9:00 am. Checked out. Spent a couple of hours in Cheltenham city centre before heading to Cardiff. The high street and esplanades were Saturday busy. Stopped by Clarks and Sketchers for new pair of shoes. It was about time to replace the old ones.
The weather was gloomy and cold; not a good forecast ahead. Rain is expected in Cardiff so sightseeing will be limited today. I walked around and saw Barclay Bank. It was my bank back in Essex and I used to explode once in the bank. I yelled and hurled some words to the bank officer until they all panicked and called the manager. I was mad about a double fees imposed on a money transfer I used to pay for a conference in France. It was ridiculous and I lost about 40 pounds on that transaction. Looking back I feel that I was overreacted as in UK/Europe they always have crazy fees for banking etc. so it was my bad not to look beforehand and find another alternative. I looked at the bank over and over again feeling ridiculous for a simple thing like that. So now I avoid altogether facing people with authority afraid I would explode at their face.
I hate being angry now as I have no energy anymore to deal with the consequences of my action. Right or wrong I would be devastated either way.
As we heading back to the parking lot, we came across “A Masonic Open Day” event and it was free admission. So we went in and gave up our bag and signed in. An old man came over and introduced himself
“Hello, I am John a freemason”, he greeted us pointing at his badge. I was shocked and disbelieved.
“Oh no we are at the wrong event, very,very wrong let’s go!” I panicked and immediately grabbed my wife to leave. I thought it was a heritage event , historical kind of thing and not this freemason movement.
By 1 pm we crossed over the Severn Bridge into Wales. The welsh signages were all over to remind everyone that you are no longer in England. Wished the weather could be more accomodative but at this time of the year what more could you hope for. The queue of traffic going into Cardiff was making me nervous. Would we be able to see Cardiff before the weather get worst? I hope so.
We were at the pier to see what was happening. Not much. But it was okay as being here and feeling the cold breeze coming from the sea is enough of Wales as should be expected. We strolled around this beautiful marine quay and saw the sail boats coming and going; I guess summer fun is hard to let go. Many boats already moored by the quay and seem to be ready for winter hibernation.
There, by the pier, was the Welsh Parliament. I went in and was stripped off by the security. Ironically, I was the only one scrutinised before they let me in. Am I a security threat? dang! these people have no respect for an old man. I was about to explode but held my breath and downgraded it as mere stupidity. What else can you expect from some goonies who still could not get an independent from the British. And we are in the 21st century already, Bro! Nothing to see or learn inside so we left as soon as possible.
