It's a little emotional sitting here for the final time writing this blog and seeing everyone who's worked so hard looking tired and in need of some sleep. The team at the Eisteddfod have been absolutely terrific and I'd like to pay tribute to all those who have helped me during one of the most memorable weeks of my life.

It all started with a blog and bingo and it ends with me being asked to appear on the live show tonight in S4C before the closing concert.

So what were the highlights? Well, to have been given the honour of being a presenter for BBC Wales on the Maes is an obvious one. As I have written on this blog previously, I've worked at many an Eisteddfod but they were extremely brief stints. This time, I've been immersed in the whole event. I've watched performances, been invited to speak at a stand and got to know some of the competitors and winners.

I've met so many wonderful people this week. It would be difficult to list them all, but special mentions go to Julie Hawkins, winner of the Welsh Learner of the Year. Well done to Julie. She has a wonderful story and her interview last Sunday was one of the best of the week.

I'll never forget Tobi Jon, who came from Uzbekistan to check out the Eisteddfod. His intervention into the Radio Wales Phone-in on Wednesday was timely, as there were lots of listeners ringing or texting in to say that, because they had no Welsh, they wouldn't be welcome at the Eisteddfod and that elitism existed on the Maes. Tobi, however, had very little difficulty and received a huge warm welcome from Ebbw Vale. He'd explained to people on the stands that he didn't speak Welsh and he was welcomed with open arms. I even got him to say diolch (thanks) at the end of the interview.

Also, can I just say how much of a pleasure it was to meet Courtenay Hamilton. She is a trained classical singer, fluent in Welsh and hopes to follow in the footsteps of Katherine Jenkins. Oh, and by the way, she's the current Miss Wales! Very glamorous but such a down to earth 20-year-old.

Her dad was with her and asked me if I wanted to have my photo taken with her (shouldn't it have been the other way around?) Anyway, I posed for one and I have been guilty of showing it off a bit on my iPhone. Thanks Courtenay, and best of luck with your career.

You know, I speak more Welsh now than ever before. Now that my children are being taught through the medium of Welsh, we speak it on a daily basis. However, during this week, I've been going home and thinking in Welsh.

Yes, it's been a real test on times, but it really is true, that if you want to learn a language or get better at it, immersing yourself in it and the culture is the only way to do it.

I'd like to end this blog by sharing, perhaps the most emotional moment of the week for me. I recieved an invitation from Swansea University to speak at their stand on Wednesday. They asked me to say a few words about Yr Athro Hywel Teifi Edwards - my professor at Swansea when I studied Welsh there in 1992. Hywel died earlier this year and as I said earlier in the week, the Eisteddfod is just not the same without him.

Former students were invited to write their memories about Hywel on a board at the University stand and I told the story of a conversation I had with Hywel Teifi in my third year. I was having a few problems with some work on Sir TH Parry-Williams and Hywel reminded me of just how far I had come in learning the language, its tradition, literature and history. His vociferous words of encouragement rammed home just how important the language had become to me - he made it absolutely clear what it meant to speak Welsh.

Without those words of encouragement on a rainy afternoon in Swansea, who knows, I may not be here today - a sunnier day - broadcasting in Welsh from the Eisteddfod.

Diolch Hywel Teifi. Thank you.

Moreover, he'd seen clips of my pilgrimage to Mecca, produced for S4C last year, on the internet.

I invited Tobi onto the programme and he was a wonderful contributor - charming with kind words about the Eisteddfod. You can hear it again on the BBC iPlayer.

Also good to see some of my old lecturers from Swansea University. I said a few words at their stand about Professor Hywel Teifi Edwards this afternoon, who died earlier this year. I studied Welsh under Hywel and he truly was an inspiration to so many people especially his students. Former students were also there and they were invited to write their memories about Yr Athro Hywel Teifi on a very special wall at the stand.

The Eisteddfod is just not the same without him.

Jason

It's not very often I need a little siesta during worktime but the lovely Caryl who is shipping the presenters up and down the A470 (Huw Llywelyn Davies, Sara Gibson and Hywel Gwynfryn) was waiting for me at the BBC after my radio programme and didn't mind at all when I asked her if I could have a quick nap on the way up to Ebbw Vale at 2.30pm.

Huw Stephens was playing some cool tracks on Radio One but sorry Huw, I fell asleep just south of Merthyr, but boy did I feel ready for an afternoon of filming at the Eisteddfod.

