Cardiff

a) Although Cardiff is an ancient town, it did not expand greatly until the 19th century when it became a centre of export trade in coal. But after the First World War and especially after the Second, when the demand for the Welsh coal both at home and abroad went down, the growth of the city practically stopped.

b) The Museum contains another of Cardiff s surprises: a world-class collection of impressionist paint­ings, one of the finest outside Paris and St. Petersburg.

c) Cardiff is the capital of Wales. It is situated near the mouth of the river Taff, which flows into the English Channel. The site was first occupied by a Roman fort which was built there about A.D.75. By the 3d-4th centuries a massive wall had been built around it, and its traces can still be seen at various parts of the modern City. When Roman forces withdrew from Britain, all the people probably left the fort. Only with the coming of Normans, about 700 years later, did people came to live there again.

d) Recently the Cardiff Bay has been transformed into Millennium Waterfront with a massive freshwater lake. The National Assembly for Wales is situated there as well as the Millennium Cen­tre, a theatre-worthy of a city with European dimensions and ambitions.

e) Nowadays Cardiff comes as a surprise to those who expect to see dirty docklands and provin­cial mediocrity. The first sight which will catch your eye will be the Castle. Although it is situated in the very heart of the city, it is surrounded by parkland and acres of greenery. The Castle with its Roman foundation, medieval core and richly decorated Victorian mansion is the best jewel in Cardiff s crown. Other attractions of the city are the splendid neo-classical white-stoned architectural ensemble of the Civic Centre with the City hall, National Museum, Law Courts and University buildings.

f) In Cardiff you can find modern shopping malls arid Victorian shopping arcades, cafes, bistros and many places to taste the locally brewed Brains beer.

g) At first sight Cardiff may seem too Victorian, too formal, too dignified. But the second glance will show you that it is a relaxed city with a thriving cultural life. The New Theatre of Cardiff now houses the prestigious Welsh National Opera Company, and all kinds of music and entertainment can be found in St. David's Hall.

Before reading the text, try to answer the following questions, then check your knowledge about Liverpool by finding answers in the text.

· Who do you think are the most famous citizens of Liverpool?

· Is Liverpool situated in England, Scotland or in Wales?

· Why is Liverpool sometimes called the real capital of Ireland?

· Why is Liverpool famous in the world of sports?

· How do Liverpuddlians get from one bank of the Mersey to the other?

· If Liverpool is a port, what industries do you think are developed there?

· Do you know anything special about Liverpool's cathedrals?

· Why are tourists attracted to Liverpool?