Competition

Due to the location of Ironbridge, I thought it would be a great time to visit Wales and see how life is in a different part of the UK. Upon my arrival at Cardiff, I was unimpressed at the small scale of the city and the run-down neighbourhoods. I then realized that every hostel in the area contained the word “backpacker”, and I was unsure which place I booked. Fortunately, the local people were kind to a weary traveller and sent me in the right direction.
To my surprise, the hostel was still under construction as it had just opened two weeks ago. However, this did not bother me because the staff was so kind and helpful. They explained the situation, apologized for the appearance, and told me how they were just breaking into the market. I learned that one man owned the other hostels in Cardiff and could charge practically whatever he wished. The new hostel owners were determined to change this situation, and confided in me that the other hostel owner was very concerned about his business. This was a great example of supply and demand working in a real life situation; there was a demand for more hostel rooms at a lower price and someone stepped up to fill it.
While out in the town, I also learned of another form of competition existing throughout the UK. Many Welsh citizens felt the need to express their opinions on the English although I hardly even knew them. They would ramble on about how they were much better than the English in numerous areas (including football!) and hoped I would join them in their viewpoints. It was interesting to see how the rivalry was very similar to the competition between the east and west coasts in the States.
After my numerous conversations with Welsh citizens, my thoughts on the city of Cardiff changed dramatically. It proved to be my interactions with the people that made my trip one of the best experiences I have had so far, and not the fancy buildings or restaurants. I was able to have great conversations about the differences in our lifestyles and just about life in general. I hope I will have time to head back once more during my stay abroad to visit some of the great people I met.