Entry Archive: August 6, 2004
Day Twelve: Cardiff
Many people don't really understand the difference between England, Great Britain, and the United Kingdom, and it's hard to blame them because it is a bit confusing (even for those living here). With that in mind, I offer this quick guide to the British Isles...- Great Britain refers to the entirety of the island west of the North Sea. It is divided into three separate regions known as England, Wales, and Scotland. Many people refer to Great Britain as just "England" which is completely wrong (and no doubt offensive to the Welsh and Scottish peoples).
- The United Kingdom refers to all of Great Britain (England, Wales, and Scotland) along with Northern Ireland (a big chunk of the Emerald Isle that was given to the British in exchange for the independence of the Republic of Ireland from British rule).
All that being said, the Hard Rock Cafe Cardiff is located in Wales of Great Britain of the United Kingdom (and has the distinction of being the first Welsh cafe). My heart sank as we approached the entrance, because it sure didn't look like it was going to be much of a Hard Rock at all. It looks more like a hole in a wall...
Looks can be decieving. Once inside, I was very pleasantly surprised at how nice this property turned out. The restaurant branched out into three separate levels, including a fantastic bar and even a terrace with outdoor seating in the back...
Comments
"Many people refer to Great Britain as just 'England' which is completely wrong (and no doubt offensive to the Welsh and Scottish peoples)."
Oh yes.... And, of course, it's not in the interests of the English to correct the error....
To be pedantic about it ;) Caerdydd ('Cardiff', in English, though it is a Welsh city and Welsh is jointly the official language) is in Wales, part of 'the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland' (to quote my passport). Or just 'the UK', but never, NEVER, 'England' ;)
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