produced by the badasses at Creative Team in a Box and Ideaschema.com

WALES2010Our epic journey begins in Austin Texas, flings us across the Atlantic, and deposits

us in the green hills of the Brecon Beacons -- a little town in Wales called

Crickhowell! And the only problem with 32 hours' worth of travel is...

...you end up a Jet Lag Zombie.

Fortunately, we made a speedy recovery thanks to the comforts of our Bed &

Breakfast, and the bounty of Welsh cooking!

(Maxine wisely advised against Black Pudding)

Just over the bridge and up the hill from us, we walked into

the beautiful town of Crickhowell, which

has MORE amazing places to eat.

When it came time to find the Eisteddfod Festival Grounds, and

get Megan her paperwork to compete, we called a professional

to get us there: Kev's Kab!

Oi there!

...in addition to getting us where we were going, of course. If it's pints 'n nibbles you're after, he’s your man!

Kev turned out to be our resident expert on beer,

snacks, and violent UK sports!

If you're walking around the Eisteddfod in a kilt, be

prepared to be asked if you're wearing a Welsh tartan.

...in Welsh.

...a lot.

Megan and Marty go adventuring across the Atlantic!

Our epic journey begins in Austin Texas, flings us across the Atlantic, and deposits

us in the green hills of the Brecon Beacons -- a little town in Wales called

Crickhowell! And the only problem with 32 hours' worth of travel is...

...you end up a Jet Lag Zombie.

Fortunately, we made a speedy recovery thanks to the comforts of our Bed &

Breakfast, and the bounty of Welsh cooking!

(Maxine wisely advised against Black Pudding)

Just over the bridge and up the hill from us, we walked into

the beautiful town of Crickhowell, which

has MORE amazing places to eat.

When it came time to find the Eisteddfod Festival Grounds, and

get Megan her paperwork to compete, we called a professional

to get us there: Kev's Kab!

Oi there!

...in addition to getting us where we were going, of course. If it's pints 'n nibbles you're after, he’s your man!

Kev turned out to be our resident expert on beer,

snacks, and violent UK sports!

If you're walking around the Eisteddfod in a kilt, be

prepared to be asked if you're wearing a Welsh tartan.

...in Welsh.

...a lot.

Our epic journey begins in Austin Texas, flings us across the Atlantic, and deposits

us in the green hills of the Brecon Beacons -- a little town in Wales called

Crickhowell! And the only problem with 32 hours' worth of travel is...

...you end up a Jet Lag Zombie.

Fortunately, we made a speedy recovery thanks to the comforts of our Bed &

Breakfast, and the bounty of Welsh cooking!

(Maxine wisely advised against Black Pudding)

Just over the bridge and up the hill from us, we walked into

the beautiful town of Crickhowell, which

has MORE amazing places to eat.

When it came time to find the Eisteddfod Festival Grounds, and

get Megan her paperwork to compete, we called a professional

to get us there: Kev's Kab!

Oi there!

...in addition to getting us where we were going, of course. If it's pints 'n nibbles you're after, he’s your man!

Kev turned out to be our resident expert on beer,

snacks, and violent UK sports!

If you're walking around the Eisteddfod in a kilt, be

prepared to be asked if you're wearing a Welsh tartan.

...in Welsh.

...a lot.

After a few days resting and preparing, it was time for Megan to compete in preliminaries! They

were held in a beautiful old Welsh church.

I didn’t even

burst into flames!

awesome!!!

Megan advances through preliminaries!

After a showdown which could only be described as Mezzomageddon on the Eisteddfod's Main Stage in the Pink Pavilion (yes, an *actual* huge pink

pavilion), the dust settled...

...and Megan was awarded 2nd Place!Angharad placed 1st, and she was a real sweetie!

Elgan, who stayed here with his

parents while he competed in

several Under 25 Solo

competitions Jon & Caryl. Jon's choir took 1st place in their competition!

Owen, who tells amazing stories,

and helped translate Megan's

notes from the judges! (Jon

helped too!)

Pat, whose enthusiasm for the Eisteddfod had us all bouncing about!

And Maxine & Graham, who made sure we were always comfy & well-fed!

Here are a few of the Other Highlights from

our Adventures...

