6.50£ return to beauty

Described as a "lovely ugly city" by one of its most famous citizen, Dylan Thomas, Swansea is surely lovely, and definetely not ugly. Although that description referred to the city centre of the town, which, at that time, did not have a Walkabout, a Subway, a Primarkt, an Oceana and a Burger King. There was nothing, basically.

Nowadays, progress and globalization have brought all those things to the seaside second biggest city in Wales, plus some nice bakeries and shops. If the wandering tourist is lucky enough, as we were, to enjoy climate change and find an unusual bright and warm day in the middle of the Welsh winter, the city would leave a shining memory in his heart which would be difficult to forget.

Leaving the train station behind, you can find the ruins of the 13th century Swansea castle in the crossroad connecting two main roads. The castle, closed to the public for safety reasons, is enclosed in a modern square decorated with fountains and green aisles. Surrounded by big buildings and skyscrapers, it embodies centuries of historical change and development. A beautiful clash in times.

Once at the harbour you will be hungry! it is, then, a good idea to have something to eat in one of the cafès under the arches, while sitting on a table outside close to the water, watching the boats sleeping at the docks. As Dylan Thomas once said, "the water goes to the water".

After a chicken tikka or mexican chicken sandwich, it is time for coffee. The best place to have a coffee and a beautiful view in Swansea is just five minutes away from the arches where you just have had lunch. The high skyscraper on the right, at the 27th floor, has a cosy cafè with a precious view on both sides, the harbour on one and the beach on the other. Still hungry? Help yourself to some oyster, it is just 2.50£ each.

Note: good coffee.

A long walk on the beach, taking advantage of the low tide. Find yourself in the quietness and pay attention to the hundres of tiny shells half buried in the sand. I personally suggest, if you have an Mp3 player at hand, to use a specific soundtrack now: Cowgirl in the Sand by Neil Young, and Oceans by Pearl Jam. Or, simply, listen to the seagulls, they will tell you many sad stories about sailors and beaches. 

Stay for some time more, until the sun starts to set. It is worth it.

While walking back to the station to leave this lovely lovely city, chew on one of Dylan Thomas most known quotations:

An alcoholic is someone you don't like, who drinks as much as you do.

He probably knew the Live Lounge on thursday night, and its infamous Californian wine.