The weather forecast
had prepared us for a wet and windy day which Cardiff did not fail to deliver!
Up and breakfasting in the common area downstairs before nine we munched our
toast and hot cups before hitting the road.
Across the
road from our hostel is the...Adizone!! The what? you may well ask, it is a workout area
sponsored by Adidas in the run up to the 2012 Olympics. Very similar to the basic
metal frame workout machines we saw in
public spaces across France, Spain and Germany except these are brightly
coloured, sponsored by Adidas and a wee bit flashier. After a quick workout and
some pics we hit the road again, passing the Magistrate’s Court where we inadvertently
got in the midst of a prisoner transfer from high security van to cells –
handcuffs, armed guard and all! Moving on past Cardiff International Arena we
happened upon a cool sculpture of huge hands rising out of the ground. Took
photos, Bray was complimented on his Viet Nam shoes by a random stranger
(again!) and on past the Great Western Railway station to the River Taff,
Millenium Stadium and Cardiff Arms Park. Rugby icons from our childhood!!
We walked the
stadium and admired all the plaques and team lists enshrined there following
the 1999 Rugby World Cup – some very familiar names. On we trotted through West
Lodge Gate (Porthdy’r Gorllewin) into Bute Park with its herbaceous borders,
Gorsedd Stones which we frolicked on, treest Bray climbed, Cardiff Castle Roni
photographed, Black Friar’s site, well, dock feeder canal complete with ducks
and ginko avenue (currently leafless) before passing the Castle Mews and through
the North Lodge Gate (Porthdy’r Gogledd) toward the Law Courts.
We admired
the imposing buildings with their columns, carvings, statues and huge foundation
stones as we passed City Hall on our way to the National Museum. Timing was
perfect as the rain which had been intermittent showers during the morning now
became real rain.
We peeled
off the layers, received a map and directions from helpful staff and began our
journey through their exhibits. Downstairs is all museum while upstairs is the
National Gallery which housed a wide range of contemporary and historic works.
We FINALLY saw our first Van Gogh (in Wales of all places!), more Italian art
and some interesting new Welsh works...took some names and titles to share with
Roni’s Mum as some similar themes to her Master’s work.
Eventually
we emerged into what had become quite heavy rain with very strong winds.
Battling our way back to the town centre we continued a present search begun
last night before retiring to shelter for kai (once again realised it was past
3 and no lunch yet consumed!).
Back out
into the elements for a successful present hunt followed by a fair bit of
window shopping followed by some actual shopping.
Bray finally has a waterproof pair of shoes – vital in a UK winter! We got a
few other bits and bobs (gloves, thermal socks, hoodie, stockings etc) before
going in search of dinner after 6pm. Ended up back at our ‘local’ from last
night where we consumed ribs & a burger before heading home to take a load
off our feet.
Now relaxing
in our room while catching up on journals, emails and simply kicking back for a
bit before sleep...back on the road to London tomorrow morning bright and
early!