Two hours of radio and then filming at the Eisteddfod is obviously taking its toll! But hey, I'm having fun and earning many plaudits from the Maes. People have been so kind in praise of my work on S4C's Mwy o'r Maes. So glad you're all enjoying the programme.

And in case you're wondering what presenters talk about amongst themselvs on a 35 minute journey from Cardiff to Ebbw Vale I'll take you in to the back seat of our seven-seater vehicle. Sorry, nothing glamorous - no gossip. But blogs. Hywel is writing a blog in Welsh so cue a conversation about blogging. Did you know he's on Facebook? I didn't. Anyway, seeing as we're both fairly new to the world of the blog, we both agreed that we've found it all rather exciting.

So back to today. It was a pleasure to catch up with Helen Price from Blackwood. I've spoke to all four finalists now in the Dysgwr y Flwyddyn (Learner of the Year) and no way I am going to say who I think will win; they have all been so charming and great in front of camera. But I have to complement Helen on her accent. Her inspiration to learn Welsh came via her grandfather from Senghennydd who she remembers using a few words. She started learning just a couple of years ago, is now fluent and uses it on a daily basis in her job. What is truly remarkable is that she also has a terrific accent.

You would never have thought she came from a non-Welsh speaking background and, as I so eloquently put it to her in tonight's interview: "Ti ddim yn siarad fel Gwentie!" ("You don't talk like a Gwentie".

No offence to any Gwenties out there of course. She enjoyed the compliment and I wished her all the very best. Good luck to Dai, Shirley, Helen and Julia.

We're doing the radio show live tomorrow from the Maes - pop along and see us. That's if I'm awake of course!

Nos da.

Jason

Still gives me the chance to tell you that Theatr Genedlaethol (the National Theatre) are hard at work at the Met Theatre in Abertillery. Just poked my head round rehearsals and it looks fantastic.

The costume designer says all is going well for the opening night tomorrow. Theatre is just so exhilarating - I wanted to be a stage actor when I was younger so I always like chatting to cast and crew and seeing them hard at work. Good luck to all involved. Tickets are available from the Met or on the Maes.

We're doing a feature on "Gwlad yr Addewid" on tonight's Mwy o'r Maes programme on S4C. I'm in the back of a car writing this on my phone (that's how busy it us here folks!). TV crew are heading back to the Maes for a well earned cup of tea!

Never mind, I really enjoy buying them books. They're all actually coming to the Eisteddfod later this week. Lili's looking forward to hearing music and song, and Max is looking forward to having a go at the rugby and football skills (chip off the old block!).

Anyway, I write at my desk at Radio Wales at Broadcasting House in Cardiff as I'm back to my day job of presenting The Phone-In before heading up to the Maes straight after to continue my role on Mwy.

It feels a bit strange not being at the Eisteddfod this morning having had two very enjoyable but hard-working days there. Still I'm sure the guys will cope without me. Also, it's great to know that so many of you are enjoying this blog. Thank you for your kind words.

Today I'm chatting to another finalist in the Dysgwr y Flywddyn before reporting on Theatr Genedlaethol's Welsh translation of House Of America by Ed Thomas. Gwlad yr Addewid is a story of a family's battle against their own circumstances and the end of an American dream in a bypassed industrial town in south Wales in the 1980s. So looking forward to that. Edrych ymlaen.

It's amazing how much Welsh I'm using too. You know it really is true that the only way of improving any language that you have learnt is by using it all day, every day. I'm actually thinking in Welsh now so don't be surprised if I begin every conversation on the programme today with a "Shwmae!"

Hwyl am y tro.

Feel free to comment! If you want to have your say, on this or any other BBC blog, you will need to sign in to your BBC iD account. If you don't have a BBC iD account, you can register here - it'll allow you to contribute to a range of BBC sites and services using a single login.

Need some assistance? Read about BBC iD, or get some help with registering.

It's always good to see sports commentator Alun Wyn Bevan on the Maes. We had a great chat about sporting greats from Gwent which you can see tonight in the highlights programme on S4C.

Alun was speaking at Maes D and I caught up with him a few moments later and he spoke passionately about Welsh rugby international and Olympian Ken J Jones. He was born in Blaenavon and Alun goes through his career and achievements in tonight's programme. One point that emerges: there's no place in Alun's list for a certain Calzaghe. Discuss.

