Hello/Gidday/Shwmae
I belong to a strange tribe of mutts – I am not one thing nor another, and had a nomadic upbringing. If you put a gun to my head I would say I am Welsh, and I do feel at home when I go back to the Mother Country, which I don’t do often enough.
I was born and brought up in New Zealand, but with two VERY Welsh parents (there is nobody more Welsh than a Welsh person who is 12,000 miles from home), have lived in Wales, but now live in England with an English husband and a crew of Baby Bees (all born in London) who also find themselves neither one thing nor another.
Today is a big day for rugby enthusiasts. I was steeped in rugby from a very early age and on my father’s side of the family, there are very strong ties to Llanelli Rugby Club. I knew what an Up and Under was before I was out of nappies. So I will be watching this afternoon as Wales play Italy; Scotland v Ireland follows and then the day rounds off with England v France. Rugby heaven.
But can I admit that my favourite bit is not the game, but the National Anthems at the start? I would definitely argue that Wales have by far the best National Anthem in the world. I am prepared to be proven wrong but am fairly sure it is the only time you will hear the crowd singing in harmony. I find it very moving indeed. Have a look and see what you think.
And then there’s the Haka. Also very moving, not to mention unsettling for those at whom it is aimed: https://youtu.be/XPHeJd2T12M
It is only another 6 months until the Rugby World Cup. And I for one can’t wait for the singing.
Annie Bee x
Annie Bee ~The Buzz Of A Like-Minded Woman 