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!