Background: Great Britain, the dominant industrial and maritime power of the 19th century, played a leading role in developing parliamentary democracy and in advancing literature and science. At its zenith, the British Empire stretched over one-fourth of the earth's surface. The first half of the 20th century saw the UK's strength seriously depleted in two World Wars. The second half witnessed the dismantling of the Empire and the UK rebuilding itself into a modern and prosperous European nation. As one of five permanent members of the UN Security Council, a founding member of NATO, and of the Commonwealth, the UK pursues a global approach to foreign policy; it currently is weighing the degree of its integration with continental Europe. A member of the EU, it chose to remain outside the Economic and Monetary Union for the time being. Constitutional reform is also a significant issue in the UK. The Scottish Parliament, the National Assembly for Wales, and the Northern Ireland Assembly were established in 1999, but the latter is suspended due to bickering over the peace process.
June 28th 2008Europe » United Kingdom » Wales » Chepstow June 28, 2008, Saturday
Train from Chepstow to Cardiff
The walk to Chepstow is about 11/2 miles, so off we go to catch the train at 9:27. Cardiff is the official capital of Wales since 1955. ... 8 photos[full story]
June 27th 2008Europe » United Kingdom » Wales » Chepstow Minehead, Somerset, England to Chepstow, Wales
Today we enter Wales! Up early, we were trying to avoid traffic on A 39, but I think we both are finally beginning to get used to driving on the ... 11 photos[full story]
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