And here is my first blog! What a wonderful Festival this has been for all of us. Neil and I feel like we've come home again and it is incredible how we pick up with all our friends here just as though we'd only been away a moment and not two years. As you have no doubt already gathered, our trip didn't begin so smoothly but I promise you that contrary to popular belief, Mr M. and I didn't come to blows on our extended trek! The opening ceremony was magnificent and full of emotion - I think we did the Welsh anthem proud - we certainly sang with some hwyl. And then a real treat - excerpts from "The Full Monty" to begin the Festival which has opened my eyes to friends old and new! The opening play was "Jeux des Massacre" from Les Aragnees du Boui Boui which was superb and set the standard for all of us. Then the day of our performance dawned and with it the break in the weather that had been promised - out came the sun and on came the Welsh. I really enjoyed the performance itself, despite a slight hitch involving a breeze, an uncooperative candle and a few more verses of a song than anticipated but hey ho that's the magic of live theatre. The standing ovation we received was a heart-warming moment and brought a lump to our throats - happy day. And so to The Dr J.C. Wickwire school for our visit on Friday - a hall full of very well-behaved youngsters and our presentation of life in Wales with a live web-link back to Blackwood Primary school who have begun a partnership programme with the Wickwire. Lily Jones, Sarah's daughter was the presenter of two short films and her "Lilycam" was such fun as she introduced her school. With the "official" duties out of the way, we could relax and enjoy the other performances and this we have done, seeing some wonderful theatre, proving that language is no barrier to great art. Saturday we gratefully accepted the offer of a trip to Coffin Island to blow the cobwebs away - and that we did! Fresh lobster on the menu, fun and games and the birth of "Shelley World" which will comprise "Shellyisms" which I have dutifully been recording and will share with the world when I think the world is ready for them! We got soaked on the way back - the sea being a little "choppy" but that just added to the fun. Last evening the Gala was the chance to put on the glad rags and look glamorous and we had a fantastic time with lovely food and a live band. Today, Sunday, is the last official day of the Festival and the closing ceremony tonight is sure to be emotional. So our thoughts begin to turn toward home but we've a couple of days to go yet and a few more memories to create!
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