Cardiff: Night and Day (12 -13 October 2006)

I don't remember Cardiff as beautiful when we lived there. It definitely gave me a new perspective after our last visit.

Pierhead Building, Cardiff Bay

We went crazy on the first night in Cardiff. It was cold and breezy, but we still went out to Cardiff Bay. Our hosts were more than happy to join us. Babah has been waiting for this moment to learn a trick or two from Li, a good friend and another avid photographer.

While the ladies just thought of having coffee at a coffee shop. The children didn't complain even though it was way passed their bedtime! Just look at them in the above photo. They were chasing each other, and it was nearing 10pm!

It's quite common in Europe that shops close at 5pm and on every Sunday. I think for the past five years in the UK, shops resume to open on Sundays. And I dare say that you will not get the above scenery ten years back. Not only that the buildings were not there yet, but because UK is dull and suddenly become very still especially after 7pm.

Wales Millennium Centre

When we left Cardiff in 2004, the above building was still under construction. Knowing a little bit about the construction industry, I was curious and perplexed with the choice of material used for the building at that time. The facade where it bore the 'poem', to me was a strike of genius, but the the rest of the facade where it used slates was just horrendous.

Only today that I know they were all chosen for a reason by the architect. Read here for more details. Hence, the whole concept was envisaged as "Unmistakably Welsh and internationally outstanding". By the way, after understanding the design concept, I do not think the slates look ridiculous anymore.

Canolfan Mileniwm Cymru (The name in Welsh)

Front view of Wales Millennium Centre, reads "In these stones horizons sing" and "Crev gwir fel gwydr o ffwrnais awen" Two different poems specially written for the building by Welsh famous writer, Gwyneth Lewis.

Close up of the letterings, also cleverly acted as windows to the building. Such a brilliant design. Not only it gives a unique look to the building but also allows natural lighting into the building during the day. And allows artificial lighting from inside to flood into the forecourt during the night.

Millenium Stadium

We have also managed to stopped by the Millennium Stadium for a few snaps of photos. The stadium was built for 1999 Rugby World Cup for which Wales was the main host. Other than for rugby, the stadium also hosted a variety of sports including football and indoor cricket. It can also be transformed into a speedway track for the British Grand Prix.

Stadiwm y Mileniwm

Many famous artists have had their concerts here. And I found out from Wikipedia that Kabhi Kushi Kabhi Gham was filmed here too. Is this true Dyanna? I haven't watched the film.

Cardiff City Hall

A stylish building between the city centre and Cardiff University. It serves as Cardiff's centre of local government.

The fountain across the city hall

The first floor of the city hall is decorated with marble statues of famous figures in Welsh history.

Besides that, City Hall is also one of the famous venues for marriage ceremonies.

City Hall Clock Tower

Just around the bend is where Cathays Park is. It is also the location of the War Memorial and Alexandra Gardens.

To the east of Cathays Park is where you will find one of the main buildings of Cardiff University.

It was such a privilege to be able to visit good old Cardiff again. We adore the friendly people and we missed our weekend outings to the town centre. It felt like going back to our own kampung, although Coventry is more kampung than Cardiff!