Alexander E

In June of 2025, my wife, two kids, and I made a trip to the UK. We are from Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, which is a very small town in Central Pennsylvania. We started our trip in Lydney, England, as that was where a friend was from. We rented a car, spent a few days in that area exploring, and then the second half of the trip was spent exploring northern Wales. 

We drove over a large area. We started in Betws y Coed and spent one night, then we made our way over to Llanrhaeadr ym Mochnant. We used Llanrhaeadr as our base and made day trips to waterfalls, castles, Conwy, Red Wharf Bay, and still felt as if we didn’t get to see enough. We fell in love with Wales. We loved Llanrhaeadr and made every attempt to visit the pubs, local shops and interact with the residents. I wouldn’t say we are your typical travellers; we would much rather stay in a small town and visit the areas the locals frequent rather than get a tourist-saturated feel. 

We strive for authenticity. Wales felt like home, and we loved everything about it. When we got back to the States, I wanted to learn more. I watched videos on History, Traditions, Culture, whatever I could find. I was always aware I had Welsh ancestry, but never knew how prevalent until I told people in the pub my last name was Evans, and they replied you most certainly have Welsh ancestors. I started to research and found out that I can trace my family back to New Radnor, Wales. They came to Pennsylvania in the 1600’s. It was so interesting, and I wanted more to understand my Welsh heritage. Call it genealogical or just by circumstance, but Wales made me so happy, and it was fitting that I had a direct family line to the country. 

I wanted to feel connected, but it was very hard being so far away. In my research, I came across so much information about the Welsh language and how it is making a comeback after campaigns of suppression. I decided the best way to pay tribute and learn about my ancestors’ culture, if I couldn’t be there, would be to learn the language. I would love to live there, but it just isn’t currently in the cards, so this will have to do. It has been a great experience and a challenge. The only other language I can speak is English. SaySomethinginWelsh is great, it allows me to practice on the go with the phone, and you have access to so many people who are more than willing to help. 

I hope to get to know everyone better and utilise the forum to find other people to chat with and expand my fluency. Currently, I am still in the beginning stages, but what I can say to the whole team at SSIW and everyone so helpful is Diolch yn fawr iawn!