I finally got to meet my friend Phil in person!

...and have a few pints with him in a proper pub!

Graham drove us crazy fastup a mountain so we could get some pictures of the valley we

were staying in.

..no seriously. FAST.

We toured Wales’ only whiskey distillery: Penderyn. After a few free samples following the tour, I can see why they only need one!

My god... it’s

full of books!

We visited Hay-on-Wye, the capital of the world for used bookstores. They actually refer to it around the world as the “Town of Books.”

We ate sushi off of a conveyor belt in Cardiff - delicious!

...but then it was time to head back to the airport for another 24 hours of

travel, and subsequent zombiehood.

And now we’re safe and sound, back

home in Austin! Thanks to everyone

who helped make our trip amazing!

After a few days resting and preparing, it was time for Megan to compete in preliminaries! They

were held in a beautiful old Welsh church.

I didn’t even

burst into flames!

awesome!!!

Megan advances through preliminaries!

After a showdown which could only be described as Mezzomageddon on the Eisteddfod's Main Stage in the Pink Pavilion (yes, an *actual* huge pink

pavilion), the dust settled...

...and Megan was awarded 2nd Place!Angharad placed 1st, and she was a real sweetie!

Elgan, who stayed here with his

parents while he competed in

several Under 25 Solo

competitions Jon & Caryl. Jon's choir took 1st place in their competition!

Owen, who tells amazing stories,

and helped translate Megan's

notes from the judges! (Jon

helped too!)

Pat, whose enthusiasm for the Eisteddfod had us all bouncing about!

And Maxine & Graham, who made sure we were always comfy & well-fed!

Here are a few of the Other Highlights from

our Adventures...

I finally got to meet my friend Phil in person!

...and have a few pints with him in a proper pub!

Graham drove us crazy fastup a mountain so we could get some pictures of the valley we

were staying in.

..no seriously. FAST.

We toured Wales’ only whiskey distillery: Penderyn. After a few free samples following the tour, I can see why they only need one!

My god... it’s

full of books!

We visited Hay-on-Wye, the capital of the world for used bookstores. They actually refer to it around the world as the “Town of Books.”

We ate sushi off of a conveyor belt in Cardiff - delicious!

...but then it was time to head back to the airport for another 24 hours of

travel, and subsequent zombiehood.

And now we’re safe and sound, back

home in Austin! Thanks to everyone

who helped make our trip amazing!

After a few days resting and preparing, it was time for Megan to compete in preliminaries! They

were held in a beautiful old Welsh church.

I didn’t even

burst into flames!

awesome!!!

Megan advances through preliminaries!

After a showdown which could only be described as Mezzomageddon on the Eisteddfod's Main Stage in the Pink Pavilion (yes, an *actual* huge pink

pavilion), the dust settled...

...and Megan was awarded 2nd Place!Angharad placed 1st, and she was a real sweetie!

Elgan, who stayed here with his

parents while he competed in

several Under 25 Solo

competitions Jon & Caryl. Jon's choir took 1st place in their competition!

Owen, who tells amazing stories,

and helped translate Megan's

notes from the judges! (Jon

helped too!)

Pat, whose enthusiasm for the Eisteddfod had us all bouncing about!

And Maxine & Graham, who made sure we were always comfy & well-fed!

Here are a few of the Other Highlights from

our Adventures...

I finally got to meet my friend Phil in person!

...and have a few pints with him in a proper pub!

Graham drove us crazy fastup a mountain so we could get some pictures of the valley we

were staying in.

..no seriously. FAST.

We toured Wales’ only whiskey distillery: Penderyn. After a few free samples following the tour, I can see why they only need one!

My god... it’s

full of books!

We visited Hay-on-Wye, the capital of the world for used bookstores. They actually refer to it around the world as the “Town of Books.”

We ate sushi off of a conveyor belt in Cardiff - delicious!

...but then it was time to head back to the airport for another 24 hours of

travel, and subsequent zombiehood.

And now we’re safe and sound, back

home in Austin! Thanks to everyone

who helped make our trip amazing!

After a few days resting and preparing, it was time for Megan to compete in preliminaries! They

were held in a beautiful old Welsh church.

