Weekend road trip - to Cardiff!

[byslantedlight]

It's probably not really a roadtrip when you're basically just driving to somewhere, is it, but... I'm pretending, okay? And it was a long drive, cos Cardiff is in a whole different country! And the other side of this one. *g* And, while I was stuck on the M25 for over an hour I finally figured out how to plug my shiny new mp3 player into the radio-thingie so I could play my (six) mp3 songs all the way to Wales! Whoohoo! (And I'll have you know it's trickier than it sounds cos there are two leads, and only one connection on the mp3 player, and... turns out, one on the radio thingie. *g* Anyway...) So the M4 was alive to Blue Gillespie and Eels and Crash Test Dummies... over and over again while I got over that excitement...

And then... ...check immunisations, check passport......



I was in Wales! Aaaand...


Roald Dahl Plass! Just like...


Roald Dahl Plass! But without the Torchwood pterydactyl. As far as I know. (See it? *g*) But there was...


I can haz invisible lift! With invisible person! *g* (Apparently the giant strawberries are cos it's summer... and they were clearly using clever-tricksy angles in TW too, cos if I'd slid my pic further around I'd've got those other buildings instead. And if I'd had a fancier lens. *g*) Hmmn - it looks pretty at night too (and you know, with Cap'n Jack standing there... *g*) - we didn't go and see it at night. Next time... *g*

Loved the Millenium Building though - gorgeous stone, apparently from different quarries across Wales, and the inscription means "Truth is as clear as glass forged in the flames of inspiration"... See the way the roof sort of flows? The whole city felt like that to me, very organic, and flowing - the old buildings didn't, of course, but the care that was put into building them worked beautifully with the newer flow-y curved-line designs, and just... didn't feel like it was... There's art all over the city too, which made me very happy - I love it when cities do that. How come Cambridge, clever-clever city, barely does that, eh?!

(And I've just now seen writing on the fishes' tail - The Lured fish in... something! Darn - will have to go back and check!)

Anyway - I'm not doing this in a very orderly fashion, am I? Over-excited, much? So... I was guest of llywela_13 who showed me many gorgeous parts of Cardiff. We got into town early, and wandered through the Plass, and it was grey-clouded but not wet, and Llywela was very patient with my squeeing. *g* And just a bit further down, there was this...


The door to the Mermaid Quay Tourist Office, which is really the way into the Hub, of course... and is now memorial for Ianto! Apparently the offerings have changed since llywela_13 took her pics of it, and... well, just...


I guess there are worse things to do than write letters to a fictional character and leave them at a tv location, right? It's a little batty, but on reflection there are definitely worse things (threatening the writers of said fictional characters, for example...)

I did like that they'd left some of the set intact too:


So, we carried on around the quay, past this gorgeous building...


...past the industrial side of the docks, which I also love to see - I hope they leave it there!


...to the statue of Captain Scott, late of the Antarctic, which stands (rather cruelly, perhaps...) in front of the Norwegian Church...


...and past the magnetic poetry wall (it looks boring in this pic perhaps, but how fun is it to actually make giant poetry in a public place?!)...


...and all the way over Cardiff Bay Barrage, past cormorants on poles and rushes of thrushes diving from one berry bush to another, and views back over the city and the hills behind...


And then the other side of the barrage - down to the Severn, and over to Flat Holm and Steep Holm Islands (the former owned by Torchwood, of course... *g*), across to England, and the most gorgeously dramatic skies above everything...


There are three locks separating the freshwater bay and the salt water inlet, and a "fish pass" for salmon to reach their breeding grounds, and keep an eye on those yellow lines you see...


...because from the single right angle on the other side of the locks...

