Cardiff, Wales

We spent two nights right in Cardiff at a camping park near an athletic complex. It was a little noisy the first night, but very convenient to the old town and Christmas markets. A red dragon is the mascot of Wales. It can be seen regularly throughout the country on flags and buildings. 

Cardiff Castle's eclectic architecture catches one's eye immediately. This mixture of styles is due to its 2,000 year history. Built as a series of forts by the Romans in the first century A.D., it has evolved into the predominantly Victorian Gothic structure it is today. It was even used as a bomb shelter during World War II.

The animal wall of Cardiff Castle surprised us. Several creatures are featured, sculpted by two different artists. These are racoons. Classic lions with shields of heraldry are present, but also a hyena, an anteater, a pelican, a beaver, a vulture, a wolf, a seal, a bear, two baboons, and a few cats. So unusual!

We took a city bus down to Cardiff's harbor where we learned about the coal mining industry that fueled Wales' economy especially during the Industrial Revolution.

We attended a video talk about the history of Cardiff at the Pierhead Building at the waterfront. Built in 1896, this red brick edifice was the center of shipping and rail transport during the heyday of Wales' coal production. Now it serves as a visitor center and conference venue. 

View of Cardiff Bay from the waterfront. The white building with a small spire on the left is the Norwegian Church Artes Centre. We wandered that direction and discovered a delightful cafe inside where we enjoyed cake and coffee as well as the view.

After rambling around the harbor, we caught the bus back to the heart of Cardiff where we took in a Christmas movie and got pub fare for dinner. 

While making our way back to the camping park, we enjoyed the lights, several Christmas market booths, and the general festive atmosphere in old town Cardiff. Merry Christmas!