Anyway, there were more photos and autographs on the Maes today with the good folk of Blaenau Gwent. Most are asking "Where's Derek the weather?" and "When's Sport Wales coming back?" Mr Brockway, I have the pleasure in telling you, will be on the Maes tomorrow, and Sport Wales is back on Friday.

I managed to watch some of the competition today. The singing in the choir competition this afternoon was truly stunning.

Julie Hawkins popped in for a chat too. She's a finalist in the Welsh Learner of the Year competition and her story is truly inspirational. She had very little Welsh, but after travelling to Tanzania and Vietnam she moved back to Wales to ensure that her children were born here. She wanted them to go to a Welsh medium school and be fluent.

She is now using her Welsh on a daily basis with her children and her job. Again, Julie's interview is on the Mwy o'r Maes programme on S4C at 7pm.

I told you I couldn't wait to spend my money. I walked past a book stall, started chatting to a lady in Welsh and we began discussing books and family. She'd heard me talking on BBC Radio Wales about my children so she asked me for their names. I told her all about Lili, Max and Poppy - then she took me to a bookshelf and out popped Amser Gwely Popi a Macs, a children's book about Popi and Macs' bedtime routine!

They'll love it. Wonder if it will the ease the chaos of bed time? I doubt it.

Hope you like the snazzy shirt, by the way!

Feel free to comment! If you want to have your say, on this or any other BBC blog, you will need to sign in to your BBC iD account. If you don't have a BBC iD account, you can register here - it'll allow you to contribute to a range of BBC sites and services using a single login.

Need some assistance? Read about BBC iD, or get some help with registering.

I've had a very brief look around the Maes - I can't wait to get some time to spend some money on books and T-shirts, but given my hectic schedule that may well have to wait until the end of the week.

Anyway, I do have a bit of a problem. I struggled to find a healthy lunch yesterday (chips everywhere) and reluctantly settled for a big box of curry.

Now I don't want to bore you with my eating habits, but I don't eat much during the day, but when I do, I like to eat light - so where's the salad bar? What, no beetroot? No tomatoes? There you go. If you know, please let me know. In the meantime, I'll say hwyl for now and begin my quest for a beetroot salad!

But before that, I'm talking Welsh sport with Alun Wyn Bevan today and really looking forward to meeting another Learner of the Year finalist, Julia Hawkins.

Feel free to comment! If you want to have your say, on this or any other BBC blog, you will need to sign in to your BBC iD account. If you don't have a BBC iD account, you can register here - it'll allow you to contribute to a range of BBC sites and services using a single login.

Need some assistance? Read about BBC iD, or get some help with registering.

A crowd had gathered on the Maes to see me deliver my crafted opening piece to camera for tonight's show. I'd learnt my lines. It was flowing when I was on my way to meet the crew. I had to get it right just for the crowd of mums, dads, grans and kids that had recognised me from Scrum V and Sport Wales. I heard one lovely lady say: "Oh there he is - my favourite boy on the telly!"

I would love to be sat here and report that it was a 'one take wonder', but sadly it was more like take nine or 10. Still, we got there. Cue a photo session with the mums and grans and a few autographs for younger fans.

I spent the afternoon talking to people in the learners' tent, Maes D, so I haven't had much time to see the competitions. But I can hear what's happening. And as ever, it's a pleasure to talk to my colleague and friend Roy Noble who had the very tough job of calling Bingo numbers this afternoon! We had a great laugh about it and, in 12 years of knowing and working with Roy, it was the first time we'd ever spoken Welsh to each other.

I had a wonderful first day at the Eisteddfod. I'm tired, but the people of Ebbw Vale have made me feel very welcome and I've spoken more Welsh in a day that I have done in the past month. See you tomorrow!

Feel free to comment! If you want to have your say, on this or any other BBC blog, you will need to sign in to your BBC iD account. If you don't have a BBC iD account, you can register here - it'll allow you to contribute to a range of BBC sites and services using a single login.

Need some assistance? Read about BBC iD, or get some help with registering.

I'm sleeping at home in Cardiff for the week of the Eisteddfod, which will be rather strange as in previous years I've always stayed at hotels near the Maes and really enjoyed the company of the producers, directors, vision mixers, sound guys (you know, all the ones that I depend on on a daily basis) but I'm combining my work at the Eisteddfod with my daily show on BBC Radio Wales this year.