It's more art! How cool is that! *g*

Also, as we were standing watching to see what the locks did, there was a sudden blare from a megaphone - Would the Yacht Blah-blah please leave the harbour area NOW as you can see there is another vessel waiting to enter! And we just thought hee, cos some fancy boat had been faffing around by the entrance, and what was waiting to come in was this:


A gorgeously apocalyptic Mad-Max type of vessel, which looked like it was bristling with guns and harpoons and all sorts, but which turned out to be a dredger... *g*

And then we got the boat back! Very cool it was too, and rather amusing to see the entrance to the Hub from the water, and the way people were stopping and pointing and so on! *g*


By this time it was noon-ish (I know!) so we had lunch at the Norwegian Church (I had Welsh rarebit - yummy) and I gaped a wee bit at these people walking past...

Gawd bless 'em... I could never do the matching t-shirts thing, just... so not me. And the less said about the UNIT caps the better... *g*

Now, bear in mind I just said that cos after Turkish Delight and chocolate ice cream at Cadwallader's (I'm hitting the highlights here, you notice *g*), we made our way back and into...

The Doctor Who Exhibition! *vbg*

With scary skull-things and daleks that moved


And a very scary no-headed Jack (cos he's got feet and hands, you see, just... no head...)


And d'you remember this? Ooooh... (it moved here too... *g*)


But then there was Cap'n Jack and K9 (K9!) to make you feel better again, so that was all good... *g*


Doctor Who exhibition! *g*

Walked up to town next, which was about 20 minutes away from the Bay, through real town-like places - back to the real world... *g* Although the real world town was gorgeous too - old buildings with gorgeous fronts, and hanging trees of flowers!


And heee cos those pics are all leaning away from each other! Past the last one, in similar gorgeous building, was the museum, and after coffee and feet-break we wandered sculptures by Rodin and Degas, past paintings by Manet and Cezanne, Turner and Constable, and yeay photography exhibition by Diane Arbus. I need to go to more photography exhibitions, they're my favourite kind...

And then, we took our poor tired feet back along the road to the Bay where I'd left Little Car, and we drove our happy tired selves back to Llywela's, and watched dvds all evening! (Cos it's not like our feet were going to move again, you know? *g*) I have now actually seen the first ep of Supernatural, and the first three eps of Rome - the problem with the latter being that I'm now eyeing the box set from Amazon... *headdesk* Good though! *g* SPN was fun too - gorgeous lighting and shots - and I'm not averse to watching more, although I can wait a few more paydays, you know? Did enjoy it, though.

Just... phew! And then today, we went to visit the Museum of Welsh Life at St Fagans, and that was ever such nice strolling for a Sunday morning...






There was one building that was very unfairly closed up, but the door would open a wee bit, and I could squeeze my camera lens around, and this is what it saw...

Cartwheels, in various stages of undress! *g* Don't you love exploring? *g*

Goodness but I go on, don't I? I was going to post this and then watch Doctor in the House, but can you believe that it's now past 11pm? It takes me so long, but then it is rather fab re-living it all, and I did really want to show off Cardiff cos it turned out to be just... really nice. Really, really. The pics don't do it justice in any way - it must be stunning on a sunny day - and it had a really good atmosphere, you know? I'd definitely like to go back some time, wander some more, maybe stroll through some of the arcades in town, which were really pretty too, just sort of... wiggle in a bit, you know? Big, big thank you to llywela_13 for putting up with me and showing me around - I had a lovely time! *g*

So I will catch up with DitH tomorrow, after work (le sigh) and now I will take my tired eyes to bed...

Comments

[lukadreaming.livejournal.com]

Fab piccies! It sounds like you had an awesome weekend. No photos of Splott, though? *g*.

[byslantedlight.livejournal.com]

Hee - I forgot to ask to go to Splott! I should at least have made sure to drive through on the way home... See, I will have to go again! *g*

[llywela13.livejournal.com]

Splott? Why Splott? What's in Splott? It's just the other side of the city centre...

[byslantedlight.livejournal.com]

Hee - see Luka's icon up above (quoting Ianto Jones... *g*)! It's somewhere that comes up alot in TW, second episode, I think... Or maybe it doesn't come up alot, it's just memorable cos it's such a great name... *g*

[llywela13.livejournal.com]

Heh. It's true - them that wants to be posh do try to call it 'Sploe'. They're on a hiding to nothing, though, 'cause there's nothing posh about it - just a tired and run down suburb. Apparently, though, the name 'Splott' is short for 'God's Plot', although that might be more urban legend than actual truth. And it does have the old Cardiff Royal Infirmary on its borders, which has been used as a location for both Who and TW many times (most notably in the Empty Child).

