My twin brother and I had booked our "dream holiday" to the Galapagod Islands the previous September. I'd had all my holiday jabs and packed my bags. I'd even got as far as Miami and then it all went wrong. Apparently there are volcanoes in Ecuador - I now know this. Apparently, one had erupted shortly before we were due to fly from Miami to Quito. Other airlines flew anyway, citing the risk as marginal, but American Airlines were not willing to take the risk and so our flight was postponed for 18 hours (not cancelled you notice, postponed). As a result, we missed our flight from Quito to the Galapagos Islands, missed the boat and the whole holiday was ruined! Its fair to say there are few things in this world that have broken my heart more - I feel sad just writing this!
We could have made a holiday in Miami or gone onto Ecuador late and tried to do something there, but there was the small matter of money. A holiday to the Galapagos Islands is not cheap and I could not afford to do something else on the spur of the moment unless I knew the insurance company would reimburse me for the ruined holiday. As it turned out, they didn't, so our decision to return to the UK was a wise, if heartbreaking one.
Back in the UK, I felt pretty low. Our parents were very sympathetic, but my father's sympathy quickly turned to pragmatism - what are you going to do instead? I explained my financial position and Dad offered to pay for a holiday for me. Bless him and his generosity. I didn't take him up on the offer, but I did agree with him and so I booked a hotel in Wales and packed up the car and off I went.
No sooner had I made the booking than I started to feel better. As luck would have it, this period coincided with some of the best and hottest weather of the summer, so I was in for beautiful scenery and beautiful weather.
I went to Gwbert, just outside Cardigan. If you ever get the chance do go there, because its a lovely spot. The view from my hotel was of the sea and there lots to see and do nearby. I went to Strumble Head and saw it's lovely lighthouse, not to mention the seals lazing about of the rocks below. The walk along the coastline there is part of the Pembrokeshire Coast Path, a National Trail, and was littered with butterflies during what I understand has been a much needed bumper year for British butterflies.
I took a boat trip from Gwbert, the aim of which was to see dolphins. No such luck on the dolphin front (and I couldn't help but feel that my luck just wasn't in!), but they are wild animals and there is not guarantee you will see them. I did get good views of seals, however, and we ventured into some sea caves too, which was fun.
Views of Carigan Island and the Animal Farm nearby were also very enjoyable, as was my afternoon on the beach at Mwnt.
All in all, it was a lovely trip. Although not what I had been expecting to see, I took my Dad's advice and made the best of a bad situation and there's always another year to see the Galapagos Islands.
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