I didn’t even

burst into flames!

awesome!!!

Megan advances through preliminaries!

After a showdown which could only be described as Mezzomageddon on the Eisteddfod's Main Stage in the Pink Pavilion (yes, an *actual* huge pink

pavilion), the dust settled...

...and Megan was awarded 2nd Place!Angharad placed 1st, and she was a real sweetie!

Elgan, who stayed here with his

parents while he competed in

several Under 25 Solo

competitions Jon & Caryl. Jon's choir took 1st place in their competition!

Owen, who tells amazing stories,

and helped translate Megan's

notes from the judges! (Jon

helped too!)

Pat, whose enthusiasm for the Eisteddfod had us all bouncing about!

And Maxine & Graham, who made sure we were always comfy & well-fed!

Here are a few of the Other Highlights from

our Adventures...

I finally got to meet my friend Phil in person!

...and have a few pints with him in a proper pub!

Graham drove us crazy fastup a mountain so we could get some pictures of the valley we

were staying in.

..no seriously. FAST.

We toured Wales’ only whiskey distillery: Penderyn. After a few free samples following the tour, I can see why they only need one!

My god... it’s

full of books!

We visited Hay-on-Wye, the capital of the world for used bookstores. They actually refer to it around the world as the “Town of Books.”

We ate sushi off of a conveyor belt in Cardiff - delicious!

...but then it was time to head back to the airport for another 24 hours of

travel, and subsequent zombiehood.

And now we’re safe and sound, back

home in Austin! Thanks to everyone

who helped make our trip amazing!

But that’s not all!

After a few days resting and preparing, it was time for Megan to compete in preliminaries! They

were held in a beautiful old Welsh church.

I didn’t even

burst into flames!

awesome!!!

Megan advances through preliminaries!

After a showdown which could only be described as Mezzomageddon on the Eisteddfod's Main Stage in the Pink Pavilion (yes, an *actual* huge pink

pavilion), the dust settled...

...and Megan was awarded 2nd Place!Angharad placed 1st, and she was a real sweetie!

Elgan, who stayed here with his

parents while he competed in

several Under 25 Solo

competitions Jon & Caryl. Jon's choir took 1st place in their competition!

Owen, who tells amazing stories,

and helped translate Megan's

notes from the judges! (Jon

helped too!)

Pat, whose enthusiasm for the Eisteddfod had us all bouncing about!

And Maxine & Graham, who made sure we were always comfy & well-fed!

Here are a few of the Other Highlights from

our Adventures...

I finally got to meet my friend Phil in person!

...and have a few pints with him in a proper pub!

Graham drove us crazy fastup a mountain so we could get some pictures of the valley we

were staying in.

..no seriously. FAST.

We toured Wales’ only whiskey distillery: Penderyn. After a few free samples following the tour, I can see why they only need one!

My god... it’s

full of books!

We visited Hay-on-Wye, the capital of the world for used bookstores. They actually refer to it around the world as the “Town of Books.”

We ate sushi off of a conveyor belt in Cardiff - delicious!

...but then it was time to head back to the airport for another 24 hours of

travel, and subsequent zombiehood.

And now we’re safe and sound, back

home in Austin! Thanks to everyone

who helped make our trip amazing!

After a few days resting and preparing, it was time for Megan to compete in preliminaries! They

were held in a beautiful old Welsh church.

I didn’t even

burst into flames!

awesome!!!

Megan advances through preliminaries!

After a showdown which could only be described as Mezzomageddon on the Eisteddfod's Main Stage in the Pink Pavilion (yes, an *actual* huge pink

pavilion), the dust settled...

...and Megan was awarded 2nd Place!Angharad placed 1st, and she was a real sweetie!

Elgan, who stayed here with his

parents while he competed in

several Under 25 Solo

competitions Jon & Caryl. Jon's choir took 1st place in their competition!

Owen, who tells amazing stories,

and helped translate Megan's

notes from the judges! (Jon

helped too!)

Pat, whose enthusiasm for the Eisteddfod had us all bouncing about!

And Maxine & Graham, who made sure we were always comfy & well-fed!

Here are a few of the Other Highlights from

our Adventures...

I finally got to meet my friend Phil in person!

