In these stones, horizons sing. Or is it squee?
So. Guess where I went today?
OH YES!
I visited Cardiff university today, for the first time, and whilst I didn't have to be there until half one, I took the whole morning out to do some exploring. And Lord, I love this city.
I'd only been to Cardiff twice before today, and both times were for football matches at the Millenium Stadium, so I didn't see a huge amount of the city. (And what I did see, I can't remember, because it was a while ago.) Even from stepping out of the station, I already liked it; there is so much in one expanse of space, and even in a few seconds you can sense the hustle and bustle of the city. It's wonderful.
Having walked around the city centre and somehow managed to forget that it and Cardiff Bay were not in the same place, I turned back and followed the roadsigns to Cardiff Bay. After about ten minutes of travelling in one direction, taking in the atmosphere and the surroundings (even the pavement was nice), I spotted the roof of the Millenium Centre.
I'll admit it here. I squeaked.
I am such a geek; it's terrible. I was ridiculously excited about actually seeing Cardiff Bay after so long of watching it and loving it on television (and writing about it, as well, without knowing its proper layout). Once I got close to the centre I just laughed, breathlessly; it's so much huger than I imagined it to be, as is the water fountain, as well. It was so surreal knowing exactly where to go, despite the fact that I'd never been there in my life, and I wandered around feeling as if I was home, for some reason.
And, I took photos.
Torchwood aside, I absolutely loved the openness of the Plass; perhaps it was because the sun was shining and it was virtually empty, but there was so much space to just be; so many places to sit and think, and the architecture is absolutely spectacular. I craned my neck staring up at the eentre and the water tower, and all the structures are very interesting to look at. There's so much room.
Whilst I was drifting around the centre and the water tower, inwardly fangirling myself to death, I noticed another girl doing the same; walking around with her camera. She caught my eye a few times, but we didn't speak to each other until she asked me a question; I ashamedly can't remember what it was, but the second thing she said to me was:
"Are you a fan of the television series Torchwood?"
I don't think I've heard sweeter words in my life. A comrade! A fandom comrade!
Turns out she was from South Korea, doing a tour of Europe, and she was off to London tomorrow. We had a little lark about together; chatting about Cardiff and examining the fountain. She showed me which stone to jump on, and...well, yeah, I did jump on it. But, come on! How could you not, when the opportunity's right below you? Nothing happened. Clearly, Jack was too busy shagging Ianto to press the button for the lift to go down.
She asked me where I could find the building that Jack stands on at the start of the series; I couldn't help her, because I had absolutely no idea where it was. I'm guessing it's in Cardiff, but...anyone else know?
We said goodbye after a while and I headed into the Millenium Centre, bouncing on the balls of my feet because it was so good to meet a fellow fangirl; asides from a couple of friends and some girls I met once on the way to see John Barrowman, I haven't met any, and it's so lovely to meet someone that you share this ridiculous obsession with. She was lovely (although we sadly didn't get each others' names), and she was much braver than I was, for initiating the conversation first.
Having gone into the Milennium Centre, marvelled at its sheer size but not really explored it, I went out again and ventured further into the Bay, whereupon I had what are known in the business as several "geekgasms". I found a ridiculous amount of places that I recognised and squeed my heart out. Silently. Look!
It's the path where Ianto chased after Jack!
It's the faux!tourist office!
(I knew this newspaper would be here; was still excited to see it!)
This next one I only took a picture of because it recognised it from one of my favourite pictures of John, Eve and Gareth;
Roald Dahl Plass! I hadn't seen a sign for it until I saw this:
(I did consider trying to find the Norwegian church, but I was running out of time and didn't know where to start. Next time, perhaps.)
ANYWAY. I basically spent the morning arsing around and getting excited over things that I really shouldn't have done, and falling completely in love with Cardiff Bay. The expanse of space was incredible, but at the same time, I loved the little nooks and crannies all over the place; winding stairs and walkways and piers. The smell of sea-salt, the sea, the endless restaurants. I could happily spend days exploring there, and I hope I can do some other time.
