Cardiff Bay

On Sunday morning the weather was gorgeous.  We checked out of the hotel and drove down to Cardiff Bay.  We were lucky enough to find the last parking bay right next to the waterfront, wrapped up in our thickest coats and went for a little explore.

 

This is the 'Terra Nova' Memorial.  It tells the story of the departure of Captain Scott from Cardiff in 1910.  The first few pannels describe the preparations and civic celebrations that took place, while the rest of the display briefly describes the expedition and it's unhappy end.  I loved the way that the canopy had been designed to look like a sailing ship by the water.

 

 

We then ambled back to the Norwegian Church.  This little building has a coffee shop and gallery.  It also seems to have a thriving concert series and other events in the main room.

 

We stopped for a coffee in the church so Mum could have a rest.  This is the view from our table out onto the waterfront.  The windows must look lovely at night when all the candles in the lanterns are flickering in the glass.

 

We then walked a little further in the other direction and stopped to admire the details in the terracotta tiles on the Pierhead Building.  There was a free display about the history of the docks so we went inside for a little 'nose around'.

 

The low winter sunlight was reflecting of the water and it created some perfect photo opportunities..

 

The building is full of beautiful green and turquoise tiles.  This corner of the entrance hall hints at the interior...

 

We then went on to explore the National Assesmbly building, which is right next door.  We went into the public viewing gallery and I managed to capture this view of the ceiling.  The bright low light gave me just the right lighting conditions.

 

After all of this pottering, Mum was ready for another sit down.  This is the view from the cafe at the back of the foyer. 

 

We left the car just as the sun started to lower in the sky.  A clear run out to the M4 and empty roads as we drove back up the A40 and M5 meant that we were home before dark. 

 

It's hard work to re-organise my life round a weekend away (shopping and house-keeping have to be planned into the evenings before and after the event) but we had a lovely time.  It was worth the effort!