...and have a few pints with him in a proper pub!

Graham drove us crazy fastup a mountain so we could get some pictures of the valley we

were staying in.

..no seriously. FAST.

We toured Wales’ only whiskey distillery: Penderyn. After a few free samples following the tour, I can see why they only need one!

My god... it’s

full of books!

We visited Hay-on-Wye, the capital of the world for used bookstores. They actually refer to it around the world as the “Town of Books.”

We ate sushi off of a conveyor belt in Cardiff - delicious!

...but then it was time to head back to the airport for another 24 hours of

travel, and subsequent zombiehood.

And now we’re safe and sound, back

home in Austin! Thanks to everyone

who helped make our trip amazing!

After a few days resting and preparing, it was time for Megan to compete in preliminaries! They

were held in a beautiful old Welsh church.

I didn’t even

burst into flames!

awesome!!!

Megan advances through preliminaries!

After a showdown which could only be described as Mezzomageddon on the Eisteddfod's Main Stage in the Pink Pavilion (yes, an *actual* huge pink

pavilion), the dust settled...

...and Megan was awarded 2nd Place!Angharad placed 1st, and she was a real sweetie!

Elgan, who stayed here with his

parents while he competed in

several Under 25 Solo

competitions Jon & Caryl. Jon's choir took 1st place in their competition!

Owen, who tells amazing stories,

and helped translate Megan's

notes from the judges! (Jon

helped too!)

Pat, whose enthusiasm for the Eisteddfod had us all bouncing about!

And Maxine & Graham, who made sure we were always comfy & well-fed!

Here are a few of the Other Highlights from

our Adventures...

I finally got to meet my friend Phil in person!

...and have a few pints with him in a proper pub!

Graham drove us crazy fastup a mountain so we could get some pictures of the valley we

were staying in.

..no seriously. FAST.

We toured Wales’ only whiskey distillery: Penderyn. After a few free samples following the tour, I can see why they only need one!

My god... it’s

full of books!

We visited Hay-on-Wye, the capital of the world for used bookstores. They actually refer to it around the world as the “Town of Books.”

We ate sushi off of a conveyor belt in Cardiff - delicious!

...but then it was time to head back to the airport for another 24 hours of

travel, and subsequent zombiehood.

And now we’re safe and sound, back

home in Austin! Thanks to everyone

who helped make our trip amazing!

After a few days resting and preparing, it was time for Megan to compete in preliminaries! They

were held in a beautiful old Welsh church.

I didn’t even

burst into flames!

awesome!!!

Megan advances through preliminaries!

After a showdown which could only be described as Mezzomageddon on the Eisteddfod's Main Stage in the Pink Pavilion (yes, an *actual* huge pink

pavilion), the dust settled...

...and Megan was awarded 2nd Place!Angharad placed 1st, and she was a real sweetie!

Elgan, who stayed here with his

parents while he competed in

several Under 25 Solo

competitions Jon & Caryl. Jon's choir took 1st place in their competition!

Owen, who tells amazing stories,

and helped translate Megan's

notes from the judges! (Jon

helped too!)

Pat, whose enthusiasm for the Eisteddfod had us all bouncing about!

And Maxine & Graham, who made sure we were always comfy & well-fed!

Here are a few of the Other Highlights from

our Adventures...

I finally got to meet my friend Phil in person!

...and have a few pints with him in a proper pub!

Graham drove us crazy fastup a mountain so we could get some pictures of the valley we

were staying in.

..no seriously. FAST.

We toured Wales’ only whiskey distillery: Penderyn. After a few free samples following the tour, I can see why they only need one!

My god... it’s

full of books!

We visited Hay-on-Wye, the capital of the world for used bookstores. They actually refer to it around the world as the “Town of Books.”

We ate sushi off of a conveyor belt in Cardiff - delicious!

...but then it was time to head back to the airport for another 24 hours of

travel, and subsequent zombiehood.

And now we’re safe and sound, back

home in Austin! Thanks to everyone

who helped make our trip amazing!

After a few days resting and preparing, it was time for Megan to compete in preliminaries! They

were held in a beautiful old Welsh church.

I didn’t even

burst into flames!

awesome!!!