In the afternoon I got completely lost, but managed to find myself again, and eventually ended up in the university building I needed to be in. We had a little mini-lecture where we learnt where to go next, and saw a brief film about the uni.
Then something utterly, utterly brilliant happened; we were called for our respective buildings, and as I was following everyone else I was aware of a blonde girl making gestures at me. I looked at her properly, and it was Clare; one of three others girls that I shared a room with back at a Creative Writer's course I went on in 2007; it's where I met Tara, and had the most fun I've ever had, and I hadn't seen Clare in a year and a half! We hugged each other and jabbered away (to the confusion of everyone surrounding us), and she introduced me to Rhys; a boy doing the same course as her that she'd befriended, and a boy with possibly the strongest Welsh accent I've ever heard. More on Rhys later...
I went to my respective lectures on English Lit and Philosopy; the English one prompting me to fall into both platonic love with the professor; a slightly camp, Newport(ian?), hairy-chested (from what we could see), very funny man, and the English course itself. It sounds so much more fascinating than the others at other universities that I've heard about.
Philosophy was interesting as well, although it was mostly what I already knew. What I did love was our presentation at the Student's Union; the two leaders filled us in on what we can do in Cardiff and the uni itself, and there is so much. Everything you could possibly want to do, it seems, you can do it. I didn't ask about Tae Kwon Do, but it must be there. The university has a ridiculous amount of services for students, and the night life looks incredible.
Afterwards, Clare, Rhys and I started walking back to the station; Clare interrogating Rhys on his Welshness (in a nice way), and all of us talking about Cardiff.
Then, this happened:
"Do you watch Torchwood, Rhys?"
"Yeah. Sort of; my stepdad worked on the sound crew for it."
Cue me expressing envy. And then...!
"That guy; you know, the star, what's his name?"
"Who, John Barrowman?"
"Yeah, him. I've been to his house."
"What?"
"He had a party for everyone after they'd finished filming and my stepdad took me along."
"...what???"
I have no idea if he's telling the truth or not, but considering he didn't bring it up at all until I started the conversation up, it doesn't seem like he'd bother lying. And he'd lived in Wales his whole life and wants to go to Cardiff uni; it's not outside the realms of possibility! Plus, he wasn't the sort to boast; he was very quiet most of the time. I think Clare took it upon herself to bring him out of his shell, which worked!
If it is true, then I've made friends with someone who's been drunk at John Barrowman's house. Or flat, or wherever the hell he lived at the time. Rhys claimed it was "about a train ride" from where we were at that moment; presumably it would be around the Bay somewhere. I don't think I've been quite so jealous as in that moment. In a nice way, though; Rhys was such a lovely guy I think he'd be impossible to hate. (He had fantastic hair, as well!)
I left Clare at the station after I found an early train home. It was lovely to see her again.
So. Cardiff. I think I may be in love. I didn't see any accommodation, but it's easy to guess what it would be like, and although I saw less of the uni structure than I would have liked, I loved what I heard about what happens outside studying, and the course I'm doing. And the professors!
I got home to find Durham university had rejected me, so my perceptions have been altered even more than they were by visiting Cardiff. Cardiff was last on my preference list and I never thought I'd go there; now that I've experienced it, I'm beginning to change my mind. Particularly now that Durham isn't in the picture anymore. I'm supremely miffed about that, because I loved Durham, but I knew it was a distinct possibility, and I'm glad I know now rather than having to wait.
So, what to do, what to do? It's a tricky one. I don't have to make my two choices yet, not by half, but I'm still dithering.
Ow, my fingers. I've been writing this post for over an hour. Hope the photos work. Apologies that this post isn't as thoughtful as it could be; I've been walking miles all day and I'm exhausted.
P.S. The name of Clare's boyfriend, it turns out? Matt Smith.
