This is another one of those adventure type blogs like the last one so hopefully you can imagine how this ride was using your imagination.
Without further ado, its time to begin.
Why don't we head back to the past instead of the future? ;)
Disclaimer: I will be using emojis for fun posts only.
History timeeeeee! Okay I went overboard there, lets just go... 😂😂
Cardiff Capital! 🧭
Cardiff is the capital of Wales containing tourist areas notably the castle (see Wales 2018 section for an analysis on that), Cardiff Bay and more. It has grown since 1980s, when a Cardiff Bay was built at the time. That said, Cardiff was ranked 6th (dang) in the world by the Nat Geo for best tourist attractions. To be honest I could see why, I refer to Wales as my second home and some of the areas are just breathtaking...
Theres your little introduction to the city. Now onto the REAL thing. Enjoy reading!!!
Getting to the Coach Station in 2016 😅😊
On the summer of 26th August 2016, we were heading to Victoria Coach Station. To get there I had to take a bus (yes, surprised we didn't take the train as we were carrying suitcases) from my residence to Stratford. I believe it was an ADL Enviro 400* {Voith} funnily enough that I took. Unfortunately though, these buses do not have luggage racks so it was very hard to find a space to put the luggage so it had to be put in the wheelchair/buggy area. However, it meant I had to stay downstairs for the whole journey just for that. Thankfully though the loads were alright - could have been much worse.
Upon arrival to Stratford we then waited for a coach known as the Caetano Levante*. As the coach arrived the driver asked for our tickets and showed them in paper form. We stopped at Mile End before heading to Victoria. There was a bit of traffic along that section but we made it.
Extra Info:
The Enviro 400 was very a popular model with most companies ordering Voith and ZF Ecomat(was common in and outside London)/Ecolife. It was designed by Alexander Dennis (ADL) to replace older bus types such as the ALX400s and Plaxton Presidents which was also commonly seen.
Caetano Levante is a coach that serve routes such as National Express with a long wheelbase (due to the number of seats) and luggage racks.
Extra Info:
The Enviro 400 was very a popular model with most companies ordering Voith and ZF Ecomat(was common in and outside London)/Ecolife. It was designed by Alexander Dennis (ADL) to replace older bus types such as the ALX400s and Plaxton Presidents which was also commonly seen.
Caetano Levante is a coach that serve routes such as National Express with a long wheelbase (due to the number of seats) and luggage racks.
The adventure begins (2016) 😀
Well the coach arrived - thankfully. But.... we had wait in line. I saw other destinations going to Paris, Glasgow - heh, can't believe you can go to France with a coach - and more. We showed our tickets to the driver and was onboard. So the journey began... I was one seat near the back and it was hot and packed. Considering it was near the end of the month, you know how people like to get out and take a break from their daily lifes. There was some really nice views after passing through Earls Court, Chiswick Roundabout, Great West Road {home of H91}*, M4 and the crossing (the first time I have been past one). There was a long bridge that we crossed. The views was awesome. Annoyingly though I didn't take any photos. :( or did I?...
H91 (Hounslow West - Hammersmith via Osterley, Gunnersbury, Chiswick and Stamford Brook)
Since we were in Wales, it was hard to find the name of the stops and check when they are leaving via real time information. So in this case, Citymapper couldn't help me out - lovely. I had to resort to plan B which was to use the timetable on the stop and find the route. It took some time, luckily though the stop was found and we were able to find our route and bus required. The bus came and at first sight I felt amazed. It was in light green and orange and the company being called Cardiff Bus (Bus Caerdydd in Welsh). The body is a Enviro 400 MMC manufactured by Alexander Dennis with the engine being ZF Ecolife (6-speed gearbox). At the time I didn't know all this stuff to do with gearboxes and such. Its amazing what you discover and learn as it may seem interesting.
The bus. Comfy seats, (they were high in my view lol) pretty good next stop announcements in English and Welsh (great for tourists) lovely engine and a nice livery - note some of the greenish livery does remind me a bit of the Reading Buses MMC but that one has it covered full on. Just brilliant to be honest. Thumbs up. 👍 :) Oh right it was one door too - had to get used to that when I traveled on other buses...
Service wise. Driver was kind and helpful to getting towards our destination. Wasn't really any issues onboard seemed to be a smooth service. The thing about this route is it not very frequent. Yeah... During my stay when waiting for the 58, amount of buses operating on the route is low (20 mins to say the least) so hmm... plan your time accordingly as you could be waiting at the stop for a while.
