Cardiff

Last weekend (November 11-12th) I visited my younger son Carwyn and his wife Kathryn in Cardiff. Kathryn is a lecturer in languages in Swansea University and Carwyn is a political correspondant for the Welsh magazine Golwg. His office is in the National Assembly for Wales and a visit to this building was high on my list. Cardiff Bay has altered beyond recognition since I was a student in the University during the 60s - from its past as the world's largest coal exporting port, to a modern sport and leisure complex; it is also Europe's largest waterfront development and it has a wealth of leisure activities available both on and off the water. In fact the only building that I recognised from my student days (when the infamous Bute Street led to the even more infamous dockland area of Tiger Bay) was the brick-red Customs House.

The old customs house, Cardiff Bay

On this fine Sunday morning Cardiff Bay was thronging with visitors. Among the new developments there are the Millennium Theatre and of course the National Assembly of Wales, looking rather austere in its Welsh slate contruction and Carwyn was keen to show me around.

The National Assembly of Wales

As we mounted the steps to the entrance, I had a funny feeling of déja vu. Then it occurred to me and I said: "This reminds me of the Reichstag". I was immediately jumped on by Kathryn and Carwyn who pointed out that they were both designed by the same architect, Richard Rogers!
Inside, it is indeed an imposing building and we were able to peep down into the Assembly Chamber through the glass partitions, though of course it was deserted on a Sunday with the circles of seats and lifeless computers.

Carwyn and Kathryn pose at the seat of democracy in Wales

However, the café bar was open for an excellent cream tea and we were able to sit guzzling on plush leather seats where Carwyn had recently interviewed such people as Arthur Scargill, David Cameron and Sir Menzies Campbell.

Also during the weekend we visited the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust National Centre of Wales near Llanelli. Although it was rather bleak and windy we were able to see examples of many of the world's waterfowl species in breeding pens, and a number of wild British species form the hides overlooking the marshes.

Carwyn and Kathryn examine a Pochard duck for symptoms of bird flue at the Wildfowl and Wetlands Centre, Llanelli