The respected and sometimes controversial guidebook series Lonely Planet has published its latest guide for Wales – and reports that it is “ready to take on the world”.
The guide states: “Today the spirit of Wales is stronger than ever. Welsh arts, film and, above all, rock music have hit the world and killed off the stereotypes of pit villages and rugby players.
“With new pride and confidence the red dragon appears ready to take on the world. The choirs may still be singing but they have been joined by a flourishing alternative culture, a host of ever-evolving cities and a healthy dose of hedonism oozing from gourmet kitchens and hip hotels.”
While the guide highlights Wales’ history and its rugged beauty, the descriptions are not all rosy: Swansea is described as “an ashtray of a place”, the mountain town Blaenau Ffestiniog is labelled “gloomy” and the seaside resort of Barmouth is dubbed “tacky”.
Report by Tim Gillett, News From Abroad
