il Giardino Romantico

Almost anywhere you go in the UK, you can be sure to find some interesting history behind the place, the area, or the building.  Bute Park is a large area of parkland in the core of Cardiff.  Situated amidst a whole range of historical sites, including Cardiff Castle, it seems to be the perfect place for an easy weekend getaway.  
英國真的是隨處可見歷史的遺跡。即使是公園，也是一個充滿歷史故事的地方。Bute公園位於卡地夫市中心。環繞著這個公園的正是一＂堆＂具有歷史性的建築物，包含卡地夫城堡在內。這裡看似非常適合週末短暫休閒放鬆的好去處。
Still not sure why this was here... 
不知道為什麼會有一個豬頭在這... 
This is a Photoshopped effect... 
這是photoshop的特效（不要再說怎麼拍成這樣啦～）
The normal version... 
正常版
Along the river and under the bridge. I could use this to teach prepositions!
這張可以拿來教介係詞用ㄟ... 
Brave little girl... What's there to be brave about?
勇敢的小女孩... （這在台灣發生那女孩應該會被爸媽揍吧...）
I love these little markets. 
好愛、好懷念這種小市集喔！
 
Cute little cat ornaments.
看到貓咪，非拍不可～ 

 
Doctor Who? 'Doctor Who' is a British sci-fi TV programme produced by the BBC (Read more).  I got hooked to it while I was 'supposedly' studying hard in my little cellar back in the UK.  Before I headed off to Cardiff, I was so excited to find out that this exhibition was actually situated in Cardiff. It became my ultimate goal to accomplish while in Cardiff. Fortunately for me, I actually did get to see the exhibition.  And what did I think of it? Well, you can read on and see parts of the exhibition yourself, then hear what I really thought of it.
超時空博士，是一個英國BBC製作的科幻電視影集。（關於＂超時空博士＂）留學生的生活是很寂寞的。所以在我用功唸書之於，也常常上BBC的官方網站看看線上可收看的一些電視節目。沒多久，我就對這部影集著迷了。再出發到卡地夫之前，得知這個展覽長期在卡地夫展出後真的很興奮。這個展覽也是我來卡地夫最期待的行程之一。至於參觀後的心得以及評價到底如何呢？你可以先看看圖片，最後再看看我到底是怎麼想的囉！
Dare you enter?
你有膽進去嗎？
The Tardis
博士穿越時空的＂太空船＂
David Tennant
有史以來最受歡迎的＂博士＂飾演演員 - David Tennant
Monsters and aliens
各種怪物以及外星人
One of the most notorious aliens in the whole programme - the Daleks.
整部影集中最恐怖的外星＂人＂之ㄧ︰Daleks.  
Their ultimate goal is to 'exterminate' the human race.
他們的終極目標是消滅人類... 
 
But the doctor always saves the day.
但博士總是及時趕到拯救世界。
These are the very odd Oods.
屬於灰色地帶的Oods。不好也不壞。
 
You can never tell what year they are really in, or which world, for that matter.
一個讓你搞不清楚到底是哪個時代、哪個世界的奇妙世界。
 K-9
The automaton pet - K-9 (canine)
機器人寵物狗 K-9（與英文犬類同音）

Another ultimate automaton alien - the Cybermen. Their goal is to transform all human beings into cybermen by eliminating all human emotions. But, you already know - the doctor always saves the day.
 另外一個非常具有殺傷力的邪惡外星機器人。他們想要透過移除人類所有的情感，將人類改變成他們的同類。不過，你知道的，博士會拯救我們。

The construction of the Wales Millennium Centre began in 2004 and was completed in 2009.  Situated at the Cardiff Bay area, the centre has become a major landmark.  Concerts, operas, and other cultural performances are all held here.  Not only is this a literal landmark of the area, but also a cultural landmark.
威爾斯千禧中心，於2004年開始建造，2009年完工。位於卡地夫海灣旁，這成了這個地區的主要地標之一。許多盛大的音樂會、歌劇、演唱會都會在這裡舉行。除了實體的地標，也是卡地夫以及威爾斯的文化地標。
Who can make this out?
你看的出他寫著什麼嗎？
Welsh version: Creu Gwir fel gwydr o ffwrnais awen (Creatingn truth like glass from the furnace of inspiration)
English version: In These Stones Horizons Sing
中文版：（歡迎挑戰XD）
Wall design with multiple layers of slate.
牆壁的設計是多層次石版。
It's so colossal it's impossible to capture the entire building with one shot.
大到沒有廣角不可能整個入鏡... 
Entrance to the centre.
入口
Plaza in front of the centre.
中心前的廣場
 
