Ep 3. Curious Cardiff

In this episode of Curious Traveler, we explore the charming city of Cardiff, the capital of Wales. Our host, Christine van Blokland sets out to discover the rich history and cultural traditions of this historic city.

Starting the tour at the iconic Cardiff Castle, Christine delves into the history of the castle, its unique architecture and the story of its transformation from a Roman fort to a Victorian gothic revival palace. She then takes a stroll around the castle's gardens and shares interesting stories of the castle's owners and their love for exotic plants and animals that are still thriving in the gardens today.

Next up is the striking City Hall, which serves as the headquarters of the Cardiff City Council. Christine takes us on a tour of the interiors of the hall, showcasing its stunning architecture, ornate mosaic floors and grand staircase. She also shares with us a little-known fact about the building's history of hosting award ceremonies.

Christine then heads to the National Museum Cardiff, which houses a vast collection of art and artifacts from around the world. She takes us through the highlights of the museum, including some of its most fascinating exhibits, such as the stuffed animals that were once part of Sir David Attenborough's collection.

Moving on, Christine takes us to the Victorian shopping arcades, which have been beautifully preserved and restored. She explores their unique architecture and different specialty shops, featuring everything from handmade chocolates to antique books. As she crosses the busy city center, Christine stops to admire some of the most impressive street art in the country.

Continuing along the city’s historic streets, Christine visits the childhood home of Roald Dahl, the famous children's author. She shares the story of his childhood in Cardiff and how it inspired many of his beloved books. This leads Christine to the Norwegian Church, a historic building that served as a hub for Scandinavian sailors in the 19th century, including Dahl's grandfather.

Finally, wrapping up the trip, Christine samples some of the delicious local culinary delights at some of the city's most popular cafes and restaurants. She foists on laverbread, a traditional Welsh delicacy made of seaweed, and takes us through the history and cultural significance of this dish. She also tries some of the other signature Welsh dishes like Glamorgan sausages, and Welsh cakes.

Curious Cardiff takes viewers on a journey of discovery through the city's rich history, vibrant culture and stunning architecture. With Christine as our guide, we explore the hidden gems of this charming city, from its ancient castles to its bustling markets and everything in between. This episode is a must-watch for anyone planning a trip to Wales or just curious about this fascinating corner of the UK.