During my earlier avatar of a software consultant, I had spent a few immensely enjoyable months in Cardiff. Cardiff, if you search on the internet, is the youngest capital of Europe. I quite understand why they are so proud of being young in the island that has a history going through many centuries. Practically, every other rock or a house will have a heritage value. Every side street will have a board that proclaims – ‘Way to an old Roman castle’.
My house in Cardiff, was by the river Taff, near the Bay area.
Brilliant Sun but no warmth
Very different in name and unlike our Ganga or Kaveri, I never found out whether Taff was masculine or feminine. From my hall window, I have seen many a sunrise above the serene river. The chugging motors, the calm pace of the river always beckoned me to take a walk on its bank – which I did one weekend, when work was less hectic.
A view of Sophia's gardens
The river Taff is a confluence of 3 rivers – Taf Fechan, Taf Fawr and Taf Burgoed – that meanders through many cities starting from Corn du to Pontypridd. It enters Cardiff at Llandaff. In Cardiff city, it flows beside the Cardiff Castle, the Bute Park and Sophia Gardens
This is where Sourav Ganguly played county cricket
The Park is home to Glamorgan Cricket Grounds – a small stadium – where Sourav Ganguly played county cricket with the Welsh team
They play rugby here
Beyond the park,Taff flows beside the Millenium Stadium. Cardiff has more rugby fans than cricket. Unlike the English who love Football, the Welsh love rugby.
Houses by the bay
From the stadium, it flows beside these lovely houses and enters the Cardiff Bay area. The first photo is a shot taken near the busy A4232 motorway that crosses the river joining the Bay.
Dont be deceived by the bright sunny shots; Cardiff is still cold during early spring. We walked the trail from the Bay to Bute Park in bitter cold. But the Sophia Gardens made my day – the vibrant colours and the many hues painted a colourful welcome to the spring.
