Newsletter No.56

March 20th 2006

by Mike Caluan

Welcome to the March edition of the expats newsletter. . .

You could be forgiven for thinking that we are all enjoying the dawn of spring and lolling about in the cafes and pubs of the capital city - but you would be wrong! Here in South Wales we are still in the icy grip of winter, there are cold winds whistling through the towns and snow in the valleys and mountains.

Strange, when you think on this very day last year it was sunny and the temperatures were in the enjoyable low-mid twenties. I know here in Blighty we have a reputation for being obsessed with the weather, it's probably due to the fact that we're island folk. But it is nice to have the sun on your back - it puts a spring in your step.

Well this month sees the end of the Six Nations Championship; let's not talk too much about it. Let's just say well-done Ireland on their Triple Crown success and congratulations to France for winning the Six Nations title, and leave it at that. Being an optimistic Wales fan after the rollercoaster ride of the Welsh team's 2006 performance . . . well there's always next year!

So without further ado here's the latest news from in and around your old backyard.

This month: The Queen opens our highly acclaimed new £67m Senedd. We have a pictorial look at Wales as the snow ushers in St David's Day and new research claims that us Welsh are more patriotic than ever!

Also, top Welsh academics look at plans for a 'Daffodil Island' in Swansea Bay, we take a nostalgic look at Wales' first football playboy and a new Welsh TV documentary looks at Wales' ancient monsters... beware the Teggie!

Finally, Snowdon Rocks! Charlene K. Blackwell of Canada confesses her love for Wales and the allure of Snowdon, and we take a look at the latest list of expats events from around the globe.

So until next month take care, enjoy the expats newsletter.

Don't forget to check out the Expats Changing Wales and Expats Nostalgia sections for regular updates on what's going on.

Keep those articles and stories coming in, let me know what you've been getting up to. You can send them to me at mike.caluan@wme.co.uk

Pob lwc

Mike

Have your say on our messageboard...

New £67m Senedd
Pictorial look at Wales on St David's Day
Welsh are more patriotic than ever!
'Daffodil Island' in Swansea Bay
Wales' first football playboy
Wales' ancient monsters... beware the Teggie
Wales and the allure of Snowdon