Journey with me to the land of castles and dragons, a land of beauty, rich in history and culture. Wales--the land of princesses and fairy tales--a place I called home for three extraordinary years.

Armchair travelers can explore the countryside and even order brochures. Download a free screensaver to savor the images of Wales. National emblems to lovespoons, Welsh symbols are explained. An interesting tidbit: Royal brides' wedding bands are made from rare Welsh gold, highly valued since ancient times. Check out the Prince of Wales Feathers while you're there.

The British Monarchy

Ever wondered why the Queen keeps corgis or which Monarch last fought in a battle? Royal watchers can find these answers, review Royal biographies, or download the Royal family tree.

Follow the history of the Monarchy into the present. Before leaving, sign the book of condolences. Information about Princess Diana's memorial fund is available as well.

Welsh Castles Page

An excellent pictorial site with two to 12 photos of each castle. CADW Welsh Historic Monuments are included in the photo tour. Historical essays, castle terminology, and a Frequently Asked Questions list (FAQ) about Wales make this a great reference spot.

West Wales Web

Catch today's news of Wales. View the West Wales Photo Album and visit more than a dozen historic towns and villages. Line up special interest holidays and accommodations; track train schedules or find alternate transportation. Link into Welsh language and culture sites such as Celtic mythology and the newsgroup soc.culture.welsh.

Pembrokeshire Coast National Park

With a neat Kids Corner, great graphics and animation, this searchable site focuses on Britain's only coastal-based National Park. The 186-mile coastal path is divided into 14 "day walks." Information on beaches, park services, national trails, and UK parks is a click away.

Publications--available for a small fee--provide detailed trail information. A list of Youth Hostels, local restaurants and accommodations completes hikers' needs.

Network Wales

Expand your skills at the Cardiff Juggling & Circus website, volunteer for clinical trials at the Common Cold Center, go potholing in North Wales, search the diving wreck database, or track rugby and cricket scores. This comprehensive site links visitors with every aspect of Wales. Property, education, arts, current affairs, jobs training, government, tourism, business, and society--it's all here!

Britannia Internet Magazine: Wales

Part of Britannia Internet Magazine, this searchable site covers "Wisdom of the Welsh" --colorful proverbs, folk sayings, and expressions, and cultural traditions. These traditions include: the Eisteddfod (Cultural Competition), the Nosen Lawen (Merry Night), and the Cymanfa Ganu (hymn singing).

Closer to home, or perhaps not! The Friends of Wales, an American site with genealogical and travel information plus exchange rates. Locate Welsh societies in the US; subscribe to Welsh-American newspapers or the Wales Netline newsletter. Scan the list of famous Welsh-Americans. Learn Cymraeg (Welsh). Have a hankering for Welsh goodies? Books, videos, music, gifts, or food--mail order to the rescue!

Hotel-Wales

Ready to pack your bags? If so, first stop at this index of accommodations in Wales. Search for the perfect hotel by geographic area. Only hotels accredited by the Wales Tourist Board are listed. Don't miss the useful links --tour the Museums & Galleries of Wales and Walking in Snowdonia before leaving.

I hope you've enjoyed this virtual journey of Wales. Dymuniadau gorau! (Best wishes!)