The 4th of July in Swansea?
Isn’t that the wrong country? (Although it did prove a nifty way to gain independence from England.)
Well yes, but it’s not quite the same thing. Swansea is holding their second annual “Independents Day” on the 4th of July and I doubt you’ll see many participants tossing tea in the bay; especially considering they’re likely the ones selling the stuff.
The event is actually a way to celebrate the merchants of Swansea, their contributions to the city and get people down to visit the city centre. Well, let’s be honest, it’s a way to get people to go shopping down in the city centre.
But that’s OK, given a choice and the ability, I’d rather shop locally anyway than give my money to a big conglomerate like Tesco.
Stori yn Gymraeg
Story in English
June 19th, 2007 at 10:53 am
Well, as a Welsh-American studying in Wales I will go, just because it’s seems like it will be nice and unusual to feel welcome.
Generally, it’s difficult to feel proud or welcome as an American any more in Europe, post-Bush, post-Iraq.
I think the folks in Swansea have a very good idea to get alot of free publicity, because if they exploit the angle of being a place in Europe that actually CELEBRATES America, they could catch some free press.
Nice blog and good writing, Arwen. Hwyl fawr, Marc Miami
June 19th, 2007 at 11:05 am
Diolch yn fawr, Mark! That’s kind of you to say. I enjoying writing and, of course, Swansea is one of my favorite places on earth. They are definitely working toward increasing the tourist trade which I think is a really good thing as industry in the area doesn’t seem to pay too well. I rather think Wales in general, is losing a lot of her native sons because of employment issues.
Normally I’m not someone who encourages rampant growth because I think it can ruin a place, something I’ve seen happen all too often here in California. But considering the path they’ve chosen, I think it will preserve the beautiful area and habitat that they have. Sadly we seem to be going in the opposite direction in this country. :O(