[byslantedlight.livejournal.com]

Hee - love it, people are mad! Is the old Royal Infirmary still a hospital then? Or (probably) used for conferences? Or is it all gorgeous and locked up to the ghosts? Empty Child is probably my favourite new DW - thought I liked Blink too... actually I'm getting all keen on rewatching that now too... Though I could fit in a TW tonight if I'm quick... I need another day to my weekend - a marathon... Ooh, come to think of it, Landlady's away this weekend - yes! *vbg*

Sorry - apparently I'm back in ramblemode...

[llywela13.livejournal.com]

CRI is mostly derelict these days (gorgeous and locked up to the ghosts, then!) - a couple of the wings are still in use, but for the most part it has been abandoned. It's this huge, rambling Edwardian building, bits added on here, there and everywhere, completely useless, really, but also listed, and so it just sits. And makes for an excellent TV location!

[byslantedlight.livejournal.com]

Oh that sounds so ace - I totally want to explore now! There's got to be something that'd get me in... Quick... research? Erm... They'd want credentials, wouldn't they... Wonder who they are... You know, I've a writer mate who's brilliant at this sort of thing, I should see if she's got any ideas... *g*

[msmoat.livejournal.com]

Hey, cool! I'm so glad you did the trip report. I've a cousin who lives in Cardiff (her husband is an archaeologist, actually), and one day I am definitely going to visit. These photos make me even more determined to do so.

It's sounds perfect, mixing fannish location-spotting, with nifty museums and exhibits, and historic buildings...and then fannish viewing! With food! *g* That's the way to spend the weekend.

[byslantedlight.livejournal.com]

I really did like it alot as a city - the Bay was gorgeous (though I believe initially controversial) and... there's just everything there, you could properly live there, I reckon! And with added DW and TW! *g*

[llywela13.livejournal.com]

Morning! Made it home safely then - and the pics turned out lovely :)

I'm still a wee bit miffed at my head/stomach for betraying me so that I wasn't able to host properly by cooking, but such is life!

[byslantedlight.livejournal.com]

Good morning! And I did! *g*

Head/stomachs can be stoopid things - but it was a lovely chilled night anyway with the dvds, I'm just sorry you were feeling poorly... And thank you again for showing me around, as you can see (again!) I quite liked it... *g*

Also - oooh, nice icon! *g*

[llywela13.livejournal.com]

I'm really glad you enjoyed your visit!

[lisaloveslewis.livejournal.com]

Just a quick one whilst babby is asleep! Sounds like you had a lovely time. I was just reading a post on fairyd123 LJ (have no idea how to make that a link)and she mentioned the Torchwood t-shirted people, apparently they paid £25 each to be shown round by fans!!! Think llywela_13 should start charging!; ) Check out fairy's blog if you have time as she goes to all the Blue Gillespie gigs, John Barrowman events etc. and anything related, it's always interesting to read her comments!

[llywela13.livejournal.com]

Think llywela_13 should start charging!

Ooh, now there's an idea...*G*

[byslantedlight.livejournal.com]

Ohmigod, I have just spent so much time at Fairyd123's blog it's silly - I knew I should have waited to look! Love her stories about meeting the actors, and her behind-the-scenes stuff - and gosh and hee about half the sessions! Can't decide if GDL sounds like someone really genuine or a bit of an eejit, which probably means he's basically a lad, and genuine enough to come over as an eejit sometimes, which works for me (hate it when actors turn out to be huge huge eejits in the really bad way!) I like that he likes Gary Oldman and Cate Blanchett and Stephen Fry (the man has taste!), and doesn't seem to have any pretensions about how good his band is, and...oh, stuff! And JB sounds fun as ever, and the others sound cool and non-pretentious too, and... Oh gawd, see I'm just rambling now - and I've just spent another twenty minutes reading her posts *headdesk* Just as well I'm quite today... *g* Thank you! I forsee much more fun reading - and I see she writes fic too, so must check that out... *vbg*

