Southern Wales

One of the most beautiful, serene places I’ve ever been. It’s elegant, peaceful, noble. A perfect place for codddiwompling (definition:  to travel in a purposeful manner towards a vague destination). In fact, to travel in any other manner would do this exquisite setting an injustice. When you visit, take time to breathe, stand in awe, listen to the silence.

 As for driving in the UK: make sure you’ve exhausted every possible other option before getting behind the wheel. If you must drive, it is absolutely essential you have a very calm, yet very alert, navigator to give specific directions on maneuvering through intersections and roundabouts.

And in case driving on the left is not difficult enough, Wales does not believe in two-lane roads. Most of the county roads are only wide enough for one car, yet you will face oncoming traffic.  Let me just tell you that leaning to one side in the car does not help, though hysterical laughter after close encounters is somehow an incredible stress reliever. Mercifully, the natives know when and how to pull over.

Also, be prepared to feel confused when you return home (to the right side of the road). You may question whether you are driving correctly.  Driving on the left just messes with your brain. Try to avoid driving in a difficult situation for a week or two.