I'm sure we've all been asked the question "Where are you from?" whilst were off on our travels. It's always a good way to open up a conversation with a visitor. Unfortunately when they ask me, they are mostly destined to fall at the first hurdle because my pride compels me to say that "I am from Wales" despite knowing full well that most people haven't got a clue where in the world that could possibly be. I always get the same old puzzled reaction, an exaggerated scratch of the head and an apologetic "Where?"

When I attempt to enlighten them by citing famous Welsh men like Tom Jones, Anthony Hopkins, Ryan Giggs they politely nod but then soon return to the shake of the head. That's until I use England as a reference point. "You see, we're next door to England" I eventually admit. Immediately their faces light up with recognition then follows the infuriating accusation "Ah, so your English". I swiftly put that to rights by my fervent denials "No, no, I'm not bloody English, I'm Welsh."

I know I'm being a little awkward but it's like a Canadian mistaken for an American, a Kiwi mistaken for an Aussie. Whilst of course we are all subjects of a former British Colony and (more importantly) children of this world; it is crucial for us in the minority to differentiate ourselves!

So anyway, that's enough twaddle, here's my ode to my homeland, the land of my fathers, God's own country, Wales.

Aberaeron