galadriel1010 (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
galadriel1010) wrote2011-04-14 09:59 pm
galadriel1010) wrote2011-04-14 09:59 pm
Entry tags:
Cardiff Trip Day 3
There are times when Cardiff looks very like Melbourne
Had a lovely long lie in this morning and eventually rolled out of bed at half past ten. Got breakfast and did my bloggage, and then headed into town. I started at the TI office in the centre of town, where the assistant was very helpful and happy to chat about Doctor Who, although she didn't know much about it herself and didn't have the information to hand. She did, however, print off a list of the Doctor Who filming locations for me.
After that I went for a wander around the market and then went into St John's church, where Donna Noble was supposed to get married. Didn't realise that until I got in there, but when I signed the guestbook there was a note from someone in Philadelphia, PA, who had noted that 'Donna Noble was here'. I had a slight squee, made a note of it and wandered on.
Had a look in a few places for baking equipment. I want to get some mini flan cases, but they're quite expensive, and I also want to get some straight sided muffin moulds for doing mini victoria sponges. Plans, I has them. But not when I'm travelling with a rucksack.
Had a wander around the St David's Centre and stopped for hot chocolate and chocolate fudge cake at Martin's Chocolate on the first floor of Eastside. I wouldn't recommend going there. The service was shambolic, it took them an age to acknowledge me and tell me they'd be with me in a minute, and then she couldn't give me my change and didn't give me a fork for the cake either. The cake itself was very chocolatey but dry, and the hot chocolate was bland. All in all, unimpressive.
(I always get a hot chocolate and a slice of chocolate fudge cake, or hot chocolate and cream scones, or a full afternoon tea. That way I can compare them properly).
After cake I had a further wander around the shops and went to the Cardiff Story in the Old Library. If you get the chance to go, I would really recommend it, especially if you're interested in writing historical Torchwood stories. Even if you're not, the tiled corridor is amazing and well worth a visit, especially as it's free.
Have done no writing. Oops
Next entry
Things I learned today of note for Torchwood writers:
As late as 1913, Roald Dahl Plass was a lock allowing fairly large ships entry to a wharf where Lloyd George Avenue is now.
When the docks were working, before the barrage, there was a beach outside the TI office entrance. It wouldn't have been very nice, though, and there were boats pulled up on it.
Mermaid Quay was built up with warehouses and merchant offices. The first million pound deal is believed to have been struck in one of the offices down there.
There were some really interesting ruins at Grey Friars that were only pulled down in 1977. The friary was converted into a mansion.
Had a lovely long lie in this morning and eventually rolled out of bed at half past ten. Got breakfast and did my bloggage, and then headed into town. I started at the TI office in the centre of town, where the assistant was very helpful and happy to chat about Doctor Who, although she didn't know much about it herself and didn't have the information to hand. She did, however, print off a list of the Doctor Who filming locations for me.
After that I went for a wander around the market and then went into St John's church, where Donna Noble was supposed to get married. Didn't realise that until I got in there, but when I signed the guestbook there was a note from someone in Philadelphia, PA, who had noted that 'Donna Noble was here'. I had a slight squee, made a note of it and wandered on.
Had a look in a few places for baking equipment. I want to get some mini flan cases, but they're quite expensive, and I also want to get some straight sided muffin moulds for doing mini victoria sponges. Plans, I has them. But not when I'm travelling with a rucksack.
Had a wander around the St David's Centre and stopped for hot chocolate and chocolate fudge cake at Martin's Chocolate on the first floor of Eastside. I wouldn't recommend going there. The service was shambolic, it took them an age to acknowledge me and tell me they'd be with me in a minute, and then she couldn't give me my change and didn't give me a fork for the cake either. The cake itself was very chocolatey but dry, and the hot chocolate was bland. All in all, unimpressive.
(I always get a hot chocolate and a slice of chocolate fudge cake, or hot chocolate and cream scones, or a full afternoon tea. That way I can compare them properly).
After cake I had a further wander around the shops and went to the Cardiff Story in the Old Library. If you get the chance to go, I would really recommend it, especially if you're interested in writing historical Torchwood stories. Even if you're not, the tiled corridor is amazing and well worth a visit, especially as it's free.
Have done no writing. Oops
Next entry
Things I learned today of note for Torchwood writers:
As late as 1913, Roald Dahl Plass was a lock allowing fairly large ships entry to a wharf where Lloyd George Avenue is now.
When the docks were working, before the barrage, there was a beach outside the TI office entrance. It wouldn't have been very nice, though, and there were boats pulled up on it.
Mermaid Quay was built up with warehouses and merchant offices. The first million pound deal is believed to have been struck in one of the offices down there.
There were some really interesting ruins at Grey Friars that were only pulled down in 1977. The friary was converted into a mansion.
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I like what they've done with the St David's centre, the John Lewis is really nice. I think it's places like that where the language thing stands out, because you are so used to the usual signs.
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Although the dockland regenerations are similar as well, but they're the same all voer the world too.
Cardiff is teeny compared to Melbourne, but I did the centre of Melbourne on foot more than Cardiff, because it was more joined up. I almost always get a bus from the centre to the Bay (unless I'm drunk, in which case all bets are off)
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I think Cardiff Bay does feel a bit smaller and cuter than the developments in Sydney and Melbourne, and the other big difference is the Millenium Centre, which I think does really stand out, plus I like the architecture of the St David's hotel and the flats around it. I think it's nice how they have kept a few bits and pieces like the old reddish building, and the Norwegian Church, it all makes it just a bit unique. The red dragon centre could be better I think, I've been to that cinema a couple of times, and the restaurants, but it feels very utilitarian and generic, where the restaurants near the plass are much nicer.
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But yeah, I'm having a fantastic time. So glad I did this.
Cardiff and more
My adventures in Wales have included (but not limited to) -
The Pierhead Building - well worth the visit - free to enter, and film they show is really good. Amazing history of the Cardiff docks.
Millennium Centre - did the tour - very interesting - something like 5 GBP.
Flat Holm Island - that was an awesome day trip - loved it.
Penarth Pier - fab running along there like Tosh and Tommy :)
The Barrage - fab walk around the Bay - really good on a nice day :)
The Gower Peninsula/coastal walk, Rhossili Bay, Swansea, and I saw wild Welsh ponies :) These tours can be booked at the TI in Cardiff.
Penwyllt/Quarry - Countrycide location - wow....obviously you need someone who can drive you there though.
Caerphilly Castle - another lovely day out.
I've also travelled to the north around Snowdonia, and visited Kai's Llanrwst. Gorgeous little town.
So yes, there is oodles and oodles to do.
Norwegian Church is lovely and I'm so pleased they are extending/renovating - it will really make a difference. We had our Clic Sargent Charity Event there last year (Sci Fi themed) and are looking at doing another one there as well.
Anyways, you enjoy yourself. Wish I was there, but hope to visit in Oct/Nov (yay).
Ta ta from Oz xxxx
Re: Cardiff and more
Re: Cardiff and more
Got sunburnt when I did the barrage and Penarth.
Re: Cardiff and more
My Welsh friends think I bring the Aussie weather with me! :)
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