Great Britain: land of inspiration. Part2

Magnificent scenery with imposing cas­tles on just about every vital hill top, a long and colourful history, a country where its Deople have maintained a separate iden­tity, an ancient language and a passion for their song and poetry... this, unquestiona­bly, is Wales.

You'll know you are in a different coun­try as soon as you cross the border from England and see the road signs in English and Welsh. The Welsh word for their coun­try is 'Cymru' meaning 'the land of com­rades'. And it goes without saying that you'll find the Welsh open, friendly, and good at making people welcome.

The Welsh people with a rich and an­cient culture that is instilled in everyday life even today, are famed for their love of po­etry and song. The Welsh gift for singing in harmony is praised worldwide and male choirs can be found almost in every village. The best places to hear their song are at festivals of music, the best known of which is the Eisteddfod.

Yet this is not just a'Land of Song", it is also a land of mountains, a heaven for those invigorated by fresh air and open spaces. The rugged and untamed Snowdonia National Park lies to the north, afa­vourite with walkers and climbers.

Wales is also renowned for its enchant­ing castles. There are more castles to the square mile than in any other country in the world. These mighty fortresses and roman­tic ruins are reminders of historic battles. They were built by Welsh princes as a de­fence from their neighbours, then more castles were constructed by the Normans, and later still the English to keep the fiery Welsh at bay.

Cardiff, the capital of Wales, is a rich tapestry of culture and history. Wherever you walk in this truly cosmopolitan city you will discover art and architecture that echo many ages and ideals. One of the chief glories of the capital is the magnificent Cardiff Castle, started by the Romans, en­hanced by the Normans and lavishly adorned more recently.

If you like impressive castles and nature at its most dramatic, have a love of poetry, song... and British team sports like rugby... Wales will not disappoint you.

Hardly 85 miles from top to bottom, Northern Ireland can be explored in just a week. The delightful variety of Northern Ireland's scenery - blue mountains, forest parks, island-studded lakes, and a spec­tacular coastline - is matched by the coun­try's richly varied cultural inheritance. There are ancient tombs, Celtic crosses, early monasteries, and a range of exciting visitor attractions, which put this heritage into context.

Highlights of the northern coast include the extraordinary volcanic formations of the Giant's Causeway and the oldest licensed whiskey distillery in the world.

Belfast's lively cultural scene, with con­cert halls, theatres and world-class musical entertainment, draws in visitors from all over. The largest arts festival in the whole of Ireland is held in Belfast each November.

Discover the delightful beauty of North­ern Ireland, and you soon realise that this is a country just pretending to be small.

Britain is a land so rich in diversity that it is only the beginning of your journey of dis­covery. But we do hope that it is a pleasant start - and a taste of things to come!