But not the Matt Smith, obviously.
OH YES!
I visited Cardiff university today, for the first time, and whilst I didn't have to be there until half one, I took the whole morning out to do some exploring. And Lord, I love this city.
I'd only been to Cardiff twice before today, and both times were for football matches at the Millenium Stadium, so I didn't see a huge amount of the city. (And what I did see, I can't remember, because it was a while ago.) Even from stepping out of the station, I already liked it; there is so much in one expanse of space, and even in a few seconds you can sense the hustle and bustle of the city. It's wonderful.
Having walked around the city centre and somehow managed to forget that it and Cardiff Bay were not in the same place, I turned back and followed the roadsigns to Cardiff Bay. After about ten minutes of travelling in one direction, taking in the atmosphere and the surroundings (even the pavement was nice), I spotted the roof of the Millenium Centre.
I'll admit it here. I squeaked.
I am such a geek; it's terrible. I was ridiculously excited about actually seeing Cardiff Bay after so long of watching it and loving it on television (and writing about it, as well, without knowing its proper layout). Once I got close to the centre I just laughed, breathlessly; it's so much huger than I imagined it to be, as is the water fountain, as well. It was so surreal knowing exactly where to go, despite the fact that I'd never been there in my life, and I wandered around feeling as if I was home, for some reason.
And, I took photos.
Torchwood aside, I absolutely loved the openness of the Plass; perhaps it was because the sun was shining and it was virtually empty, but there was so much space to just be; so many places to sit and think, and the architecture is absolutely spectacular. I craned my neck staring up at the eentre and the water tower, and all the structures are very interesting to look at. There's so much room.
Whilst I was drifting around the centre and the water tower, inwardly fangirling myself to death, I noticed another girl doing the same; walking around with her camera. She caught my eye a few times, but we didn't speak to each other until she asked me a question; I ashamedly can't remember what it was, but the second thing she said to me was:
"Are you a fan of the television series Torchwood?"
I don't think I've heard sweeter words in my life. A comrade! A fandom comrade!
Turns out she was from South Korea, doing a tour of Europe, and she was off to London tomorrow. We had a little lark about together; chatting about Cardiff and examining the fountain. She showed me which stone to jump on, and...well, yeah, I did jump on it. But, come on! How could you not, when the opportunity's right below you? Nothing happened. Clearly, Jack was too busy shagging Ianto to press the button for the lift to go down.
She asked me where I could find the building that Jack stands on at the start of the series; I couldn't help her, because I had absolutely no idea where it was. I'm guessing it's in Cardiff, but...anyone else know?
We said goodbye after a while and I headed into the Millenium Centre, bouncing on the balls of my feet because it was so good to meet a fellow fangirl; asides from a couple of friends and some girls I met once on the way to see John Barrowman, I haven't met any, and it's so lovely to meet someone that you share this ridiculous obsession with. She was lovely (although we sadly didn't get each others' names), and she was much braver than I was, for initiating the conversation first.
Having gone into the Milennium Centre, marvelled at its sheer size but not really explored it, I went out again and ventured further into the Bay, whereupon I had what are known in the business as several "geekgasms". I found a ridiculous amount of places that I recognised and squeed my heart out. Silently. Look!
It's the path where Ianto chased after Jack!
It's the faux!tourist office!
(I knew this newspaper would be here; was still excited to see it!)
This next one I only took a picture of because it recognised it from one of my favourite pictures of John, Eve and Gareth;
Roald Dahl Plass! I hadn't seen a sign for it until I saw this:
(I did consider trying to find the Norwegian church, but I was running out of time and didn't know where to start. Next time, perhaps.)
ANYWAY. I basically spent the morning arsing around and getting excited over things that I really shouldn't have done, and falling completely in love with Cardiff Bay. The expanse of space was incredible, but at the same time, I loved the little nooks and crannies all over the place; winding stairs and walkways and piers. The smell of sea-salt, the sea, the endless restaurants. I could happily spend days exploring there, and I hope I can do some other time.
