"Drei Träume von Wales"

Name of traveller

Peter Linden (b. 1959)

Reason for travel

• writing for German weekly newspaper Die Zeit

Date of travel

undated, ca. first half of 1997

Allen gemein auf Lleyn ist die Suche nach dem wahren Wales. "Wann hat es Wales jemals gegeben?", diesen Titel gab der Historiker Gwyn Williams seinem 1985 veröffentlichten Geschichtsbuch. Sein Kollege Cyril Perry von der Universität Bangor hat die Fahndung nach einer positiven Definition von Wales fast schon aufgegeben. "Walisisch zu sein heißt, nicht englisch zu sein", sagt er. (Linden n.p.)

Content

• architecture: descriptions of archetectural style of Portmeirion
• language:
  • invisible barrier between tourist towns and Welsh heartland can be heard: Welsh-language stronghold west of Pwllheli
  • Welsh language described as a lively token of the past
  • the last Celtic stronghold
• people:
  
  • Carl Clowes, founder of Nant Gwrtheyrn school and settlement, described as nationalist enthusiast, likened to Dafydd Iwan's (b. 1943) song "Yma o hyd" and ideology of Plaid Cymru
  • reference to architect Clough Williams-Ellis (1883-1978), creator of Portmeirion
• politics:
  • impact of the creation of new government districts
  • dissolution of Dwyfor with immediate consequences on re-opening of pubs on Sunday
• terrain:
  • north-west Wales as the last retreat for excapists, dreamers, and those in search of a true Wales
  • Ll?n Peninsula as a retreat for rebels and language fanatics
  • Ynys Enlli (Bardsey Island) described as the most romantic island in Britain, steeped in legend and pre-modernity
• click here to read the full account

Nationality of traveller

German

Language of publication

German

Gender of traveller

Male

Type of publication

essay; travel guide; travelogue

Citation

Linden, Peter. "Drei Träume von Wales." Die Zeit 25 (13 June 1997): n. p. Print.