WalesOnline Magazine Lifestyle Blog

London The City of Helpfulness

2014-07-18T20:44:13Z

I arrived at Paddington Station flustered and worried as I had to get to St Pancras I knew I had to find the circle line but had no idea as to what direction to follow. I found a man dressed in the uniform of British Rail but instead of pointing out the direction to me he actually walked me the length of the platform to show me the way. I thanked him profusely, maybe this London adventure wouldn't be so bad after all.
I know the youngsters have smart phones that flag up maps and guide them to within 100 yards of their destination but I am ashamed to say I am unable to operate one and also my mobile phone is antique!
The result of my lack of information usually left me on the platform looking at signs banefully, on one such occasion a gentleman asked me "would you like some help with your bag?" My suitcase was quite heavy and as he approached me I realized that I had to carry it up a steep set of stairs. I accepted gratefully, how kind I thought, people in London are supposed to be in too much of a rush to assist others and here was this gorgeous young man bounding up the stairs with my case.
The next day I asked a man sitting to my left on the underground if he knew which way I had to go when I got off the tube to get to Paddington. He explained and then told me he was getting off there too and HE offered to carry my bag too. The generosity and kindness of commuters in London was wonderful, it made me feel so happy.
I suddenly felt old, did the people that offered to help me view me as a doddery old woman. I put the question to my daughter "Of course not mam, they saw someone 'hot?'" she explained. That made me laugh and made me feel ever so much better.

Glastonbury Friends.

2014-07-06T19:28:13Z

I arrived a week early for the Festival, I was working the pre-festival shifts. On arrival I bumped into 'Phil', we had camped near each other at previous festivals "This isn't going to be as bad as I predicted," I thought to myself. My first shift began that evening, half way through I got talking to a lady my age called 'Sue' and found that she too was on her own and shortly afterwards it conspired that another girl 'Helen' was solo too. We made a pact there and then to stick together and enjoy the festival.
We completed our shifts rested up and set out to explore the site. We found we had lots in common as we drifted in and out of the comedy tent and circus tent. Of course our high light was watching the amazing 'Dolly Parten' on the pyramid stage. Sharing the white wine with my friends under the blue sky listening to Dolly was just what I needed to do on a lovely Sunday afternoon. How could I have considered not going just because I was on my own?

Having a laugh in the sunshine in Glastonbury.

Cor Bro Ogwr together with London Welsh Chorale

2014-07-06T19:21:54Z

I have been a member of Cor Bro Ogwr for a year but nothing prepared me for the magnificent concert they performed in Porthcawl, conducted by Edward-Rhys Harry. As I was on my own I managed to secure a seat right in the front by "The British Sinfonietta" I have enjoyed rehearsing the pieces and I was keen to hear them sung with the orchestra.
I was listening to "The Armed Man" drifting off in a little reverie when the drummer hit the drum causing it to vibrate like an explosion throughout the church. I leapt up off my seat and grabbed the man sitting next to me, my other arm flying out across the chest of the unfortunate person sitting to my right. Summing up the situation quickly I burst into the giggles at my stupidity, surely to goodness I wasn't the only one to get the fright of a lifetime?
The Baglan Primary School Choir were a credit to their school sitting quietly throughout the first half waiting patiently for their contribution to "Saint Teilo" Their voices strong and confident and faces full of concentration.
The Rt. Hon Carwyn Jones was the narrator of Saint Teilo it was splendid to see him taking part and enjoying the experience becoming part of the choir for the evening.
It was the last concert as musical director for Edward-Rhys Harry, I for one will miss the sense of humour he brought to rehearsals, his love for music is contagious. The choir had a standing ovation by a very appreciative audience and Edward conducted a very rousing "Mae hen wlad fy nhadau" to end the proceedings.

Glastonbury Festival.

2014-06-19T22:18:50Z

This year I am off to Glastonbury on my own. In the past I have always been surrounded by family and friends but this year, tickets were scarce and I am the only one able to get in.
It will be strange shopping for one. I can remember breaking down en route one year as the car was packed so full of beer and goodies the clutch gave out. I had to be towed into the festival, that's determination for you!
I am working with a good team, for years I have volunteered with Oxfam, we raise over a million pounds working 8 and 9 hour shifts. It is a wonderful feeling completing your shifts and enjoying the festival knowing that you are contributing to good causes whilst having the time of your life.

