March 1 is the feast day of St. David - the patron saint of Wales. The most famous Welshman in Hawaii was Isaac Davis. From the National Park Service (at this link),
The end of the 1700s was marked by increased visits to the Hawaiian Islands by European explorers. With their trade ships, warships, cannon, and military experience, the foreigners were considered assets by the warring chiefs.
Kamehameha was particularly astute on this point and took captive two young seamen, John Young (Lancaster, England) and Isaac Davis (Pembrokeshire, Wales). Young and Davis proved their courage and loyalty in battle and became close, trusted lieutenants to Kamehameha, aiding in his rise to power. Their relationship lasted far beyond the battlefield and into civilian life, with Young eventually becoming governor on the Island of Hawai'i, and Davis on the island of O'ahu.
In honor of St. David's Day, I share my pictures of Welsh Castles cared by CADW, the guardian of Welsh heritage (at this link).
 The Roman amphitheater at Caerleon  Caerphilly Castle, guarding a town known for its cheese. |
Victorian sink in Castle Coch
The clock tower at Cardiff Castle
Tintern Abbey, founded in 1131 for Cisercian monks
What do you know about Wales? One randomly selected commenter wins a book choice from my convention stash. This giveaway is open to all readers. Comments are open through Saturday, March 2, 10 pm in Hawaii. I'll post the winner on Sunday, March 3.
Mahalo,
Kim in Hawaii
White Castle (sans hamburgers)
I love castles. I saw some from Wales.
ReplyDeleteLove the picture but to be honest I really don't know much about Wales.
ReplyDeleteNot much but goodness I love those castles.
ReplyDeleteNot much unfortunately. Totally ignorant.
ReplyDeleteWhat I know about Wales is that I'd like to visit there! Great photos. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteMy grandparents had friends who were Welsh and came to our family for every holiday and important gathering. Peggy was a wonderful knitter and Hubert was the sweetest man. Peggy taught me to give a toast in Welsh that means 'Good Health to you' - when speaking Welsh there is a lot from the throat - it's spelled 'Iechyd da i chwi' and sound like 'Yuhki die e qui'. You can actually hear how it sounds at this Nasa site - http://voyager.jpl.nasa.gov/spacecraft/languages/welsh.html
ReplyDeleteFrom walking my dog through the neighborhood, I met a woman who lives a few streets over who is from Wales. She has lived here many years now, but always goes back each year to visit home, and I like to hear her stories. She's from a small village there.
ReplyDeleteSadly I know almost nothing about Wales except that it is a beautiful country.
ReplyDeleteThe only thing I know about Wales is what historical romance says :) Apparently anybody who was anybody came from there :)
ReplyDeleteI really don't know much about Wales. I love the Victorian sink and I will have to let my son know it it's St. David's Day!
ReplyDeleteI'm afraid I've never known anyone from there. I do have two dear people with the name David - an uncle and nephew. Loved the pictures but that sink is a little much lol.
ReplyDeleteKnow little about Wales other than what Mary Stewart imparted in her Arthurian books.
ReplyDeleteWhat I know about Wales, is that it's not far from where I was born. I was born in Kington, Herefordshire, which is only 12 miles (20 mins) from Hay on Wye.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous pictures, as always, Kim.
Happy St. David's Day. Don't really know much about Wales.
ReplyDeleteAll I know is that I really need to travel there...great pics Kim. Some day I will see those castle ruins, walk around in them and dream of the people that walked in my footsteps so long ago.
ReplyDeleteI will visit Caerphilly Castle, but only for the cheese :)
I know absolutely nothing about Wales! These are just gorgeous pictures - would love to visit.
ReplyDeleteI know where it is, that it's Celtic, and that the Normans conquered it pretty early on but continued to have a lot of problems with keeping the Welsh under control. Also, all the Welshmen that I've ever heard speak (that I knew were Welsh, anyway) have beautiful voices (e.g., Richard Burton, Tom Jones, and Bryn Terfel)
ReplyDeleteGreat pics, it is England
ReplyDeleteKimh
I know a little & would love to visit Wales.
ReplyDeleteI don't know much about Wales at all other than it's part of the UK & that Ryan Giggs who plays for Manchester United is Welsh :p
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately I have never been to Wales so far, but when I see the pics it is definitely the place to be for me.
ReplyDeleteWhat I know about wales is there is not much difference with the Scots .. Both people were Harassed by the English, The were determined to Survive keeping true to themselves.
ReplyDeleteIt is also a place I would love to visit Someday.
I am reading a wonderful story right now on my kindle A time travel
Prince of wales meets 20th century woman & child. Daughter of time by Sarah Woodbury ( The After Cilmeri Series ) this is the first book I have read & now will be reading more.
Have a good one Ann/alba
The pics are great especially the Clock Tower, amazing. Unfortunately I know nothing about Wales but what I've ever read in my books.
ReplyDeleteCarol L
Lucky4750 (at) aol (dot) com
that Catherine Zeta-Jones is from there
ReplyDeletePrincess Diana wasn't actually from Wales but held the title of Princess of Wales due to her marrying Prince Charles and she was allowed to keep her title after the divorce.
ReplyDeleteI know nothing, only that I'd like to visit :-)
ReplyDeletegoogle 3835
ReplyDeletegoogle 3836
google 3837
google 3838
google 3839
google 3840