THIRD POSTCARD FROM THE CEI

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ritics might suggest a third visit to the same quiet harbour town in one calendar year is predictable, but to me, this unprecedented return to New Quay/Cei Newydd is less about habit and more about pure necessity. I take all the stick for my unwavering loyalty, letting the judgement wash over me entirely because the deep connection I share with Cymru, and this specific stretch of the Ceredigion coast, is where my heart truly lives.

​This particular visit to our "special place" carried a heavier weight than the last two. For months, I've been wrestling with a quiet darkness—a shadow that has threatened to consume me whole. Everything about getting here, from the flawless performance of our new car, 'Ozzy', to the first glimpse of the bay, felt like a silent, desperate prayer.

​The journey, thankfully, was textbook; 'Ozzy' ate up the miles. We stopped at Llyn Tegid, where, as is my tradition, I took a moment to ask the goddess Ceridwen for safe passage across this land. It felt like a necessary plea before she delivered us promptly at one o'clock. There was just time for a quick, lung-filling blast of sea air on the pier before we checked into our familiar caravan—the exact same one we had back in June.

Then, as if on cue, the famous Welsh rain descended, and it came down hard. We embraced the quiet, deciding an undisturbed night in was exactly what we needed. I braved the downpour only for Magnus—who, without fail, demands his evening constitutional—before settling in. This trip is purely for relaxation, after all; its success is not measured by getting about, but by simply being here.

Pure happiness is simple, and it lives here. This is the latest chapter in a love affair spanning over two decades of annual visits. Our first full day back was a classic, starting with the comfort of fish and chips on the pier (from the Lime Crab). Then, with a pint for me and a Prosecco for Morticia, we sat overlooking the sea, taking in the view of those familiar rows of brightly coloured houses that climb the hillside, making this place so iconic. Afterwards, we headed to the beach for a sprawling, 25-foot lead run for Magnus to properly stretch his legs.

​Later, I had a well-deserved pint at the Seahorse Inn, and the day felt complete.

​That night, on the walk back to our caravan, the universe truly presented itself. Looking up, we were met with a dazzling spectacle: the sparks of Muspelheim burning in a splendour that the urban sprawl I call home simply can't touch.

The rhythm of the week has been beautifully slow. Monday was dedicated to pure downtime, spent simply catching up with dear friends. Tuesday brought a coastal trip to Aberaeron, capped off with a delightful drink at the award-winning Harbourmaster Hotel.

Back in New Quay, we settled in for a wonderful meal at the Penrhiwllan Inn, Budgie's Bar. As always, the food was absolutely delicious, and our host, Budgie, made us feel instantly at home with his famously warm welcome. We later moved on to the Penrhiwgaled Inn, whose comfortable, welcoming atmosphere provided the perfect, relaxing climax to our day.

This trip is pure joy—Morticia and I are soaking up every minute. Now, with spirits high, it's time to fully immerse myself in the rest of the week. More updates on the final leg of this adventure to follow in my next post!

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