My walk to work // #BEDM

Apart from two mornings a week when I work at the museum, my walk to work consists of walking down the stairs to the kitchen and then to the next room to switch on the laptop or my iPad to work on some articles or project planning. However, although not technically a walk (as I take the bus into Cardiff), my commute to the museum is far more beautiful and interesting! 

I am incredibly lucky to live in a place where we have so  many lovely views and castles to look at.  The one below is called Castell Coch which in English means 'Red Castle' and it can be seen on the hillside along the A470 into Cardiff.  It is a Victorian Gothic castle, built on the site of a 13th Century castle for the 3rd Marquess of Bute, as a rural retreat when he got bored of his main residence, Cardiff Castle (coming below!).  As children, my sister and I were told that it is where the tooth fairies lived as it is on a hill looking across Cardiff and its neigbouring towns.  To read more and for stunning pictures of the castle look here.

My bus gets in to probably my favourite part of Cardiff, the civic centre where I pass the City Hall.  I absolutely love this building.  My Great, Great Grandfather built the clock tower of the building, which is one of the most iconic landmarks in Cardiff.  My sister also got married here and part of my university graduation memories are also from here.  I love walking through this beautiful city every morning.

Just across the road is Cardiff Castle.  I love that we have a castle that has been here since the Romans came to Cardiff 2000 years ago and that it is in the city centre.  The Roman fort was the first of four forts that were here and evidence of each stage of the castle's evolvement can be seen within the walls (see here for more details).

On a Monday morning there is an obligatory visit to Starbucks to pick up a grande soya peppermint hot chocolate. Monday mornings are usually particularly stressful as Megan has a lot of anxiety returning to school after the weekend and will try anything not to go.  I usually feel as though I've done a full days week before I reach work, so this is a treat to myself for getting this far! 

St. John's City Parish Church is next to where I work.  Apart from Cardiff Castle, it is the oldest remaining medieval building in the city and it dates from the 12th century.  It is a beautiful church and I love hearing the bells ring out whilst I'm working or when leaving work in the evening. A wedding at the church creates quite a scene, with shoppers and tourists stopping to watch and clogging up the streets around. At Christmas time, the Christmas markets are around both the church and our building and the atmosphere is particularly festive.  You may also recognise it if you are a Doctor Who or Torchwood fan.

...and this is work - a beautiful Victorian Grade II listed building which was the first free library in Cardiff..

...and the view of the church from the office window isn't too shabby either!  

If you're very lucky, you may also catch a glimpse of Benedict Cumberbatch filming, or the cast of Dr Who, Casualty and many more :)  One of the many perks of having the BBC Production Studios here in Cardiff.  Did I mention how much I love this city???

Not the best IPhone pic but it's the Batch people! :)

Amy-Louise

xx

linking up with Rosalilium, IBOT, Random Wednesday