I had to tiptoe around the house this morning as the whole of my family were enjoying a Saturday morning lie-in after my nephew's second birthday party last evening. Although, my six-year-old, Lili, did give me a pob lwc kiss before she went to bed. Bless.

There was a terrific atmosphere among the BBC Cymru crew in the office - even though it is so early. I was a bit nervous to be honest - after all, this is my first experience of this event and working entirely in Welsh.

After arriving at 8.30am, there was time for a quick change into a new shirt and straight into a chat with Sara, Morgan and Mari (the presenting team that I've just met) on TV! I'm working with Rhun ap Iorwerth most days, presenting some items on the highlights programme. So much to look forward to and so much to see.

Old friends are all over the Maes and as well as a all the competitions, it's a chance to meet up with people I haven't seen for some time.

I've just met Dai Williams, one of the finalists of the Welsh Learner of the Year - an amazing story. We've just filmed the interview with him for tonight's show. I would tell you all about him and his love of the language, but I want you to watch the programme on S4C tonight at 8.25pm - so there!

From Dai it's a rush to get to the opening of Maes D. But off I go in search of another TV crew and this time it's live! My first ever live TV interview in Welsh and off we go. Huw Llywelyn Davies hands to me and it's a "Diolch yn fawr iawn Huw..." and I'm into it.

It's a big thrill and a huge honour and a privilege to be broadcasting in Welsh from the Eisteddfod Genedlaethol 2010 for BBC Cymru. I have a three-minute chat with Jo, who's spent a year planning all the events on Maes D, as the Dragon Choir sings Calon Lân in the background. Wonderful!

Oh, and by the way, the wellies are here - but no need. It's boat shoes all the way for me - although they are full of those annoying little stones. Now, where's the BBC tea bar? I need caffeine, it's going to be a long week!

Feel free to comment! If you want to have your say, on this or any other BBC blog, you will need to sign in to your BBC iD account. If you don't have a BBC iD account, you can register here - it'll allow you to contribute to a range of BBC sites and services using a single login.

Need some assistance? Read about BBC iD, or get some help with registering.

I'm extremely proud to say that for the first time I'll be broadcasting in Welsh from the Maes. I've done many interviews over the past fortnight for newspapers in English and Welsh about my role for BBC Cymru Wales this year and people still seem generally surprised when they discover that I speak Welsh.

I learnt the language over a period of 11 years - studying it at GCSE level with my inspirational teacher at Glyn Derw High School in Ely, Valmai Griffiths.

I then studied A Level Welsh at Coleg Glan Hafren and did my degree in Welsh and Politics at the University of Wales, Swansea, graduating in 1996.

During those years I developed a passion for the language, its origin, history, institutions and of course, the literature of Wales. Now, some years later, I'm preparing to broadcast in Welsh on television for the first time from the Eisteddfod, so it's a big moment for me.

Obviously, many people associate me with my time on Wales Today, broadcasting in English but over the past 18 months I've had many requests to work in the Welsh language.

Last year I presented a programme for S4C, where I travelled on a spiritual journey to Mecca and the response I had from the people who watched the programme was simply phenomenal. But the overriding response was one of surprise - that I actually spoke Welsh.

My children go to a Welsh speaking school and I use the language more now than ever before, even though I present the daily Radio Wales Phone-In and still do most of my work in English.

So this year I'm really looking forward to the Eisteddfod. I think it's vitally important for it to visit places like Ebbw Vale.

It's always a big thrill for me to visit the Royal Welsh Show or the Eisteddfod representing BBC Cymru Wales and I look forward to meeting our viewers, listeners and of course, the many competitors that I'll be will no doubt have the pleasure of interviewing.

I'll be keeping you right up to date with the whole experience through 'the eyes of Jason' via this blog so come and say hello. I'm here from 8.30am on Saturday.

For now though, I've got to browse through my Eisteddfod programme to find out what's going to be my first item?! And of course, pack my wellies.

No... stay positive, the sun always shines on the Eisteddfod, doesn't it?!

Jason

Feel free to comment! If you want to have your say, on this or any other BBC blog, you will need to sign in to your BBC iD account. If you don't have a BBC iD account, you can register here - it'll allow you to contribute to a range of BBC sites and services using a single login.

Need some assistance? Read about BBC iD, or get some help with registering.