Glyn Ceiriog

I had seen some of Maria's blips of this wonderful community centre where she teaches Welsh, but I had not realized how large and exquisitely wrought the windows are till I saw them for myself today. The place has a lively energy and is used for meetings, groups, and classes--and a rich history. At one time it had baths for quarry workers, many of whom did not have home bath tubs. Now most of the quarries have closed, and the workers have tubs, but it is still a hive of activity.

This morning we explored Valle Crucis, the ruins of a 12th century Cistercian monastery; and then Plas Newydd, the home of the Ladies of Llangollen. They filled their home with wood carvings, many of which are of women.