Megan advances through preliminaries!

After a showdown which could only be described as Mezzomageddon on the Eisteddfod's Main Stage in the Pink Pavilion (yes, an *actual* huge pink

pavilion), the dust settled...

...and Megan was awarded 2nd Place!Angharad placed 1st, and she was a real sweetie!

Elgan, who stayed here with his

parents while he competed in

several Under 25 Solo

competitions Jon & Caryl. Jon's choir took 1st place in their competition!

Owen, who tells amazing stories,

and helped translate Megan's

notes from the judges! (Jon

helped too!)

Pat, whose enthusiasm for the Eisteddfod had us all bouncing about!

And Maxine & Graham, who made sure we were always comfy & well-fed!

Here are a few of the Other Highlights from

our Adventures...

I finally got to meet my friend Phil in person!

...and have a few pints with him in a proper pub!

Graham drove us crazy fastup a mountain so we could get some pictures of the valley we

were staying in.

..no seriously. FAST.

We toured Wales’ only whiskey distillery: Penderyn. After a few free samples following the tour, I can see why they only need one!

My god... it’s

full of books!

We visited Hay-on-Wye, the capital of the world for used bookstores. They actually refer to it around the world as the “Town of Books.”

We ate sushi off of a conveyor belt in Cardiff - delicious!

...but then it was time to head back to the airport for another 24 hours of

travel, and subsequent zombiehood.

And now we’re safe and sound, back

home in Austin! Thanks to everyone

who helped make our trip amazing!

cheers!

After a few days resting and preparing, it was time for Megan to compete in preliminaries! They

were held in a beautiful old Welsh church.

I didn’t even

burst into flames!

awesome!!!

Megan advances through preliminaries!

After a showdown which could only be described as Mezzomageddon on the Eisteddfod's Main Stage in the Pink Pavilion (yes, an *actual* huge pink

pavilion), the dust settled...

...and Megan was awarded 2nd Place!Angharad placed 1st, and she was a real sweetie!

Elgan, who stayed here with his

parents while he competed in

several Under 25 Solo

competitions Jon & Caryl. Jon's choir took 1st place in their competition!

Owen, who tells amazing stories,

and helped translate Megan's

notes from the judges! (Jon

helped too!)

Pat, whose enthusiasm for the Eisteddfod had us all bouncing about!

And Maxine & Graham, who made sure we were always comfy & well-fed!

Here are a few of the Other Highlights from

our Adventures...

I finally got to meet my friend Phil in person!

...and have a few pints with him in a proper pub!

Graham drove us crazy fastup a mountain so we could get some pictures of the valley we

were staying in.

..no seriously. FAST.

We toured Wales’ only whiskey distillery: Penderyn. After a few free samples following the tour, I can see why they only need one!

My god... it’s

full of books!

We visited Hay-on-Wye, the capital of the world for used bookstores. They actually refer to it around the world as the “Town of Books.”

We ate sushi off of a conveyor belt in Cardiff - delicious!

...but then it was time to head back to the airport for another 24 hours of

travel, and subsequent zombiehood.

And now we’re safe and sound, back

home in Austin! Thanks to everyone

who helped make our trip amazing!

After a few days resting and preparing, it was time for Megan to compete in preliminaries! They

were held in a beautiful old Welsh church.

I didn’t even

burst into flames!

awesome!!!

Megan advances through preliminaries!

After a showdown which could only be described as Mezzomageddon on the Eisteddfod's Main Stage in the Pink Pavilion (yes, an *actual* huge pink

pavilion), the dust settled...

...and Megan was awarded 2nd Place!Angharad placed 1st, and she was a real sweetie!

Elgan, who stayed here with his

parents while he competed in

several Under 25 Solo

competitions Jon & Caryl. Jon's choir took 1st place in their competition!

Owen, who tells amazing stories,

and helped translate Megan's

notes from the judges! (Jon

helped too!)

Pat, whose enthusiasm for the Eisteddfod had us all bouncing about!

And Maxine & Graham, who made sure we were always comfy & well-fed!

Here are a few of the Other Highlights from

our Adventures...

I finally got to meet my friend Phil in person!

...and have a few pints with him in a proper pub!

