All Blacks Archives - Two Feet, One World

Cardiff’s Castle and A Cwtch

January 13, 2015

Cardiff Castle, Wales

For someone living so far from their actual home, I’m pretty lucky – every time I visit Wales, I feel like the country is giving me a big cwtch. One of my favourite Welsh words, cwtch literally means a safe place, and is used to refer to an affectionate, loving, protective hug – isn’t that lovely?!

My latest experience of the cwtch was on a trip to Cardiff with friends to see the All Blacks play Wales at Millennium Stadium. You may have seen my previous rugby trips to see the All Blacks play Ireland in Dublin, and to see them play England at Twickenham – now I almost have the complete Home Nations set! While we were there we took advantage of the mostly glorious weather to visit Cardiff Castle and wander round the central city.

Cardiff Castle, Wales

Cardiff Castle is actually a mishmash of a number of different buildings dating from the third century onwards. The Norman motte and bailey castle seen above is just what I think a traditional castle should look like – isn’t it sweet? Excavations have shown that the Normans were actually following a well-trodden path in choosing that spot for their fortifications, as it was originally the site of a third-century Roman fort.

Cardiff Castle, Wales

The large Gothic-style building and the walls are Victorian constructions, and we followed tradition ourselves in taking a promenade along the walls.

Cardiff Castle, Wales

The Norman Castle wall, the Victorian Castle, and the Millennium Castle (or rugby stadium!) beyond

Cardiff Castle, Wales

Inside the more modern part of the Castle, the rooms are a Gothic-Victorian fantasy run riot. There are moldings, carvings, gold and enamel everywhere. I particularly appreciated the “Arab Room” and the incredible library. If you’ve time when you visit you can take a tour with one of the highly knowledgeable guides, who can fill you in on the history and decorations, as well as a bit of family gossip!

Cardiff Castle, Wales

Looking up in the incredible “Arab Room”

Cardiff Castle, Wales

We wandered on through the city enjoying the beautiful sunshine, and before we knew it, it was game-time! The Welsh certainly know how to throw a good party, particularly when it’s a big-game weekend. We loved the massive street party before the game and the fiery atmosphere inside… and of course the All Blacks win at the end!

Cardiff, Wales

Millennium Stadium, Cardiff, Wales

My split scarf was the perfect way to show my double heritage… but I was only yelling for one team!

Millennium Stadium, Cardiff, Wales

For more information on visiting Cardiff Castle, click here

Do you have somewhere that gives you a big cwtch when you visit, even though it’s not strictly home?

Exploring Dublin

January 18, 2014

After our Guinness Storehouse adventures, we still had so much to see. With the All Blacks v Ireland rugby test happening on the Sunday, the city centre was humming. Our first stop was the beautiful Trinity College, founded in 1592.

Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland

My favourite part of the College was the Old Library, home to the ancient Book of Kells and the stunning Long Room. The Book of Kells is an illuminated manuscript thought to have been created by Celtic Monks around 800 AD. It was stunning to see the level of detail and craftsmanship in every single page.

Book of Kells, Dublin, Ireland

Image source

The Long Room was a bookworm’s dream. It was built between 1712 and 1732 and houses 200,000 of the College Library’s oldest books. I loved the marble busts lining the room and scanning the intriguing titles – I could have stayed for hours!

Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland

But there was so much more to see and we headed along the river and up to the Dublin Castle. In continuous occupation since it was built in 1204, it was the main site of British occupation in Ireland from the 12th century to the 20th century. It was an imposing complex and although we only had time to wander some of the outside courtyards, I’d love to go back and explore the State Rooms, which are apparently among the most beautiful in the country.

Dublin Castle, Ireland

Dublin was fascinating to wander and I found so many buildings catching my eye, from the Christmas-wrapped department stores in the central city to the Four Courts complex by the riverside.

Dublin, Ireland

Four Courts, Dublin, Ireland

Dublin, Ireland

Another highlight of our wander through the city was our visit to the beautiful Christ Church Cathedral, one of the city’s two medieval cathedrals. Not only was it a welcome relief from the chilly temperatures, but a stunning church inside too!

Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin, Ireland

We had an amazing time exploring in Dublin, capped off by one of the tensest rugby games I ever hope to attend. For those who aren’t fans, the All Blacks are New Zealand’s champion rugby team, and needed to beat Ireland to achieve the first unbeaten year in professional rugby. After playing England the previous week, Ireland were expected to be an easier game for the All Blacks, but instead it went down to the wire, with the All Blacks behind the whole game, and only winning with the final kick! It wasn’t easy to watch, and I really felt for the Irish at the end – they had played amazingly.

Aviva Stadium, Dublin, Ireland

The city had an amazing atmosphere, from the history and beautiful buildings to the partying in the pubs. I loved our visit to Dublin, and can’t wait to go back to see more of the city and Ireland!

Snapshots – November 2013

December 1, 2013

Nail-biting rugby games, birthday fun, Guinness drinking and autumn rambling – November was packed with fun and adventures!

I also marked six months in London on the 20th of November. Moving here has been, without a doubt, the best decision I ever made… bring on lots more amazing adventures in London and further afield!

Things are starting to look a little chilly out my window…

Oh Deer! Close encounters with the wildlife in Richmond Park

Beautiful autumn colours in Richmond Park

She’s a beauty!

Early morning in Holborn Viaduct

Mmmm Lobster Roll at Burger & Lobster

The Royal Pavilion in Brighton

Promenading on the Pier

Birthday drinks at the Happenstance – Alana, me and Alex

Cheering on the All Blacks at Twickenham

The ice rink at Somerset House

Casual lunchtime walk by the river on a stunning day

An autumnal ramble in Sussex

Gin, Kate, Stacey and me exploring Dublin’s Castle

The Guinness Factory in Dublin

The most tense game I hope to ever see – and the most amazing outcome!

The Royal Courts of Justice in London

Santa charming kiddies at the Southbank Christmas Markets

Delicious mulled wine at Southbank

Christmas Lights at Selfridges

Christmas Lights on Regent’s Street

I can see Christmas and the New Year will be here before we know it!

All Blacks v England at Twickenham

November 17, 2013

I’m a huge rugby fan, and getting tickets to see the All Blacks play in the Northern Hemisphere was VERY high on my Must Do list. This weekend Stacey, Kate, Gin and I went to Twickenham to watch the All Blacks play the English… and next weekend we’re heading to Dublin to see them take on the Irish! When something’s worth doing, it’s worth doing well, right?

Stacey and I, very excited on the walk to the stadium

I’d been to Twickenham earlier this year for the Chime for Change concert, but the atmosphere was ramped up by a factor of 1000 for the rugby. The crowd were fizzing on the way in to the stadium and it seemed that the Kiwi supporters were out in force.

Kiwi supporters on the way to the stadium

All Blacks v England, Twickenham

Twickenham Stadium – gorgeous afternoon for it!

Once we took our seats we began soaking up the amazing atmosphere. It was pretty special to hear the crowd singing along to Jerusalem, even before the pre-match ceremonies had properly begun.

Kiwis warming up

It was a super special moment to see Daniel Carter run out for his hundredth test – so proud!

Dan Carter runs out

The fireworks that announced the arrival of the English team were pretty exciting, and it sent tingles down my spine to hear the English crowd drown out the haka with Swing Low Sweet Chariot – and then it was game on!

All Blacks v England, Twickenham

Kapa O Pango – my favourite haka

Dan Carter kicks off

The game was a great one but also very tense – especially when the English took the lead in the second half!

All Blacks defending

Gin, Stacey, me and Kate at half time

Aaron Cruden kicking

Try time!!

The All Blacks eventually pulled through to win 30-22… a great result given how close both teams were and how well England were playing.

After the match we stuck around to see Dan receive his 100th cap before heading into one of the stadium bars where they had live music playing – a good way to reduce some of the pressure on transport from the stadium, and a lot of fun!