My life after SP

Wednesday, March 01, 2006

Destination: Cardiff

Cardiff - the capital of Wales is the youngest capital in Europe. It is a small city with population of around 300,000. The trip to Cardiff from Birmingham took approximately 2.5 hours. "I am travelling from England to Wales". That sounds far away but the distance is not that much. About equal to distance between Birmingham and London. And now, here I am ... in Cardiff - Wales ...

Millenium Stadium - the place where FA Cup Final Match held every year!

Cardiff Castle - a "must visit" tourist attraction in Wales!

Norwegian Church - Originally built in 1868 for the Norwegian sailors visiting Cardiff when it was one of the busiest coal exporting docks in the world. The Church is also the place where the childrens’ author Roald Dahl, famous for writing "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory", was christened in 1916.

Wales Millennium Centre - is a huge, architecturally spectacular building in the heart of Cardiff Bay. The use of slate, wood, metal, and glass pays tribute to Wales and its industrial past. Words written: "In these stones horizons sing" in English and Welsh!

Cardiff Bay - claimed as the most exciting waterfront development in Europe

St John's Church - is Cardiff’s second oldest building after the castle and is one of the five Beacon Churches of South East Wales. The tower dates from the 15th Century after the original 11th century tower was destroyed by Owain Glyndwr’s troops.

Cardiff City Hall - Built in the English Renaissance style, City Hall was opened in 1906, a year after Cardiff was granted its city status. Within the magnificent exterior carved from Portland Stone can be found elegant rooms perfect for wedding ceremonies. City Hall is licenced for marriage ceremonies with its unique atmosphere making it an outstanding choice for a wedding
I happened to see a wedding celebrated on that day too ^^

National Assembly for Wales - consists of 60 Members elected throughout Wales. The Assembly has delegated many of its powers to the First Minister, who leads the Welsh Assembly Government

Pierhead Building - Incorporating a French-Gothic Renaissance theme, the Pierhead boasts details such as hexagonal chimneys, carved friezes, gargoyles, and a highly ornamental and distinctive clock tower. Its exterior is finished in glazed terracotta blocks

Cardiff downtown - I guess every cities in UK must possess this kind of walking street, for people to walk and shop around without interference of vehicles

Buskers

Misc:

The Kiss - a famous sculpture by Rodin. Found in National Museum of Wales ^^

Sign post - in English and Welsh

Dunno what they call this ^^

The Dragon - symbol of Wales

The so-called arts ^^

Some ( rare ) photos of me ^^

Carpe diem

Sunday, February 19, 2006

Destination: Stratford-upon-Avon & Warwich Castle

The weather was very bad, very foggy and damp when we were embarking on the daytrip. Luckily, it was getting better and turned out to be a sunny day! The breeze was cooling! I took a hell lots of nice photos.

Stratford-upon-Avon is where Shakespeare was born and lived most of his life ( and buried as well ). Avon is a river in central England that flows through Stratford-on-Avon and empties into the Severn. That's why Stratford bears that name. It is a small town with a population of around 25000. Everything is in walking distance!

Stratford town

River Avon

With lots of swans!

Shakespeare's birthplace

Last page in Shakespeare's will

Hall's Croft

Harvard House

Typical Stratford's house with black and white paint

Flower!

After Stratford, we jumped on the coach and took a short trip of 20 mins to Warwich to visit Warwich Castle. Warwich Castle which located in the town of Warwich is one of the most dramatic and complete medieval castles in the country. It has been inhabited continuously since the Middle Ages, and was the home of the Earls of Warwick until recently.

Warwich Castle!