H91 (Hounslow West - Hammersmith via Osterley, Gunnersbury, Chiswick and Stamford Brook)
Arrival in Wales (2016) 🙌
After stopping at Newport and the university nearby, Wales was to be seen. The alighting point was at Sophia Gardens. Quite long - 4hrs to be exact. Next up we had to find the spot for the Premier Inn hotel that we were supposed to be staying in. It was confusing since it was my first time here. In the end, some kind people said onboard the Optare Solo (which we had to pay - this is outside London so very normal) to take a route numbered "58" from the city centre. And so we did. Which lead onto some hide and seek game of "find the stop" lol. You see without London Vehicle Finder, people wouldn't be to track their vehicles. Okay you have tracking bus applications on your phones. This doesn't apply here though...Since we were in Wales, it was hard to find the name of the stops and check when they are leaving via real time information. So in this case, Citymapper couldn't help me out - lovely. I had to resort to plan B which was to use the timetable on the stop and find the route. It took some time, luckily though the stop was found and we were able to find our route and bus required. The bus came and at first sight I felt amazed. It was in light green and orange and the company being called Cardiff Bus (Bus Caerdydd in Welsh). The body is a Enviro 400 MMC manufactured by Alexander Dennis with the engine being ZF Ecolife (6-speed gearbox). At the time I didn't know all this stuff to do with gearboxes and such. Its amazing what you discover and learn as it may seem interesting.
The bus. Comfy seats, (they were high in my view lol) pretty good next stop announcements in English and Welsh (great for tourists) lovely engine and a nice livery - note some of the greenish livery does remind me a bit of the Reading Buses MMC but that one has it covered full on. Just brilliant to be honest. Thumbs up. 👍 :) Oh right it was one door too - had to get used to that when I traveled on other buses...
Service wise. Driver was kind and helpful to getting towards our destination. Wasn't really any issues onboard seemed to be a smooth service. The thing about this route is it not very frequent. Yeah... During my stay when waiting for the 58, amount of buses operating on the route is low (20 mins to say the least) so hmm... plan your time accordingly as you could be waiting at the stop for a while.
The Hotel 😆😩 :D...
You don't understand how pleased I was to see the hotel in the distance... Long journey, tiring day just what I needed. When we entered, the receptionist greeted us and as the room was booked online, they showed us the way. There was a lift that we took 3 floors. Exiting the lift, a narrow corridor appeared with the different rooms on each side. The one came up on the left side eventually, offering a bathroom, kingsize and single bed, table and a mini old school TV. Once we had settled in, it started to get dark and I was on my tablet catching up on Youtube and checking out Google + communities. Wifi wasn't partcularly great though - the videos kept buffering and could barely watch them.
Later on the staff allowed us to go downstairs for dinner offering a great menu on display. Food was top notch, as you would expect it to be. Feeling full, we went upstairs to bed for the night awaiting as what will be an epic first day.....
Later on the staff allowed us to go downstairs for dinner offering a great menu on display. Food was top notch, as you would expect it to be. Feeling full, we went upstairs to bed for the night awaiting as what will be an epic first day.....
9:00am. ⌚
A new day in Wales + some surprises! 😳😲 (Day 1)
Bright and early Saturday morning, woke up feeling refreshed and ready to go like an armed soldier taking commands. Got prepared and went downstairs for breakfast wondering what is on offer. You had the full english breakfast (moretheless): bacon, sausages, eggs, baked beans and hash browns! And thats not all. You thought that was it? Ha. A continental breakfast included a range of croissants, bagels, muffins, bread, pancakes.... Then of course you have cereals - a great way to start your week/day and fruits if you wanna stay healthy. Sometimes, its good to spoil yourself. I had an english breakfast with bagels and pancakes was really nice and tasty!
Surprisingly, there was alot going on today so lets jump to it. 😌
Dressed up, we headed out to the city. It needed route 58 and came in form of a single decker Scania Omnicity. The bus packed halfway we arrived at Cardiff. First of all, we went over to the shops and stuff (the paths looked like a mini Romford) to check whats there. I wondered about the castle since I first arrived so after eating a sausage roll at Greggs, it had to be discovered. Took some pictures (seen below) of the castle. Didn't fully explore it but not to worry. We then had to go to an area called "Cardiff Bay". The route required was route 22 - vehicle being a Dart Pointer with the Allison engine. Took roundabouts 20-25mins with mini shops mainly along the way.
