We started off with a quick jaunt around Caerphilly Castle, home of the legendary leaning tower and where the grand hall was all set up for a wedding. Caerphilly cheese is pretty famous too (apparently) and succumbing to the temptation of buying something in the gift shop, I can now report that it is very delicious and highly recommend it to all!
We got back just in time to watch the England/South Africa over some pizza and beer in central Cardiff. It was very difficult to know who to cheer for - we couldn't cheer for England while in Wales, and it's always hard for a Kiwi to cheer for SA! But thankfully that was over quickly, and a quick spray paint on the cheek of a silver fern later, we were in our seats and cheering the All Blacks on. It's always great to see the haka live and this one was particularly good as there was a long stand-off between the two teams afterwards - who says it's meaningless these days?!
Wales started the game with a hiss and a roar, which was great for us as we'd been told that the Welsh fans only sing when they're winning - we got an earfull alright! But the boys did us proud, coming back to win 29-9.
And, as with all good Antipodean fixtures, it was a crazy small world as Lucy from school happened to be sitting on the very same row as us! Was great to catch up and marvel at how 'small world' it always is. A few celebratory drinks and a wander down Cardiff's infamous 'Chippy Alley' rounded off the night.
Home James the next day - but herein lies the cautionary message of this post. Do NOT, I repeat, DO NOT be tricked into getting the bus from Cardiff to London, then the train from London to Oxford to get home (instead of the train straight from Cardiff to Oxford). I don't care how expensive it is to get the single train, a two hour journey versus an eight hour marathon is definitely worth it!
The rest of the photos here.
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