So what is this reviewing business about?

2014-05-27T10:07:46Z

Reviewers can do one of two things: they can live in an ivory tower and write their articles then move on to their next gig or they can welcome and respond to the feedback their reviews generate.
Sadly, not only is the former the norm but it is also seen as some sort of mark of importance, rising above engaging with the unwashed public, as if they know it all. These can also be the reviewers who seem to write for themselves or one another with little regard for the audience that attended the same performance and, frankly, their newspaper, magazine or blog readers or their listeners.
So, I have made a resolution that from now on I will put all my reviews on twitter - or at least the links to them - and as long as responses I receive are polite and informed (as I hope my reviews are) - I will happily chat about what I have said, listen to their views and hey, maybe even change my mind.
I have been encouraged to this by response to my not exactly glowing review of Welsh National Opera's production of Moses und Aron. Most people seem to have discerned it was the production not the singing nor the orchestra playing that I received my thumbs down. Some have said the performance deserved more than three stars. Well, I justify this by saying this was not a concert performance, it was an evening of opera: musical theatre. I rated the singing and orchestra 4 or 5 stars and the production 1 or 2 stars. The average was then 3 or 3.5. I am afraid The Western Mail does not do half sizes.
If the music and singing is more important to you than the production I am sure you would have given it a higher rating and vice versa if the production is your thing.
Also, of course, reviewing is totally subjective and as long as the comments are substantiated and facts are accurate, the reviewer must be allowed to say what he or she thinks. A review has to give the reviewer's opinion and there are too many bland pieces of so called artistic criticism that is barely an account of a plot and cast list. I even read one opera review that didn't even mention singing.
I once had an irate singer send me offensive emails about my criticisms of a production (note production, not singing) and I foolishly responded, politely of course, but that just brought more insults. So I will not be indulging in any such exchanges.
It is also vital we have well informed reviews appearing where as many people as possible will see them, as naturally the marketing department of opera companies (and any other for that matter) aren't likely to put anything but glowing praise for their latest offerings in their own sites. I have seen some shows totally panned but a few selected words or one or two favourable sentences plucked from the morass of negativity.
So please keep reading reviews and also please join in the conversation.

Servas International.

2014-05-24T15:29:06Z

I had a call from out of the blue the other day. It was Jill from Australia asking if I would be able to put her up for two nights. I have been a member of 'Servas International' for over 4 years and this was the first time I had been contacted with a request to stay. I have used the organization when I have gone on holiday and stayed with a number of Servas hosts so i was pleased to be given the opportunity to reciprocate their kindness.
Jill turned up with a full list of places she would like to see. I told her the most important place in the whole of Wales (in my opinion) was St. Fagans. We woke up early the following morning, and made our way to the location. I was proud to show her around the old buildings. The curators were very obliging with her questions, even when Jill disputed the date the micro wave had been introduced into Britain! It poured with rain for her entire visit to St. Fagans but that didn't dampen her enthusiasm.
We left and dropped in on Dyffryn Gardens. And blow me down an episode of 'Dr. Who' was being filmed there much to Jill's delight her son has been an avid fan of the series since his child hood.
I told Jill if she hadn't visited me I would have sat in the house looking forlornly at the pouring rain but because she needed to look around I made an effort to go out and brave the elements in what turned out to be an exciting couple of days with fantastic travelling companion. I am sure Jill won't mind if I tell you that at the age of 60 she is travelling around the U.K. and Europe as a solo traveller using 'Servas'

Broadlands Family Fun Day.

