The busy week quickly went by and obvious enough, I was looking forward to my extended trip to visit Cardiff, Wales. I left for Cardiff early Saturday morning for an overnight trip before I was due back to home on Sunday night.
I didn’t do much really. The trip was more of slow and easy after the long busy week. My first stop was Cardiff Castle located right in the middle of Cardiff Central and just walking distance from the hotel I stayed. I got myself a guided tour ticket for some background history of the castle. The interior was not really what I was expecting for a castle. Everything looked too ‘new’ from the paint to sculptures, but perhaps the place was really well taken care of. Nevertheless, I did enjoy the brief history from our lady guide. I took another an hour or so to explore the surrounding area of the castle before I head on to next destination – Cardiff Market, a Victorian indoor market which offers variety of fresh produce, cooked food, various delicacies and durable goods. Then I went on to Mermaids Quay, just 20 minutes walk from city center for a glimpse of the Harbor with sunset view. The place was crowded with most people celebrating for whatever occasion they are celebrating on. I sat by one ice-cream shop enjoying the view of the Harbor. Despite the busy crowds around, somehow I enjoyed my own peaceful evening along with a scoop of Rum & Raisins ice-cream on a chilly evening.
Clock tower
The wall surrounding Cardiff Castle
Sunny day in Cardiff
Cardiff Castle
The Norman Keep
Stalls at Cardiff Market
Mermaid's Quay
Cardiff Bay
Merry-Go-Round
Pierhead Building
Wales Millenium Center, an art center
Wales Millenium Center - an artistic structure
A companion
Next morning came easily as I practically slept through the night till almost 10 in the morning. Thank goodness I packed my luggage before I went on to bed previous night. It was my last day in this stranger city. My train is scheduled to leave Cardiff at 4 o’clock in the evening to London Paddington then to Heathrow Airport for 10 o’clock night flight home. So, I still have plenty of time for some final stroll and shopping too.
Every Sunday morning from 10am to 2pm, farmers, butchers and cheese makers gathered together in the shadow of the Millennium Stadium for the Riverside Farmers’ Market by the River Taff. I figured this is something I would not want to miss, especially when I wanted to bring some fresh cheese home. I tried on a fresh baked Blueberries Broche for only £1 and yummy! As I savor on the yummy treat, I took a stroll along Bute Park that is now filled with colorful tulips. A look at my watch, I realized I had to move on. I went for a little souvenir shopping then stopped at Jamie’s Italian for lunch. Time finally chased up. I had to leave for home, sad but eager to reunite back with my loved ones at home. Well, the unfortunate occurred though *smile* Bute Park - mini stonehenge with Cardiff Castel at the backdrop
Bute Park
Coffee in the park
Bright colored tulips
Aren't them all pretty?
