Translation: ‘Welcome to Cardiff‘
So, I ended up in Cardiff (specifically in Cardiff Bay) yesterday for a meeting at the Wales Office and had some time afterwards to wander around. It’s amazing how the area has been transformed since I used to stay in a flat in Bute Town many years ago when were having a night out in Cardiff as a change from Bristol where I lived at the time. Back then this was the roughest, toughest part of the city but there’s hardly a hint of that now. Of course, there’s the new Welsh Assembly building, the ‘Senedd’, and the fantastic Wales Millenium Centre (featured regularly in Torchwood and Doctor Who – Roald Dahl Plass in front of the building is where Captain Jack ascends from his underground base) and the Cardiff Bay Visitor Centre (affectionally known by the locals as ‘The Tube’), but there are also lots of hidden gems; quiet little docks and more sculptures than you can shake a stick at, only a few of which I’ve managed to capture in the album here. The area is also home to lots of classy bars and restaurants too, so if you’re down in Cardiff you really must pay Cardiff Bay a visit.
On my way back to the station I wandered through the centre, spotting the statue erected to ‘Nye’ Bevan on Queen St, and took a few photos of the Castle, which has an 11th century keep and is as imposing as it is today because of the Third Marquess of Bute, who renovated and extended it in the mid to late 1800s. I also walked around the Renaissance-style City Hall which was built in 1904 for the princely sum of £125,000. A bit grander than our own Glass B****** I’m sure you’ll agree…
Finally it was time to get back on the train, but I’m hoping to visit again soon so keep your eyes peeled – the Senedd building is apparently as dramatic on the inside as it is on the outside -I can’t wait 
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| From Cardiff May 2008 |
About Pete Stean
