Stay-cation

In the 1940s - during the dark days of the war - it was considered unpatriotic to go on holiday. Towns and villages would organise concerts and sports to take people's attention from the desperate situation that faced the nation. Going away on holiday was not really an option. The present age of austerity has prompted more and more people to consider a stay-cation rather than packing the suitcases and forgetting to take out travel insurance. I have a four day break planned for the end of the holidays, but for the most part I'm on a stay-cation, and I rather like it. The weather has been very good, bucking the trend of this dire summer for a few days. Even if it does rain I don't get too upset, but rather head for the shops, or to the conservatory with my book. The cycling in North-East Wales matches anywhere in the UK; I can spend everyday discovering new routes. Within an hour there are countless museums, castles, and galleries to visit; public transport to reach these places is perfectly adequate, and even drive the car sometimes. There are outdoor shows, cinemas, and superb sport on TV, the Olympics being the highlight. Mountain and hill-walks add to the range of activities that I have enjoyed during the first week of my stay-cation. Oh, I even played crown green bowls, if all the rest was not exciting enough. I am sure that to travel is a wonderful thing, but so far I have not been in a traffic jam, or queued through passport control, or paid an outrageous amount for a glass of coke. There is a lot to be said for North Wales in the summer.