Tag Archives: Wales

Fireworks and handbags

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History is waiting to be made… can Welsh rugby achieve its long overdue clean sweep of autumn international victories? South Africa have other intentions. Cue fireworks for the customary gladiatorial entrance under a closed roof…

A few tetchy individuals seemed to bring their handbags onto the pitch with them, as a few minor skirmishes threaten to interrupt a rugby match. But, was there ever going to be any doubt about the outcome as Wales move to a 14-0 lead at an early stage of the match…

There was a brief moment in the second half when South Africa reduce the lead to 14-11, and it seemed as if the handbag-inducing tension was going to subdue home supporters thoughts about any celebratory fireworks.

Until we speak again, a final score of Wales 20 South Africa 11 secures a deserved victory. With 2019 being World Cup year, stow the handbags and light the blue touchpaper!

Premier League unplugged [7]

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On this special anniversary, the centenary of the First World War armistice, the most important message is “Lest we forget…”

The Field [5]

And, in the current context of the Cardiff City Stadium this may well be a reference to “… football used to be played here!” 

Until we speak again, for the record Cardiff City FC won 2-1, only just, in the last few minutes, having struggled against a reduced 10-man Brighton for over an hour!

Premier League unplugged [6]

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Enough said in the press across the previous week, so what can possibly be added to the tributes and out-pouring of feelings for five tragic deaths? Well… Bluebirds were out-foxed in the game of grief (i.e. personal loss for the away team, and skill loss for the home team!).

Leicester pre match

Until we speak again, apparently Cardiff City FC were reported to be a class act across the previous week in their approach to this emotionally difficult game. Shame that wasn’t converting to the on-pitch performances! For the record the home club were very generous to their grieving competitors bequeathing them a 0-1 win.

Premier League unplugged [5]

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Who needs the Game of Thrones ‘Song of Ice and fire’ books when you can have an equally exciting Saturday afternoon at the Cardiff City Stadium?

As the iceman cometh, with our very own Iceland Captain Aron Gunnarsson making his return for a first Premier League fixture this season, so we record our first win!

Until we speak again, cue the fireworks…

Fireworks on dark sky

For the record, the score was Cardiff City 4 (yes… Four) Fulham 2.

Dining in the Wild West

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When the good lady says she knows a few places for spectacular dining, well, gales and crashing waves were not the first things I had in mind. The best idea I could come up with was to just get strapped in and do as I was told (an altogether unusual experience!). Fish anyone?

As it turned out the salmon at Pierre Bistro along the seafront at The Mumbles was worth shooting the breeze for…

But a mere 24 hours later, the initial sense of any sea of tranquillity was to be sublimely displaced by the already showcased sea-lashed topography of The Gower shoreline.

Some may go for the ‘catch of the day’, but if it involves wrestling the aforementioned waves… me, I’m after drier terrain and something with more hooves than scales. “Bring on your best rib-eye” I said. And the Langland Brasserie overlooking Langland Bay did just that…

Until we speak again, when the good lady says there is a really great joint down by the sea, step through the door and take a good long toke on whatever floats your boat.

Premier League unplugged [4]

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Getting to the top is a big challenge; but, as they say, staying there is even harder. Take the life-affirming matter of watching your home-based team rising to the exalted heights of the Premier League… it doesn’t take long to realise it can often be a very cruel place…

pexels-photo

Until we speak again, Cardiff City FC managed to be by far the better team, created so many more chances, then showed just a couple of moments of naivety. The result is you end up losing a ‘must-win’ game 1-2 to Burnley FC… cue “sick as a parrot” and all the other inane football cliches!

Premier League unplugged [3]

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For 31 minutes of this contest, Cardiff City FC held their own against the mighty current champions of Manchester City FC. But, then…

Down the pan

Just like every other game this one started with a sense of hope, expectation, and the obligatory handshakes…

City v Man City

Until we speak again, it was soon to be like lambs to the slaughter, as the final whistle beckoned with a Cardiff City 0 Manchester City 5 scoreline. And so, as the shepherd said to his dog… “it’s time to get the flock out of here!”

 

Twice upon a time in the country

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The draw, a welcoming sign on a background of grey…

Dynevor Arms [1]

The tease, book or not to book?…

2018 [1]

The joint, a deceptively ordinary facade hides a warmly welcoming bar…

2018 [2]

The roast, a family favourite for any Sunday…

2018 [3]

The steak, memories of the earlier visit…

Dynevor Arms [3]

Until we speak again, on the experience of two visits, the next time you happen to be travelling along the Llantrisant Road just outside of Cardiff there just might be a hearty meal waiting a discerning culinary cat.

Up market dining

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Strolling around the tranquil Penarth Marina, on the far side of Cardiff Bay, only served to tempt thoughts of the sea, of fish… of a time to eat. But, the restaurant chains of Mermaid Quay were a distance away and just not stimulating the gastronomic needs of a discerning cat.Penarth Marina [1]

This was a stroll with intent… to enthuse a visiting stroller from outside of Cardiff to what the city has to offer. But, where would match up to the beauty of the wider setting? Step up to the plate The Custom House building near to the Cardiff Bay barrage; a remnant of the former grandeur of the Penarth side of the old docks, built in a Renaissance style in 1865, and converted from dereliction into a fine restaurant in the 1980’s…

Custom House building

This fine building now houses the El Puerto restaurant. Forget menus at your table, this is the marketplace brought into a restaurant…

El puerto [1]

Order your drinks at the table then step up to the main counter for up close inspection of the produce on offer, and place your order…

El puerto [2]

The returning visit of the previously identified ‘delightful company‘ was a situation requiring delicate and refined taste. Hake for the lady and Swordfish for me would complement the aquatic excursion of the previous hour…

El Puerto [3]

Until we speak again, for the vegetarian critics amongst you dear readers, here is a special moment just for you…

Premier League unplugged [2]

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When the famous ‘Gunners’ of Arsenal are in town the local Bluebirds need to ensure they do nothing less than shoot for the moon.

night-cannon-moon

But… you need to have an ability to score goals if you are to stand any chance of collecting valuable points. A current track record of scoring 0, 0 and 0 in the first three matches of the season doesn’t bode well.

Until we speak again, and for the record, Cardiff City FC score 2 goals! However, Arsenal go one better. You may feel the unplugged in the title of this post has been substituted by unhinged as I celebrate winning a 2-3 defeat!