Cardiff Bay... well it has a really nice view! There seemed to be an event too guess it was my lucky day today ;)... I saw a boat sailing along the sea saying "Challenge Wales" there was also advertising for an event that took place over the next two days related to jet ski of some sort. Took loads of pictures here - was really a great day. I then went into the retail park known as the Red Dragon Centre (home of Wale's Capital FM radio station) whilst going past an Asda with an Optare Tempo that operated on one of the "T routes" (T9) similar to the H37 examples that entered service in London. Welp, this wasn't one your normal retail parks containing shops e.g. Sports Direct, JD you name it. No. No. No. Inst- *looking around with people walking* 😑 Instead, there were an array of food shops, arcade and a cinema! I decided to go to Five Guys as walking around Cardiff Bay for a considerable amount of time can be tiring and I didn't want to leave on an empty stomach.
At first looks, I thought it might be some sort of chicken and chips sort of place. I was mistaken hugely though as it looked purely American based on their range of burgers, chips, hot dogs; you can view the menu by clicking on this link: https://www.fiveguys.co.uk/download/uk/menu.pdf When I say the food is filling, its FILLING nothing else to say about that. My order was a burger (possibly cheese I think) with fries and a drink from the CocaCola "free style" refill machine where you can refill as many times as you want with no charge with your own drink combinations. Huh? Gobsmacked I tell you... So hopefully you're convinced to visit a Five Guys restaurant after this mini review. Give it a shot, go on.
And with Cardiff Bay done that was pretty much Day 1 dusted over...
Well, I did mention there would be alot so don't say I didn't warn you. 😉
Surprisingly, there was alot going on today so lets jump to it. 😌
Dressed up, we headed out to the city. It needed route 58 and came in form of a single decker Scania Omnicity. The bus packed halfway we arrived at Cardiff. First of all, we went over to the shops and stuff (the paths looked like a mini Romford) to check whats there. I wondered about the castle since I first arrived so after eating a sausage roll at Greggs, it had to be discovered. Took some pictures (seen below) of the castle. Didn't fully explore it but not to worry. We then had to go to an area called "Cardiff Bay". The route required was route 22 - vehicle being a Dart Pointer with the Allison engine. Took roundabouts 20-25mins with mini shops mainly along the way.
Cardiff Bay... well it has a really nice view! There seemed to be an event too guess it was my lucky day today ;)... I saw a boat sailing along the sea saying "Challenge Wales" there was also advertising for an event that took place over the next two days related to jet ski of some sort. Took loads of pictures here - was really a great day. I then went into the retail park known as the Red Dragon Centre (home of Wale's Capital FM radio station) whilst going past an Asda with an Optare Tempo that operated on one of the "T routes" (T9) similar to the H37 examples that entered service in London. Welp, this wasn't one your normal retail parks containing shops e.g. Sports Direct, JD you name it. No. No. No. Inst- *looking around with people walking* 😑 Instead, there were an array of food shops, arcade and a cinema! I decided to go to Five Guys as walking around Cardiff Bay for a considerable amount of time can be tiring and I didn't want to leave on an empty stomach.
At first looks, I thought it might be some sort of chicken and chips sort of place. I was mistaken hugely though as it looked purely American based on their range of burgers, chips, hot dogs; you can view the menu by clicking on this link: https://www.fiveguys.co.uk/download/uk/menu.pdf When I say the food is filling, its FILLING nothing else to say about that. My order was a burger (possibly cheese I think) with fries and a drink from the CocaCola "free style" refill machine where you can refill as many times as you want with no charge with your own drink combinations. Huh? Gobsmacked I tell you... So hopefully you're convinced to visit a Five Guys restaurant after this mini review. Give it a shot, go on.
And with Cardiff Bay done that was pretty much Day 1 dusted over...
