North Wales: Snowdonia and Scones

I joined the international society here which is a program offered to international students at all Manchester Universities, Weekend trips are offered throughout this semester to different cities in the United Kingdom.

On Sunday I boarded a bus to Wales. Unable to find anyone else I knew also interested in going, I went anyways. I don't regret the decision of going on my own. It lended the opportunity to meet people I may have not otherwise. The day started with a bus ride to the Snowdonia National Park. I met other exchange students on the bus ride and continued to get to know some throughout the trip. We took a train ride up the mountain to the summit. We had a short time to enjoy the views from on top of the mountain and lucky enough for us it was a perfectly clear and sunny day. Many visitors choose to take the hike, which I would have probably prefered had their been enough time. The air was so clean and crisp, colors vibrant and landscape different than anything I have seen before.

The second part entailed visiting the touristy town of Betws-y-coed. The architecture seemed very unified and many shops aimed to appeal to tourists. So many tourists. I spent my time there with two students from Germany, Julia and Mira. We had good conversation over tea and scones at a quaint restaurant. That was a highlight.

I look forward to taking advantage of other trips offered by the international society. Well worth the money and a great opportunity, again, to meet people from different parts of the world.