Just wanted to share this because I thought of all the threads where people have mentioned they are nervous of speaking in Welsh, and thought that as it doesn’t get much worse than this you never need to worry again!
I spent the weekend in Aberdaron. Mrs a-jay and family are now used to me insisting on speaking to everyone in Welsh. The day started well… we went for a coffee in the rebuilt bakery in Aberdaron (worth a visit as very smart and friendly). The man behind the counter spoke to me in English’ I answered back in Welsh. He apologised and said he thought I was English (which I am). I knew what he meant so I was buoyed by the back-handed compliment! We had a good chat about why I was learning etc.
We then visited Porth y Swnt , the National Trust Visitor Centre in the village. I have done the audio tour fairly often so this time I asked for it in Welsh. I understood about half and was pleased. When we were leaving I had a lovely chat with the National Trust lady. My son is also really trying to learn and he had the confidence to say hello in Welsh too.
I left the centre on a ‘high’, perhaps dangerously so…… In the middle of the car park was the Plaid Cymru election candidates ‘Battle Bus’, the candidate and her entourage…. Mrs a-jay sensed danger… and retreated to the car … I marched across the Car Park thinking, “If I can talk Welsh to the ex-MP of the area then I have pretty much nailed this.
I shook her hand warmly and explained I was a learner… I then proceeded to tell her where I was from and that I didn’t like the English!!! At least I think that is what I said…. I am pretty sure it is what I said…. :-S
I had meant to explain that I was learning because when I first visited the area I had felt sad that I was hearing so much English (amongst other things), and that it was the final push I needed to start.
She remained calm and gracious in spite of me rambling like an idiot; reached into her car, gave me an election leaflet and told me she was originally from London…… :-s By now I was desperately trying to think my way out of the mess but it too late. We shook hands and she got into the car and I left very red-faced.
What did I learn ….?
- The prospective candidate for the area is a lovely lady from London.
- I shouldn’t tell people I don’t like the English when it is not true!
- Pride comes before a fall!
- Look before you leap!
On Sunday, I decided to get ‘back on the bike’ and had some really good conversations when I could have let it put me off; so please don’t worry if you make mistakes, they happen I lived to tell the tale…
If anyone on the forum knows Liz Saville Roberts please tell her from me that I am not a lunatic, and I most definitely do like the English!!!