Lesson 1A: The Spell of Wales

Dear Dylan,
I'm writing to tell you that I have found the most wonderful walking trail in Wales: Aberdulais Falls, on the River Neath! I have fallen under its spell completely: it is the most beautiful place I have ever seen. There are a lot of tourists here, but everybody respects the well-known Countryside Code: respect other people, protect the natural environment, enjoy the outdoors and stay safe. The River Neath enters the Bristol Channel at Swansea. We are going there tomorrow. I feel sad to leave this picturesque area, but the coast is beautiful, too.
See you soon,
Eiry X

Dear Dylan,
I am writing from a kind of heaven in the northwest of Wales, feeling totally enchanted. The town that has cast its spell on me is Aberdyfi. Its name is Welsh and means “the mouth of the River Dyfi”. The Dyfi Valley ends in sandy beaches. We went for a walk there yesterday. The whole area is recognised as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Welsh is the first language of many people here, but they switch to English when talking to visitors… Of course, they didn’t have to do it with us: we feel at home among Welsh-speakers. We can't wait to visit Snowdonia National Park tomorrow. Have you ever been there?
Love,
Angharad X

Dear Dylan,
Hello from a paradise on earth! We are hiking in the heart of the Black Mountains. There are some farms nearby, but we have chosen to walk in the wilderness. Don't worry, though, we won't get lost, we have a guide with us! It is so peaceful here, there is nothing that could break the spell. There is a lake, too, Llyn Syfaddan. The views are spectacular.  Since the guide told us that J.R.R. Tolkien had one of these views in mind when he wrote The Hobbit, we have been pretending that we are exploring the Misty Mountains of Middle Earth. We are leaving tomorrow and will be in Cardiff on Tuesday so I hope we can meet up when we're there.
Best,
Llewelyn