh rarebit (don't worry, there is NO rabbit on the rarebit, just cheese), Glamorgan sausage, Bar birth, mutton and lamb stew or 'cawl', Conwy mussels, leeks, Sewin (trout) and samphire (greens), laverbread (Welshman's caviar), and crempogs (cakes). A Century old tradition for the miners, is a half moon shaped pastry consisting of a meal in a pocket called a "Pastie." It is layers of pork or beef, potato, vegetables, onion, and jam at the base. The "Pastie" was made by wives of miners to put in their lunch box and eaten mid-day, as the miners did not come up from the mine until the end of the day. Try one! They are a treat!
Table manners include Continental dining only, using your finest and most formal manners. Tipping is 10-12% as servers are paid a "living wage." Leave an extra 5-10% cash on the table (or hand it to the server) if the service is excellent. If you attend a dinner party, it is tradition that couples do not sit next to each other.
Take registered Taxi's only (Black Cab). It is customary to round up to the nearest GBP (Great British Pound). Tip the Porter 1-2 GBP per bag. Tip the maid 5-10GBP per weekend, 15-25 GBP per week. Tip room service 15%.
St. David is the Patron Saint of Wales and St. David's Day is March 1st, so many establishments and businesses may be closed.
Remember: the Welsh are very private and to themselves. Be respectful.
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