In the afternoon I got completely lost, but managed to find myself again, and eventually ended up in the university building I needed to be in. We had a little mini-lecture where we learnt where to go next, and saw a brief film about the uni.
Then something utterly, utterly brilliant happened; we were called for our respective buildings, and as I was following everyone else I was aware of a blonde girl making gestures at me. I looked at her properly, and it was Clare; one of three others girls that I shared a room with back at a Creative Writer's course I went on in 2007; it's where I met Tara, and had the most fun I've ever had, and I hadn't seen Clare in a year and a half! We hugged each other and jabbered away (to the confusion of everyone surrounding us), and she introduced me to Rhys; a boy doing the same course as her that she'd befriended, and a boy with possibly the strongest Welsh accent I've ever heard. More on Rhys later...
I went to my respective lectures on English Lit and Philosopy; the English one prompting me to fall into both platonic love with the professor; a slightly camp, Newport(ian?), hairy-chested (from what we could see), very funny man, and the English course itself. It sounds so much more fascinating than the others at other universities that I've heard about.
Philosophy was interesting as well, although it was mostly what I already knew. What I did love was our presentation at the Student's Union; the two leaders filled us in on what we can do in Cardiff and the uni itself, and there is so much. Everything you could possibly want to do, it seems, you can do it. I didn't ask about Tae Kwon Do, but it must be there. The university has a ridiculous amount of services for students, and the night life looks incredible.
Afterwards, Clare, Rhys and I started walking back to the station; Clare interrogating Rhys on his Welshness (in a nice way), and all of us talking about Cardiff.
Then, this happened:
"Do you watch Torchwood, Rhys?"
"Yeah. Sort of; my stepdad worked on the sound crew for it."
Cue me expressing envy. And then...!
"That guy; you know, the star, what's his name?"
"Who, John Barrowman?"
"Yeah, him. I've been to his house."
"What?"
"He had a party for everyone after they'd finished filming and my stepdad took me along."
"...what???"
I have no idea if he's telling the truth or not, but considering he didn't bring it up at all until I started the conversation up, it doesn't seem like he'd bother lying. And he'd lived in Wales his whole life and wants to go to Cardiff uni; it's not outside the realms of possibility! Plus, he wasn't the sort to boast; he was very quiet most of the time. I think Clare took it upon herself to bring him out of his shell, which worked!
If it is true, then I've made friends with someone who's been drunk at John Barrowman's house. Or flat, or wherever the hell he lived at the time. Rhys claimed it was "about a train ride" from where we were at that moment; presumably it would be around the Bay somewhere. I don't think I've been quite so jealous as in that moment. In a nice way, though; Rhys was such a lovely guy I think he'd be impossible to hate. (He had fantastic hair, as well!)
I left Clare at the station after I found an early train home. It was lovely to see her again.
So. Cardiff. I think I may be in love. I didn't see any accommodation, but it's easy to guess what it would be like, and although I saw less of the uni structure than I would have liked, I loved what I heard about what happens outside studying, and the course I'm doing. And the professors!
I got home to find Durham university had rejected me, so my perceptions have been altered even more than they were by visiting Cardiff. Cardiff was last on my preference list and I never thought I'd go there; now that I've experienced it, I'm beginning to change my mind. Particularly now that Durham isn't in the picture anymore. I'm supremely miffed about that, because I loved Durham, but I knew it was a distinct possibility, and I'm glad I know now rather than having to wait.
So, what to do, what to do? It's a tricky one. I don't have to make my two choices yet, not by half, but I'm still dithering.
Ow, my fingers. I've been writing this post for over an hour. Hope the photos work. Apologies that this post isn't as thoughtful as it could be; I've been walking miles all day and I'm exhausted.
P.S. The name of Clare's boyfriend, it turns out? Matt Smith.
But not the Matt Smith, obviously.