2014-05-04T08:12:27Z

Well, they pulled it off again and this year the sun shone on this brilliant event! Incredibly visitors had to pay just £1 on the gate for oodles of amazing entertainment. There was something for everyone as the local community pulled together to showcase their dancing groups, singing groups, bands and solo artists.
Kids were given sword fencing lessons in the ring alongside a falconry display of beautiful birds. The old fashioned helter skelter beckoned alongside the bouncy castle and the bouncy slide and if they got fed up of that they were encouraged to have a go at the trampolines. The really courageous abseiled a cliff. A colourful clown mingled in the crowd offering balloon creations and a puppet show kept the children mesmerized. The adults meandered through the diverse crafty stalls buying up home made products from local people.
The Community spirit is alive and well on the Broadlands Estate, Bridgend over 1,500 people attended the event and you can be reassured every one of them found something to enjoy on that lovely family day in the sunshine.

Eat with a local goes Italian.

2014-04-19T07:29:25Z

Rome is brimming with places to eat but you won't find a more interesting tasty place to explore the culinary delights of the country than that offered by eatwithalocal.com host Tiziano, this is what he says.....

Forget about the touristic menu you get in town. That is only low quality food for foreigners who do not know the real Italian food. True enough price are affordable for some but wonder where Romans eat...not there, not in those cheap places...

So for those who are food lovers and want to experience the Italian cooking, I give you the chance to understand genuine Italian culture by taking you to a real Italian home and show you what, how, and when locals eat. You can learn how they prepare food, cook pasta, the effort of making a delicious sauce, teach you how to make real espresso coffee, and let you taste Italian wine and liquors.

I can lend you my home for this happening and have 4 places available. My Mum, the best chef, would be pleased to show you some of her cooking tricks. The menu is not fixed as it really depends on what fresh is available on the market and also she likes to cook based on her mood and heart.

However, the dinner would consist in three delicious courses, wine, water, coffee and liquors. All that in Italian style with homemade food (not ready one).

I can come to pick you up outside Battistini line A subway station at 5 pm. Then we reach my place for dinner. After the meal I will take you back to the subway station by car.

Price per person: 35.00 Euro

Visiting Rome? Don't miss out on this brilliant opportunity!

Mamgu's Day Out.

2014-03-26T16:35:58Z

I took my three grand children to the park today, it was full of other Grannies and Grand Dads looking after their little ones. The teacher's strike brought us all out of the wood work. Thank goodness the weather was dry and believe it or not the sun was out. Little Florence was playing happily with her class mates from school, it was just like a school outing but without the teachers.
My thoughts strayed to the poor parents who didn't have a support network of grannies and grand dads to call on in time of emergencies. I am so lucky to have mine living on my doorstep.

Tony Benn in the Glastonbury Festival.

2014-03-15T00:10:57Z

I felt very sad today when I heard that Tony Benn had died. I remember seeing him in a marquee in The Glastonbury Festival. After his talk he asked if anyone had anything they wanted to ask him. An old naked woman stood up to my right and he acknowledged her question without batting an eyelid. I haven't got a clue what she asked or what she said I couldn't get over the fact that she was butt naked. What a trooper, what a man.

Eat with a Local welcomes Host 3.000

2014-03-12T09:18:51Z

I was absolutely thrilled to welcome host 'Brin' from Amarillo, U.S.A. to the site last night. As host member 3.000 I was able to give her the news that she was our winner of £25! When I started the site with a couple of hundred members I could never have imagined that I would be welcoming someone from America with members in the thousands! I am thrilled to bits. Also Brin is offering to cook for 'free' a choice of a mid-day meal or an evening meal so she has stuck to the ethos of the site cooking for nothing and hoping to find a reciprocal host in New York shortly. She is an adventurous cook and open to suggestions of new recipes.
Brin has found a host in New York who is a 'food writer' she joined because she thought it would give her the opportunity to see New York from their point of view and she hopes to use EatWithaLocal on future trips.

Kerfuffle in Asda.