[lisaloveslewis.livejournal.com]

I love Fairy's blog as she is goes to everything and reports in detail usually with pictures! She is also not a mad stalker fan and often makes the most amusing observations about some of the more insane fans she comes across. Well worth friending her as I think many posts are locked, like the one about the charged touring fans she saw at the weekend in Cardiff. You probably walked past her at some point judging by both the posts of your respective weekends!!

Right back to crying baby...Oh and thank you for your recent comments in my LJ, feel so rude not replying to everyone but there has been no time to catch up lately!!

[byslantedlight.livejournal.com]

She seems pretty sane from her public posts, which is comforting... D'you think she'd mind if I friended her out of the blue? Hmmn...! Maybe I'll see if I can find somewhere to be all timid and polite and ask... *g* You know this is really weird, I've not been timid about friending people for ages - but I'm venturing out of Pros! Bye-bye relatively-sane comfort zone, hallooo the unknown... hopefully with added Blue Gillespie posts... (I'm still well impressed with that boy's voice!)

ETA - *headdesk* - speaking of boy's lungs - hope your newest isn't crying for too long, and that you're getting plenty of sleep, and... you know, wearing yer woolly knickers and all... *g*

[lisaloveslewis.livejournal.com]

I'm really not up with LJ etiquette and am sure I appear most rude at times but I did prior to friending Fairy exchange a couple of comments somewhere. I'm sure she wouldn't mind you friending her, pm her, she is really approachable.

Bit warm for the old woolly knickers, although you can never be too careful*g*....Actually you should see the huge knickers I'm having to wear due to the c-section that is refusing to heal...anyway you don't want to know about that! And yes lots of crying, usually when I'm trying to sleep! So err..no sleep, especially as now Marc is back to work I'm having to do double children duty and just as the baby starts to sleep in the morning the other two wake up, usually at about six...so I'm rather haggard and turning more and more into a shouty cross mother....plus the other two have cottoned onto the fact that I no longer have the energy to follow up on punishments for naughtiness...so much naughtiness is occurring. But don't think I'm complaining as I know how lucky I am, especially as a few years ago I thought I would never have one let alone three. Right back to eldest naughty child who refuses to go to sleep tonight...

[byslantedlight.livejournal.com]

I'm not sure there is a general lj etiquette any more, if there ever was one... I've been brave and commented to her though! And pointed her here, where I hope I'm not coming across too badly...

Your c-section is refusing to heal? That can't be good... I hope the knickers help? Erm...

Wish I could come down there and give you an afternoon off, though it doesn't really work like that since I don't know your kids, does it... well, and since I'm working full-time at a desk... (Which, gaaah, how bored can I get? So I'm about to sign up with a nanny agency... *g*) Kids aren't stupid either, are they, they always know - I could cross my fingers that they pick up compassion and/or recognition of the ends of tethers very quickly?

[lisaloveslewis.livejournal.com]

Yes not healing, mainly due to having to do too much and not having rested enough...but what can you do when you have three little tykes to look after. And the knickers do help in a way as they go above the incision and don't cut into it or rub like smaller more attractive ones would...hope that makes sort of sense! So no nice frilly ones for me at the moment *g* And thank you for the nice thought of having you come and look after my little ones...if I was rich I'd definitely employ you as my nanny, I bet you are just brilliant with children...not like cross shouty mother who has no patience! You would of course need extensive Doctor Who knowledge as Joe keeps me on my toes with his expansive knowledge and question asking regarding the series. Sadly he has no interest in Pros...

