Wales 'ready to take on the world'
Last updated at 10:09 19 May 2004
Wales is poised for a purple patch according to the latest Lonely Planet guide.
The guidebook, notorious for its brutal honesty, describes Wales in its latest edition as 'ready to take on the world' with 'a spirit that is stronger than ever'.
The guide also praises Wales for banishing clichés that have dogged the country's image. 'Welsh arts, film and, above all, rock music have hit the world and killed off the stereotypes of pit villages and rugby players.
The complements continue: 'With new pride and confidence the red dragon appears ready to take on the world. The choirs may still be singing but they have been joined by a flourishing alternative culture, a host of ever-evolving cities and a healthy dose of hedonism oozing from gourmet kitchens and hip hotels.'
Not all of Wales survives unscathed however. Swansea is described as 'an ashtray of a place', the seaside resort of Barmouth is deemed 'tacky' and mountain town Blaenau Ffestiniog dubbed 'gloomy'.
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