2014-03-08T09:06:25Z

I wasn't feeling quite up to par when I was waiting in the queue in Asda to return some milk that had gone off before the sell by date on the bottle. The lady in front had a query that sent the customer service person off on a walk. "Where is he going" I queried hoping it wasn't going to be taking long. "Oh, he has gone to check the price on something" she said "I have been overcharged by twelve pounds" "Twelve pounds" I echoed "How on earth did that happen" "I happens all the time" she continued "I always check my bill because Its been wrong, my daughter was the one who told me about it, she said always check your bill mam, and since then I have found lots of mistakes" I couldn't answer her because the guy had returned to the counter. "You have been charged seven pounds too much, I am very sorry madam" he explained politely. He tapped something into the till and returned the lady's change. Without saying another word she walked away. "Hang on a minute" I heard myself saying "What are you going to do about all the people who have bought the same items and have been overcharged?" "People do check their bills madam" he said "I will be bringing it to the attention of the manager" I wasn't going to settle for that so I continued "What about the people like me who actually trust the store and don't check their bills?" My voice may have been raised as I was very upset, I had no issue with the customer service man I just needed a satisfactory answer to my question. With that the assistant selling cigarettes strode over and said "Don't take it out on him, call management madam, it is not his fault" "I wasn't taking it out on him I was just asking him a question. I have no argument with him" I answered. The people behind me started to take umbridge "Don't you talk to her like that" a big man bellowed "You are supposed to be representing Asdas as customer service" A woman to the side of him put her five pence into the fray "I can't believe you overcharge regularly, I never check my bill, I am going to take this all the way" The assistant apparently said to his new customer "I am sorry about that madam" If he did "Did you hear him, he is sorry about THAT....we are 'THAT' now" I must admit I didn't hear him.
"Oh, dear" I thought this was getting out of hand. I lowered my voice and told the man serving me I had no problem with him. I had had a dreadful day and didn't want to hang around waiting for the Manager. I looked behind me and could see that the rest of the queue were more than capable of dealing with the matter. I took my receipt my fresh bottle of milk and sidled away. I felt sorry for the guy who served me, he was reasonable and efficient, if his colleague had not stepped in with a confrontational manner, the matter would not have escalated out of hand. And I suppose if I didn't have a booming voice that reached to the back of the queue other customers wouldn't have joined in the complaint.
Everyone scan your bill at the check out, apparently they are invariable incorrect and you could be losing quite a chunk of your precious money to the very rich supermarkets. They are particularly good at not sticking to the offers displayed, I gleaned this information from the lady in front of me who had her £7 overcharge returned.

Billy No Mates.

2014-03-01T14:39:17Z

I have volunteered to be an Oxfam Steward in the Glastonbury festival this year. My decision was tinged with sadness as usually I meet up with my family after my shifts. Unfortunately, they are tied down with new babies or unable to get tickets. You are never alone in the festival there is always someone around to chat to, in the old days, before mobile phones, you would get separated from your pals and make new ones whilst trying to find the ones you lost. Those were the days BMF (before mobile phones) I struggle trying to have a conversation with my kids when I see them, I look up and there they are fiddling with those contraptions as if their lives depended on it.
Will I be 'Billy no Mates?' I am willing to take the chance, life is too short to wonder 'what if....'

Cannibalism - Eat with a Local.

2014-02-20T15:51:51Z

I was interviewed by Danny Kelly for the BBC West Midlands today. One of his first questions was "Who would you like to meet" at least that is what I mistakenly thought that he said, what he really enquired was "What would you like to eat" to which I replied "Nice friendly, humorous people" He carried on like the true professional that he is "Faggots and peas, nice greasy chips" Surprisingly, we were not inundated with new hosts after the show, just one brave lady called "Nikki" joined up.
This last week I have been amazed by the number of new members that have joined, China, America, Burma it seems the site is catching on like wildfire. It is still free to sign up and use, and it is a wonderful way of getting to know the culture of a country, meeting and eating with the local people. Food is a universal language and breaks down all barriers.

Wedding reception in my kitchen!

2013-12-23T08:52:43Z

I know that I started www.eatwithalocal.com with a view to visitors being entertained locally in family kitchens, but little did I realize that one day I would be hosting a wedding reception in MY kitchen!
My daughter Martha is getting married Christmas Eve and to cut down on costs she asked if the guests could come back to my house to eat. I thought for precisely two seconds and said "Yes"
How romantic! A wedding on Christmas Eve. I am making a chilli and rice. The groom's mother is arranging a cornbeef pie and home made wedding cake, everything is coming together nicely. Of course they have predicted the worse weather EVER! But the sun will be shining in my kitchen.