Book Review: The Nomad En Suite by Stephen Reynolds

This is the third of Reynolds' books about his walking trips following from his travels on the South West Coast Path and the West Highland Way. Reynolds' funny writing, clear enjoyment in walking and my own love of nature were a big inspiration in my adding "Walk the Wales Coastal Path" to my bucket list, …

Book Review: Trailing Clouds of Glory by Nick Burnell

During the glorious summer of 2016 when Wales progressed to the semi-finals of the European Championships much was made of the fact that it was Wales' first showing in a major international tournament since 1958, when a Pele goal knocked Wales out in the quarter finals of the World Cup. For Welsh fans like me, …

Disney Classics #25: The Black Cauldron

I'm not sure if I ever saw this as a kid. It wasn't released on home video until the late '90s, but I might have caught it on TV, but it didn't leave much of an impression. The movie was a bit of a disaster for Disney and probably the darkest moment for the animated …

And the Fans Played On: Denmark Vs Wales

After Wales ran wild on Ireland on Thursday night (see here), it would have been easy to get carried away for the second Nations League match. I must admit I did daydream that it would be great if we got back-to-back wins, putting us in a commanding position. But it wouldn't be an easy match, …

Irish Eyes Aren’t Smiling: Wales vs Republic of Ireland

It's been a pretty crappy week for me. Work has been rough, I've been crabby and WoM and I have both been snappy with each other. I thought for sure that the Universe would seize on this opportunity to kick me while I was down. That Wales' first match in the new Nations League would …

The Tattoo I Don’t Regret Not Getting

It's been a long time since I got my first tattoo. I remember it clearly, being nervous as I took my seat, hoping that I wouldn't be such a wimp that I'd cry or have to stop. I hadn't made it easy for myself by choosing a big piece to pop my ink cherry. Thankfully, …

How I learnt to Love Wales and Being Welsh

I think one of the things that would surprise sixteen year old Chris the most is how much thirty-three year old Chris feels about Wales. I wasn't a patriotic kid, and didn't feel any real affection or pride in my Welsh heritage. Welsh was the language of school, and the books we studied there. Sure, …

Book Review: The Binman Chronicles by Neville Southall

Everton and Wales goalkeeping legend Neville Southall's career was winding down when I started watching football. I can remember him doing a decent job for an uninspiring Everton side and playing for Wales quite a few times. But it would only be later that I came to appreciate how successful his career between the posts …

Would You Rather? Part 6: Spam, Porridge and Glass Houses

...would you rather go to jail for 4 years for something you didn't do or get away with something horrible but spend the rest of your life in fear of being caught? This is a pretty tough one, because I have no desire to go to prison. I don't think it's the kind of situation …

Euro 2016 Part 7: Proud

I said I'd cry and I did. Wales' Euro 2016 dream came crashing down in three minutes, as Cristiano Ronaldo and Nani both scored for Portugal. After the first I thought we could get back into it, but the second was a devastating blow and Wales couldn't recover. On the night Portugal were the better team and …