More Than A Big Pit

      Yesterday my pre-sessional class took a little field trip to some local sights. The first place we stopped was The Big Pit. This is a coal mine that after being shut down was turned into a museum and mine tour. It was really cool putting on the hard hat and light and going down into the coal mines. Walking through the tiny tunnels of the mine gives somewhat of an idea of how harsh the conditions must have been. The mine, the tour, the view, and the displays were all really interesting but the story had to be the most significant part of the experience.
       The conditions in which minors worked to retrieve coal and the number of lives lost in the process were terrible. But what struck a chord in me is the fact that all of this was done for what result? To become a closed mine, just like every other mine in Wales, that was unable to compete with coal production in other parts of the world and was forced to shut down. This not only created unemployment but ended a way of living for an entire region of the country. The once sought after Welsh coal that burnt hotter than all its competitors was now left to sit untouched in countless empty mines who's operations had permanently scarred the landscape of this beautiful region. I guess it just changed what might go through my mind next time I flip a switch or hop a train.
      Alright enough with heavy stuff, on to the next stop (money in my pocket put yo hands up... girl talk lyrics constantly in my brain). The second and final stop of our excursion was was St. Fagan's, an old estate turned into various shops and museums. The actual mansion itself left a bit to be desired, although the huge carved mantle pieces were ridiculous. Somebody in our group *cough* NICK *cough* might have set off an alarm by straying from the desired path, but we were able to get away unscathed. 

      Although the house was a bit disappointing the estate itself was beautiful. There were several gardens, large and small, separated by tall, manicured bushes and stone walls. I particularly liked a little waterfall that fell beside one of the bridges on the walkway. The quality on here doesn't do it justice (you can see a better one on my flickr). 
      Overall the day's adventures were much more fun than I might have expected out of a typical field trip. Now I am looking forward quite a lot to a trip some of us will be taking up to Brecon Beacons to see the water falls there. A post and many more pictures of that sure to come.