Brute Almighty!

Dad and I were in the pits today. Literally and figuratively :-D

We decided to visit a tourist attraction named The Big Pit, which is a natural coal mine and Britain's' largest mining museum, set in South Wales. Leaving Cardiff amidst a flaky and wispy snowfall on a cold Sunday morning, yet aware of the persistent cold conditions elsewhere, we decided to try our luck. Ah, how it failed us.

When we reached Newport, we were shocked to find skimpy bus services to the museum. Alarm bells went ringing off and it would perhaps have been prudent of us to return back. However, not wanting to miss out on the experience, we decided to catch a bus to a town called Blaenavon and thereafter catch a cab to the museum.

We arrived at Blaenavon. And we were stunned. It was nothing more than a ghost town. Set against the backdrop of vast iced plains, here we were in a small sleepy village that offered neither warmth nor directions. And we needed both, desperately.

As we walked past defunct shops and eateries, lined shoulder-to-shoulder on a narrow downhill lane (Which they referred to as City Centre! hmmph) we hoped for signs of life on those morose roads. Stopping by the few mortals who seemed to be trotting in a world of their own, we realised that the best bet was to catch the next bus and return home. Obstinate and defiant that I usually am, this time I thought it was best not to argue.

As we waited for the next bus to rescue us from this eerie town, feeling the cruel cold chill me through my bones and unable to bear the excruciating pain threatening to decapitate my toes and fingers, I realised the infinite power of our nature.

The force with which nature had imposed itself on us and brought us to our knees left me dumbfounded. The ravaging blizzard, the piles of icy snow burying in its wake houses and cars and everything within its sight, the snow blanket that left the vast plains around it devoid of any life, of any warmth, of any hope. The mind-numbing beauty of that ice-maiden showed no signs of clemency and for the first time in my life, the HOSTILITY in nature's temperament became apparent.

These harsh surroundings made me appreciate the grit of people living in these conditions. Braving these sardonic winds, bruised and handicapped by their circumstances, yet with a sliver of hope lurking in those aged eyes, they drudged back and forth to finish what they had set upon to do.

Dad and I escaped that torturous enclave and came home to the safety of our heated paradise. But this experience made us appreciate the value of our sun-kissed lands back in the Gulf and the comforts of our homelands.

It was foolish of us to have ventured so far in these unrelenting climatic conditions. But then again, perhaps not.

See you later!

A hearty welcome!

Ok, so here I am. Amidst the thousands of frantic bloggers who relentlessly sit each day, penning their trials and tribulations, I emerge from the shadows. I believe the blogosphere was waiting for my divine intervention.

Before I begin to sound like a virtual narcissist, let me quickly reinforce that I'm only kidding. I'm not to be taken seriously. My friends will vouch for that. Hmmph.

Anyway, as an international student in Cardiff, I have a many stories to share and this blog is only a way of communicating to you some of life's quirky moments through my eyes. I seek to share with you my opinion on life, its quirks and many of my idiosyncrasies, which you have already sampled with my rather undignified yet grandiose entry. :-D

It's been a good 4 months since I landed in Cardiff and the journey so far has been exhilarating. As a postgraduate student pursuing journalism, with a background in commerce, each day seems like a new day. A new beginning. New ideas, new stories, new people. I am grateful to God and my family who made this possible for me.

The passion of journalism brought me here and neither has this beautiful place and my university disappointed me not have I disappointed myself - yet. That my grades will say otherwise is a different story altogether. Chuckle. (I do have a rather perverse sense of humour which I'm sure you will appreciate in due course of time.)

On a rather serious note, journalism is a serious and challenging profession. But, an immensely rewarding one. Yet replete with perils and paradoxes. It can influence and can drive social , economic and political change. It can bring forces together or throw them apart. It can unearth the truth or bury it alive. It can create defences and break pretenses. It can help resolve an issue or create a potential Frankenstein's monster.

Its an enchanting profession and I'm here to create my own space. Hopefully, I'll enjoy your company along the way!

That's a bit for a start and now I'm running to meet my father who has come to visit me!

Adios and God bless!