Graham drove us crazy fastup a mountain so we could get some pictures of the valley we

were staying in.

..no seriously. FAST.

We toured Wales’ only whiskey distillery: Penderyn. After a few free samples following the tour, I can see why they only need one!

My god... it’s

full of books!

We visited Hay-on-Wye, the capital of the world for used bookstores. They actually refer to it around the world as the “Town of Books.”

We ate sushi off of a conveyor belt in Cardiff - delicious!

...but then it was time to head back to the airport for another 24 hours of

travel, and subsequent zombiehood.

And now we’re safe and sound, back

home in Austin! Thanks to everyone

who helped make our trip amazing!

After a few days resting and preparing, it was time for Megan to compete in preliminaries! They

were held in a beautiful old Welsh church.

I didn’t even

burst into flames!

awesome!!!

Megan advances through preliminaries!

After a showdown which could only be described as Mezzomageddon on the Eisteddfod's Main Stage in the Pink Pavilion (yes, an *actual* huge pink

pavilion), the dust settled...

...and Megan was awarded 2nd Place!Angharad placed 1st, and she was a real sweetie!

Elgan, who stayed here with his

parents while he competed in

several Under 25 Solo

competitions Jon & Caryl. Jon's choir took 1st place in their competition!

Owen, who tells amazing stories,

and helped translate Megan's

notes from the judges! (Jon

helped too!)

Pat, whose enthusiasm for the Eisteddfod had us all bouncing about!

And Maxine & Graham, who made sure we were always comfy & well-fed!

Here are a few of the Other Highlights from

our Adventures...

I finally got to meet my friend Phil in person!

...and have a few pints with him in a proper pub!

Graham drove us crazy fastup a mountain so we could get some pictures of the valley we

were staying in.

..no seriously. FAST.

We toured Wales’ only whiskey distillery: Penderyn. After a few free samples following the tour, I can see why they only need one!

My god... it’s

full of books!

We visited Hay-on-Wye, the capital of the world for used bookstores. They actually refer to it around the world as the “Town of Books.”

We ate sushi off of a conveyor belt in Cardiff - delicious!

...but then it was time to head back to the airport for another 24 hours of

travel, and subsequent zombiehood.

And now we’re safe and sound, back

home in Austin! Thanks to everyone

who helped make our trip amazing!

Want to read more about our adventures in Wales? Megan has posted dozens of stories from the trip at her music site -- check it out at MeganMakesMusic.com!

And if you want to see more flights of fancy like this one, well, you already know where to find us!

www.IDEASCHEMA.COM

After a few days resting and preparing, it was time for Megan to compete in preliminaries! They

were held in a beautiful old Welsh church.

I didn’t even

burst into flames!

awesome!!!

Megan advances through preliminaries!

After a showdown which could only be described as Mezzomageddon on the Eisteddfod's Main Stage in the Pink Pavilion (yes, an *actual* huge pink

pavilion), the dust settled...

...and Megan was awarded 2nd Place!Angharad placed 1st, and she was a real sweetie!

Elgan, who stayed here with his

parents while he competed in

several Under 25 Solo

competitions Jon & Caryl. Jon's choir took 1st place in their competition!

Owen, who tells amazing stories,

and helped translate Megan's

notes from the judges! (Jon

helped too!)

Pat, whose enthusiasm for the Eisteddfod had us all bouncing about!

And Maxine & Graham, who made sure we were always comfy & well-fed!

Here are a few of the Other Highlights from

our Adventures...

I finally got to meet my friend Phil in person!

...and have a few pints with him in a proper pub!

Graham drove us crazy fastup a mountain so we could get some pictures of the valley we

were staying in.

..no seriously. FAST.

We toured Wales’ only whiskey distillery: Penderyn. After a few free samples following the tour, I can see why they only need one!

My god... it’s

full of books!

We visited Hay-on-Wye, the capital of the world for used bookstores. They actually refer to it around the world as the “Town of Books.”

We ate sushi off of a conveyor belt in Cardiff - delicious!

...but then it was time to head back to the airport for another 24 hours of

travel, and subsequent zombiehood.

And now we’re safe and sound, back

home in Austin! Thanks to everyone

who helped make our trip amazing!