In three days I'm going to Wales for a week, courtesy of the Geography Department at my school. I've got my sunglasses and SPF-50 suntan lotion already.

Of course, I won't need them. I'm not just going to the wettest country in the UK, I'm going to the wettest part of the wettest country in the UK. What's more, part of my studies involve walking around in rivers. To say that I'll get drenched will be a bit of an understatement.

Unfortunately, because of foot and mouth, I'm unlikely to see any sheep. To not see a sheep in Wales would, a few years ago, be akin to not seeing a car in Los Angeles - but now, it could be a bit difficult to find any. It's a real shame.

Of course, I'll be able to enjoy all the other things that Wales is famous for, like leeks, rain, daffodils, rain, a weird unpronouncable language, rain, cheese on toast, rain and more rain. Having said that, there's an area of high pressure over most of the south of the UK on Monday, so it might not be so bad - although this was the BBC speaking, so knowing my luck...

Now, where's my snorkel?

Chris"There be beasties here"topher