I had to walk 'very' far, to capture the whole thing!
要走＂很遠＂才拍的到全部喔！ 

Much of our time spent in this area composed of the Doctor Who Exhibition (which will shortly follow) and Millennium Centre.  Some of the shots were taken whilst on the bus tour.  Despite our short visit, Cardiff Bay remains an impressive place as the weather was so glorious, even the most trivial can become the most spectacular.
其實來Cardiff Bay主要的行程就是參觀＂超時空博士＂展覽（近日內貼出）以及Millennium Centre。這篇文章裡所看到的一部分照片是在＂跳上跳下遊覽車＂上拍攝的。雖然停留時間不長，但是Cardiff Bay看起來像是個很不錯的優閒景點。何況這天天氣如此的燦爛，實在是逛哪裡都覺得很棒的囉！
 Ivor Novello
作曲家、劇作家、演員
Cute little cannons
可愛的加農砲
Red brick building
紅磚建築
Lots of boats.
很多船
Very Welsh boat
非常威爾斯的船... XD

Insatiable for more castle photos? This article is dedicated especially for those who had really enjoyed the coloured version of the castle.  Now, let me say no more. Enjoy the pics.
看完上一篇城堡文，是不是還意猶未盡？這篇是專門貼出來給喜歡上篇城堡文的讀者們。希望你們會喜歡這非常不同味道的黑白城堡篇。

This article may take a few minutes to complete loading due to the vast amount of pictures. Please be so kind as to patiently wait till it's fully uploaded to enjoy the article as a whole.
本篇文章因圖片較多，可能需要幾分鐘的時間才能完整呈現。請耐心等候網頁完全開啟後再慢慢欣賞完整文章。
Upon our arrival at the bus stop, we can already get a magnificent view of the castle.  In addition to its magnificence, the glorious weather also made it even more spectacular. This is the second castle, after Edinburgh Castle that I've visited.  Although both castles, the difference in history and location makes each experience unique in itself.
搭乘巴士抵達站牌遠處即可看見卡菲利城堡壯觀的模樣。加上這天天氣晴朗，又顯的更加壯觀。這是續愛丁堡城堡（上篇、下篇）後，天仙參觀的第二座城堡。雖然說同樣是城堡，但是因為歷史背景、地理位置不同，參觀起來那種享受真的很不同。
Caephilly Castle is the largest castle in Wales, and second largest in Britain (the largest being Windsor).  The whole castle was built over a four-year period (app. 1268-1271) that covers a land mass of 30 acres, making it one of the largest in the whole of Europe.
卡菲利城堡是威爾斯最大的城堡。全不列顛裡也算是第二大的，僅次於溫莎堡。整個城堡建造過程花了四年（1268-1271）。城堡面積約三十英畝。可以算是歐洲裡的大城堡。
Moat around the castle.
護城河。
Entrance to the castle.
城堡大門。
Another view of the moat.
另外一個角度的護城河。
What's left of the thirteenth century castle.
十三世紀保存至今的城堡。
View around the castle.
城堡周圍景觀。
A castle in decay...
腐朽中的城堡... 
 
 Where arrows were shot from. 射箭用的... 
Contemporary artillery... 
古代武器
Whole castle structure.
城堡結構圖。 

I wonder how many people dream of having their weddings in a castle. Is is the dream of all brides-to-be?  Even seeing it with my own eyes, it still feels very dreamlike. 
這是不是很多人夢寐以求的婚禮地點？這應該是很多新娘的夢想吧！在城堡裡舉行婚禮，不要說用想的，就連親自親眼看到，都還是覺得非常的夢幻！
This little boy refused to pose for me, which was fine. I still got a nice picture of him. 
這小伴郎拒絕幫我擺pose。不過沒關係，我還是拍了一張不錯看的。
  

Located at the heart of Cardiff City, is this magnificent castle.  However, my local guide surprised me when he told me that he had never been inside.  Among his friends, only a few had actually been inside.  Although I was immensely curious about the castle, I had to consider my budget, and chose only one to see.  That's why I've decided to listen to my local guide, ditch this one, for a supposedly better one the next day.
位於卡地夫市中心，就是這一座看似很壯觀的卡地夫城堡。不過天仙的當地地陪竟然跟天仙說，他從來沒進去看過。連他朋友進去過的也沒幾個。雖然天仙對城堡非常感興趣，但是又基於經費上的考量，還是決定聽地陪的話。捨棄進去逛這座城堡的念頭，留著隔天再去逛更棒的！
However, the castle still stands as an important landmark of the city.  It is surrounded by other tourist attractions.  Other than shops, there is also a gigantic park at the back of the castle.  So even if you decide not to go into the castle, I'm sure what surrounds it would be enough to satisfy you.
不過不管怎麼說，這座城堡還是卡地夫很重要的地標。他的周圍也有很多很棒的觀光景點。除了商店之外，城堡後方還有一座非常非常壯觀的公園。所以即使沒有打算要進去逛，光是在周圍欣賞，其實也是可以很滿足的。
This is the main entrance to the castle.  Just from this, you can tell, that it's not as nearly impressive as Edinburgh Castle.  But as I did not go into it, I will never know if it is disappointing as others say it is, or whether it is actually quite impressive.  
這就是城堡的大門口。其實光看外表就知道，要比氣派，其實是絕對比不上愛丁堡的城堡的啦。不過因為沒有進去，所以裡頭到底是令人失望，還是令人讚嘆不絕，恐怕要請有進去過的來跟大家分享了。
This is a medieval castle.  Originally built as a Norman keep, but later transformed into a Victorian architecture Gothic revival mansion.  The earliest sections were built as far back as 1019.
這是一座中古時期的城堡。原是諾曼時期城堡主樓，現被改為一座維多利亞哥德式復興建築。最早期的部份建於1019年。
The Clock Tower 城堡鐘樓。
Castle fortress 城牆
Scene next to the clock tower. 鐘樓旁景觀
Outer walls of the castle 城堡圍牆
Surrounding the area around the castle are walls with statues of various animals.  
圍繞著整個城堡後方就是這一座附有不同動物雕像的牆。
 
