Lampeter

Today John and I spent the day in Lampeter, a sacred place for me.  John and I had not long been married and I could tell he was unhappy with his work.  I asked him what he wished he could do for a job.  His reply: A literature university lecturer.  I encouraged him to apply for a place at Lampeter University, and he was accepted right away.  I will never forget that day as I played with the kids in a park across the road from the campus, waiting for news.  We all celebrated together.  We knew we would be broke.  We knew there was no guarantee this would lead him to his dream.  But we knew we had to try.  Since that day I have spent many days in this wonderful university town.  Once children were all safely off to school, I would escape with John and write essays for my degree, or work on my book in the library while he worked on his PhD.  We spent our lunchtimes in the local health food shop enjoying their amazing soups, and sometimes in the best fish and chip shop in Wales right next door.  We have spent hours in the coffee shop Conti's, sipping hot chocolate on a cold afternoon and discussing our findings of the day, perusing the many charity shops for bargains.  A solid and wonderful part of my love for John comes from that town.  Love of his bravery at re-entering education.  Love of the stolen time away from the children together, like young students.  Love of a beautiful little university town hidden away in the country where  you can lose yourself in your dreams.