[byslantedlight.livejournal.com]

Your knicker explanation makes perfect sense, actually... and I'm sure you'll be wearing dinky ones again in no time! *g*

Your Joe sounds like a brilliant kid, but then I've just taken a look at your friends page and seen how full of TW it is, so he clearly has a good example to follow... *g* We can work on the Pros as he gets older, right? *g*

And heh - it's easy to have patience with kids when you know you get to give them back at the end of the day - I'm eternally impressed with parents, cos they know they can't do that...

I've been back in touch recently with the kiddies I nannied last, and they're not so much kiddies any more, they're doing that growing up thing... Just... awwww!

[byslantedlight.livejournal.com]

And I completely forgot to say about the TW-t-shirted people - just...£25 each?! Wow! llywela13 should so be doing that! I wonder if they're official in any way, or... must find that post in Fairy's lj!

[llywela13.livejournal.com]

I really missed a trick there, didn't I...? *G*

[miwahni.livejournal.com]

Wonderful, wonderful photographs, especially the architecture of the place, and the colours used on the buildings. Fandom aside, I'd visit Cardiff just for the cityscape. The DW/ TW link is a bonus.

[byslantedlight.livejournal.com]

Yes, that's exactly it! It's a gorgeous city, and I'd love to spend more time just wandering around, especially for the architecture and oh, the art, I want to see more of the city art too! And the museum was great - well, we didn't actually get into the museum bit, just the art gallery, but I was well-impressed! It just seems like somewhere that really appreciates creativity and imagination, and I'd love to back for another weekend sometime!

[londonronnie.livejournal.com]

Oh yay! Problems with my computer settings this morning and all your pix looked as though they'd been taken at about 3pm on a dank December afternoon. All fixed now and the pix are great!

Really enjoyed your view of Cardiff - it's a source of great vexation to me that I've never visited Wales, despite inheriting a great passion for the country via my g-grandmother, so I've revelled in visiting vicariously. Thanks!

[byslantedlight.livejournal.com]

Hee - there is a little bit of me that wants to say actually it was a little dark, what with the grey skies and all, though not at all dank... *g*

You must visit Wales, 'tis a gorgeous country! I've been in dribs and drabs over the years, without really thinking about it, to north and middle and south, but I really must go more and properly. Port Merion is every bit as beautiful as they say, the north slate-covered and dramatic, and everywhere in the middle and elsewhere very gorgeous! (Though I have to admit that I always kind of wrinkle my nose doubtfully when I drive past Newport... *g*)

[londonronnie.livejournal.com]

(Though I have to admit that I always kind of wrinkle my nose doubtfully when I drive past Newport... *g*)

Ooh, why the nose-wrinkling? My lot came from Marloes, and later Skomer Island - just about as far west as you can get before hitting Ireland! *g*

[byslantedlight.livejournal.com]

Oh, only cos all I can see of it from the road is the industrial stuff - great swathes of smoke-billowing chimneys, if I remember correctly! Actually I bet it's a really pretty place/cool town/I'm doing it a huge disservice, so I should be quiet now! In fact I will post a link to pretty pics to make up for my shocking apparent Newportism... although to be fair Wiki calls it industrial, and says it's undergoing regeneration right now! Oh, and actually I kind of want to go on the Transporter Bridge! *g*

[llywela13.livejournal.com]

Hee. Newport is basically a dive, so your nose-wrinkling is entirely apt. Or maybe that's just local snobbery and rivalry talking...

Tredegar House is well worth a visit, though. And Caerleon. And the medieval ship. So it isn't a total loss! But still my instinct for local rivalry says dive.

[byslantedlight.livejournal.com]

RotFLMAO - you local snob and rival, you! *g*

I really should go into a town before I wrinkle my nose, at least... Maybe next time I'll cut through!

[snailbones.livejournal.com]

Oh wow - it looks wonderful! I love all your photos - it looks more like a week's worth of pictures. You must have been pooped!

[byslantedlight.livejournal.com]

Pooped in the best way! And to be honest I was actually fairly restrained in my photo-taking for me, it's just that I had to post lots of them this time... But it is wonderful - totally recommend it! You're not that far away either... And see the clouds? *g*