 
  
Gift shop miscellany 城堡禮品部
Black and white version 黑白拍，更有味
無天仙緣的城堡
牆上的蜘蛛網
There are a lot of castles around Cardiff.  That is why a lot of people would rather miss out on this, hop on a bus and tour a larger one on the outskirts of the city.  The admission fee is significantly cheaper, and you get a lot more out of a day than you could get from this one.
其實卡地夫有許多更壯觀的城堡。所以很多人都寧願捨棄市中心這座，跑去搭公車到比較遠的城堡去晃一整天。門票比這座便宜，據說也是比這間逛起來要滿足許多！！
Ian's Cardiff Castle
延伸閱讀︰
愛丁堡城堡上集
愛丁堡城堡下集 

While in the UK, you must take advantage of the museums that do not charge any entrance fee.  It is the easiest way to learn about local culture, and if the weather's rough, it's also a nice way of keeping warm and dry.  But seeing that the weather was so glorious while I was there, plus the fact that the collections in this museum was not exactly what I had been interested in, we didn't spend much time in there.  Despite the short duration of my visit, however, I still highly recommend a visit.  After all, you can enter for FREE.
在英國旅遊時，一定要好好把握良機，逛透所有不用花錢參觀的各大小博物館！這是了解當地文化歷史最輕鬆的方式。而英國又時常天氣不佳，也不失為一個避雨暖身的便宜好方式。不過看在當天抵達卡地夫天氣晴朗的份上，再加上這個博物館裡所展覽的文物並不是我最有興趣的範圍，因此我們其實沒有逛太久。雖然如此，我還是強烈推薦一定要進去參觀一下。畢竟是免費的呀！
The architecture of the building is Edwardian style.  Its designers were Arnold Dunbar Smith and Cecil Brewer.  Its construction began in 1912, but delayed by the First World War, it did not open until 1927.  
建築設計是走愛德華時代風格。設計建築師為Arnold Dunbar Smith和Cecil Brewer。於1912正式開工。不過因為第一次世界大戰耽擱了完工日期，到了1927年才正式對外開放。
This is the natural history exhibit of the museum.   
這是自然歷史館。
Statue in the staircase of the main hall.
在階梯間上的人像雕刻。
A smaller scale statue on the staircase to the second floor.
比較小的雕刻品。
The art gallery.
藝術畫廊。
Marble statue.
白理石雕像。
I cannot recall what this piece is called, but I do remember it capturing my attention.
我已經忘了這個作品叫什麼了。不過我只記得當時這個作品有吸引到我～
National Museum Cardiff
*Note: The museum is actually called "National Museum, Cardiff".  It is part of a wider network of "National Museum Wales"
*註︰博物館正確的名稱應該是"卡地夫，國家博物館"。該館是"威爾斯國家博物館"的一部份。 

St. John the Baptist is located right at the centre of Cardiff city.  It is the oldest church in the area.  It's also within close proximity to Cardiff Castle.  Although I did not get a chance to visit the inside of the church, I thought the way the church was surrounded by modern elements interesting.
這間聖約翰教堂位於卡地夫市區的正中央。是這個地區裡歷史最久的教堂。他離卡地夫城堡也不遠。雖然無緣進去參訪教堂內部，不過從外觀就可以看出這間小教堂的特色。整座教堂是被現代文化所包圍著的。光是想到這點，就覺得何仿不是一種特色呢！
Surrounding the church area, are shopping areas and restaurants.  But the church itself and what it stood for seemed to have withstood the test of time and change.  
在教堂周圍，不是購物商店就是餐廳。但是教堂本身，以及它所代表的信仰理念，卻絲毫不受影響的仍然堅定的呈現在眼前。
As of all the different churches in the UK, each and every one of them has its own uniqueness.  The church is completely enclosed by modern civilisation, but its strong faith stays in tact.