Beddgelert: A Historic Village in the Heart of Snowdonia

 

Nestled in the picturesque valley of Eryri (Snowdonia National Park) in North Wales, Beddgelert is one of the region’s most charming stone-built villages. Surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery, lush forests, and peaceful riverbanks, it serves as a quintessential Welsh escape and an ideal base for outdoor enthusiasts.

The Legend of Gelert

The village takes its name—which translates to "Gelert’s Grave"—from the famous 13th-century legend of Prince Llywelyn the Great and his faithful hound, Gelert. According to local lore, Llywelyn returned from a hunt to find his baby's cradle overturned and Gelert covered in blood. Believing the dog had attacked his child, Llywelyn drew his sword and killed Gelert. Moments later, he heard the cries of his infant beneath the cradle, safe beside the carcass of a giant wolf that Gelert had slain to protect the child. Filled with remorse, the prince buried his loyal hound outside the village walls. Today, visitors can follow a scenic path along the River Glaslyn to visit Gelert's Grave stone monument.

Key Highlights & Attractions

• Historic Bridges & Confluence: The village center is defined by historic stone bridges crossing the confluence of the River Colwyn and River Glaslyn. The iconic, ivy-draped two-arched stone bridge offers classic landscape photography views.

• St Mary’s Church: Located near the river, this quiet, historic stone church stands on the site of a 6th-century Augustinian priory, showcasing centuries of local history and peaceful churchyard paths.

• Welsh Highland Railway: Beddgelert station is a key stop along the restored heritage steam railway, connecting Caernarfon to Porthmadog through the dramatic Aberglaslyn Pass.

• Outdoor Exploration: The area offers direct access to scenic walking routes, ranging from gentle river strolls to challenging hikes up nearby peaks such as Moel Hebog and Mount Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa).

With its traditional slate-roofed cottages, vibrant floral displays in summer, cozy local pubs, and deep-rooted Welsh heritage, Beddgelert remains one of the most beloved destinations in North Wales.

All photos are copyrighted and may not be published elsewhere without express permission, Contact: kevinhellon@gmail.com

St Mary's church and graveyard

Bench with mountain backdrop, Beddgelert

Stone cottages by the River Glaslyn

St Mary's Church, Beddgelert

Footbridge over the Colwyn River, Beddgelert

Confluence of the rivers Colwyn and Glaslyn, Beddgelert

Stone cottages by the River Glaslyn

Stone cottages by the River Glaslyn

Flowers and footbridge over the River Colwyn, Beddgelert

Beddgelert Station

Arched Bridge over the River Glaslyn, Beddgelert

Bangkok Street Vendors: The Heart of Thailand's Street Life

 Bangkok's street vendors are an essential part of the city's character, bringing colour, energy and flavour to its busy streets. From early morning until late at night, pavements and roadside stalls are filled with vendors selling everything from freshly prepared Thai food to clothing, flowers and household goods.

Food is at the centre of Bangkok's street-vending culture. Woks sizzle over open flames as vendors prepare pad Thai, spicy papaya salad, grilled meats and fragrant noodle soups. Fresh tropical fruit, coconut drinks and sweet mango sticky rice offer tempting treats to passing shoppers and commuters.

Beyond the food, street markets provide a fascinating glimpse into everyday Thai life. Locals stop for breakfast, office workers collect lunch, and visitors explore the bustling stalls in search of souvenirs and traditional crafts.

Despite the challenges of working in a crowded city, street vendors remain an important part of Bangkok's economy and cultural identity. Their stalls bring communities together and preserve generations of culinary traditions.

For photographers, Bangkok's street vendors offer endless opportunities to capture authentic scenes of urban life, with colourful displays, dramatic cooking fires and the constant movement of one of Asia's most vibrant cities.

All photos are copyrighted and may not be published elsewhere without express permission, Contact: kevinhellon@gmail.com

The Balinese Galungan Festival

The most significant Hindu religious festival held in Bali is the Galungan Festival, which takes place every 210 days and lasts for a total of 10 days. 

The festival is based on the legendary defeat of the tyrannical King Mayadenawa by Lord Indra and represents the triumph of good over evil.

The festival begins on Galungan Day and concludes on the tenth day, known as Kuningan Day, when the evil spirits return to the heavens.

The festival is celebrated by wearing traditional Balinese clothing, through family reunions, and with family visits to the temple.

During the festival, roads are lined with Penjor — tall bamboo poles adorned with coconut leaves, flowers and fruits. The Penjor are said to resemble the tail of the Barong, a symbol of goodness, as well as the sacred Mount Agung, and they represent prosperity.

The Barong is a mythical creature representing good in the fight against Rangda, the demon queen. The Barong is paraded through villages, going from house to house to ward off negativity and restore balance.

A special feature of the festival is the performance of the Gamelan, a musical ensemble dominated by percussion instruments such as metallophones, gongs and drums. These performances take place throughout the festival.

All photos are copyrighted and may not be published elsewhere without express permission, Contact: kevinhellon@gmail.com

Portraits of porters, Khlong Toei Market, Bangkok, Thailand

The Khlong Toei market is the largest wet market in Bangkok. It is open daily for the sale of fish, seafood, meat, fruit, vegetables and other, sometimes exotic, products such as live chickens and frogs. There are hundreds of stalls and vendors, and customers attend daily to buy the freshest produce at the lowest prices. Often, customers are seen with a porter in close proximity, carrying their purchases in a large basket on a trolley. The porters, both male and female, can be found in strategic locations, waiting for business. 

All photos are copyrighted and may not be published elsewhere without express permission.