Well, I did mention there would be alot so don't say I didn't warn you. 😉
A quiet day out 😩 (Day 2)
Sunday. Quiet morning after a fun packed day before. Before anything else, I woke up and looked outside at the view overseeing the car park and entrance. Went downstairs for breakfast once again choosing the meal I wanted. Today I decided to just spend a day in the city centre mostly hanging around near the castle area. There was a church too so I went there before staying at someones residence with vastly improved wifi. Was greatful! Unfortunately that didn't last forever, as we stayed for a few hours before returning back to the hotel. Not much happened but yeah.Departure from Wales 🛫 (Final Day)...
It was the final day in Wales as I woke up for the last time packing my stuff in the suitcase. Had breakfast before departing on route 58 towards the city centre, where we headed to the coach area in Sophia Gardens. We waited for our coach to arrive at the bay as I was taking in my last surroundings of Wales. In my head I was thinking: "I'm going to miss Wales" sure enough I was. In the sunshine, the coach appeared and went onboard sitting a few seats near the back. The coach felt hot though like heating up food in a microwave. Nevertheless, the driver still informed us of the next stops on the route just so that we don't get lost. Because thats what coach drivers do. Inform, drive and serve. It was a bank holiday Monday so it wasn't going to be a straightforward fast ride home. Traffic mainly caused an issue but otherwise London approached as we reached closer to the coach station and took the necessary transport back from there.
And there you go. 2016 Wales. Fun wasn't it? Its time to go up much more recent now and uncover 2018. With a time machine.
Thursday 30th August 2018
The revisit?!? :O 🤯
Well I wasn't expecting this - a return to Wales again! I felt surprised and glad! The day started off differently, as I took the train (thank goodness) to Liverpool Street. Most likely a Class 315 referred to as "old train" by TFL Rail users as it was a weekday. Rush hour period, trains were busy. Although in this case the time was 7:20am and the S Stock train that I boarded felt alright in terms of passenger levels. Arriving at Victoria with Circle line the coach awaited. As it was a Thursday, not many people got on the coach majority of them being university students (I dread to think how much they have to pay for this and for uni at the same time - I guess thats why some people decide to move out therefore living nearer) or normal passengers. This time I had my phone with me, meaning I could take photos of the journey whilst the coach being in motion. On the first trip I hesitated taking photos for some reason. The driver was helpful on the journey, as well as a camera at the front showing a first person view of the road. Familiar territory, Sophia Gardens arrived in sight contending with a few speed humps which this tri-axle coach had to contend with.Arrival time: 11:38
Wales in one day (ft. Tourist attractions!) 🕐 (2018)
You read right. Must be scratching your head thinking "how is this gonna happen?" Well its possible and im going to prove that this statement is true. Watch me. Well not "watch me". Read.
So after alighting at Sophia Gardens, I walked around the castle taking pictures noticeably at the steps. The castle felt like a proper maze! There was different sections diverging towards a shop (which I visited) entrance of the actual castle inside and a secret little section on the right. I stepped into the medieval bit of the castle and well it did feel medieval - no doubt. Some stairs to climb, wasn't as bad as I thought to be honest. I saw an eagle being held by a birdkeeper with its glove must be very well trained to do that. People decided to take pictures even if I tried to do that I would probably fail the first time... Moving onto the castle with big steps. Climbing this was no issue. However due to the sheer amount of steps, the ones going up to the top of the castle really felt like Mount Everest "stairs edition". I had to abort the mission instead of losing my stamina/strength which could be more useful for better things. Which meant continuing was a big no no as my legs were tired out and the stairs looked like an endless way of steps. Mission failed. Sorry sergeant, I went as far as the middle, got a pretty good view here so took some pictures. Safety first... 🚶 📷
Secret section. Alright on the right hand side, it had the entrance for a lookalike subway path. Down there it showed how workers used to operate during war at the time with background noises and old commentary taking it back a notch. This tour was remarkable and interesting to see some of the areas that people had to cope in as it must not have been easy.
I congratulate if you've made this far reading this must not have been easy but hopefully you don't doze off here just a bit more to go. Understandably if you need to do something thats fine - the blog is available to view at your disposal and I ain't going to stop you.
Thats just a little thanks there. Anyhoo at this point (since my coach was leaving in a few hours) I had a decision to make; wander around the remaining sections of Cardiff or take a tour bus through the whole city. I choose the tour bus option since I wanted to explore the areas of Cardiff Bay as well as some great tourist attractions! Plus it would be wayyy more fun...
Recent news:
Unfortunately, Virgin Trains no longer operate on the West Coast Main Line. Avanti West Coast have taken over the company and as a result the Pendolinos/Super Voyagers have transferred over. I find this a shame since I was looking forward for many adventures with Virgin Trains but I guess not... one will do - I suppose. You will be missed Virgin Trains... thank you for making everyone's journey special! (including mine) :/ 😭😢
Thanks for reading this blog, that is it for 2019 worth of blogs. One blog that started so simple has grown into a hobby and I will continue to write more as time goes by!
I appreciate the time and effort reading my blogs - lets make 2020 a good year!
Happy reading! :)
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! 🎄🎁🎆🎇
So after alighting at Sophia Gardens, I walked around the castle taking pictures noticeably at the steps. The castle felt like a proper maze! There was different sections diverging towards a shop (which I visited) entrance of the actual castle inside and a secret little section on the right. I stepped into the medieval bit of the castle and well it did feel medieval - no doubt. Some stairs to climb, wasn't as bad as I thought to be honest. I saw an eagle being held by a birdkeeper with its glove must be very well trained to do that. People decided to take pictures even if I tried to do that I would probably fail the first time... Moving onto the castle with big steps. Climbing this was no issue. However due to the sheer amount of steps, the ones going up to the top of the castle really felt like Mount Everest "stairs edition". I had to abort the mission instead of losing my stamina/strength which could be more useful for better things. Which meant continuing was a big no no as my legs were tired out and the stairs looked like an endless way of steps. Mission failed. Sorry sergeant, I went as far as the middle, got a pretty good view here so took some pictures. Safety first... 🚶 📷
Secret section. Alright on the right hand side, it had the entrance for a lookalike subway path. Down there it showed how workers used to operate during war at the time with background noises and old commentary taking it back a notch. This tour was remarkable and interesting to see some of the areas that people had to cope in as it must not have been easy.
I congratulate if you've made this far reading this must not have been easy but hopefully you don't doze off here just a bit more to go. Understandably if you need to do something thats fine - the blog is available to view at your disposal and I ain't going to stop you.
Thats just a little thanks there. Anyhoo at this point (since my coach was leaving in a few hours) I had a decision to make; wander around the remaining sections of Cardiff or take a tour bus through the whole city. I choose the tour bus option since I wanted to explore the areas of Cardiff Bay as well as some great tourist attractions! Plus it would be wayyy more fun...
Cardiff Sightseeing! (2018) 🌅🏰
Had to pay boarding the tour bus to the pleasant welsh bus driver seemed rather happy which you would expect. Payment successful, went onboard upstairs with the driver giving earphones. Okay at first I felt so confused but then I realised it was just him not any other tour guide so in this case I plugged my earphone through the compartment and went on the move. This bus driver informed us along the way about Cardiff University and a museum which at the time related to a chinese theme event. Soothing background music was played whilst the views were admired. Speed felt good too - not too fast or slow just right like a cooked tasty meal (sorry if I made you hungry 😂). Another point of interest was Cardiff Bay which my driver referred to as being a well known attraction for tourists due to it having a library and certain events across the sea (talked about in 2016 - Day 1). Afterwards, we saw some shops on this normal two way road. Before the tour ended, there was a sight of Wale's stadium (Principality Stadium - home of Cardiff FC) which felt nice to see. And then we parked up nicely near the castle exactly where we began. At that time it was still an 1 hour left so I made my way to the coach point at Sophia Gardens to catch the coach back.
The End. 🌙
Hope you enjoyed reading my summary maybe you want to have a quick glander at the pictures now:
Wales 2016 pictures 🌆
Wales 2018 pictures 🐉
Recent news:
Unfortunately, Virgin Trains no longer operate on the West Coast Main Line. Avanti West Coast have taken over the company and as a result the Pendolinos/Super Voyagers have transferred over. I find this a shame since I was looking forward for many adventures with Virgin Trains but I guess not... one will do - I suppose. You will be missed Virgin Trains... thank you for making everyone's journey special! (including mine) :/ 😭😢
1997-2019... 😞😔
At least the trains are staying though! Click here to read my blog that I did on my travels in the summer.Thanks for reading this blog, that is it for 2019 worth of blogs. One blog that started so simple has grown into a hobby and I will continue to write more as time goes by!
I appreciate the time and effort reading my blogs - lets make 2020 a good year!
Happy reading! :)
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! 🎄🎁🎆🎇
