Jennifer had ‘never really wanted’ to hop the pond before, but now she sings the praises of the city she’s made home
A US writer who traded America for life in Wales two decades ago has heaped praise on a city with a “cheery, unassuming character.” Jennifer Burns, an author and copy editor who has lived in Wales for the past 20 years, has revealed some of her favourite things about the “eclectic” and “welcoming” city she now calls home.
Yet Britain wasn’t originally on Jennifer’s radar whilst she was growing up. She admitted that she “never even really wanted” to visit the UK before eventually making the Welsh capital her base.
Nevertheless, her decision to settle in Cardiff is one she has no regrets about. In fact, Jennifer has sung the city’s praises, celebrating everything from its cultural legacy to its “lush” residents, whom she described as “really friendly”.
Jennifer told Business Insider : “Cardiff is a vibrant, eclectic, and welcoming place. And it’s relatively affordable compared to some other major cities in the UK.”
She added: “With all its charm, the city doesn’t pretend to be something it’s not. Cardiff lures you in with its cheery, unassuming character and leaves you asking how anyone could’ve ever overlooked it.”
One of Cardiff’s most remarkable features, according to Jennifer, is that there’s a castle in the “middle of the city”, referring to the magnificent Cardiff Castle, which reportedly boasts a history stretching back 2,000 years, dating back to the 1st century AD. Jennifer emphasised that the castle isn’t solely for history buffs, as it also doubles as a venue for concerts and even an open-air cinema, though she advised bringing a coat, reports North Wales Live.
She then gave a shout-out to the city’s rugby enthusiasts, pointing out that Cardiff is home to the 70,000-seat Principality Stadium, a feature she described as “unusual for a European city”.
For those in need of a quick bite, Jennifer recommended Caroline Street, affectionately known as “Chippy Lane”.
Next on her list was the city’s “compact” nature. She observed that Cardiff has a population size that creates a “buzzy, energetic feel”, but not so large that it becomes overwhelming during tourist season.
She also highlighted the city’s abundance of green spaces, with over 330 to choose from, particularly Bute Park, where Jennifer often enjoys a leisurely walk, a good read, or a few drinks with mates.
Moreover, Jennifer spoke about Cardiff’s Victorian and Edwardian arcades, housing a variety of restaurants, shops and bars, as well as Cardiff Market, which one website dubs as the city’s “beating heart”.
Finally, Jennifer expressed her fondness for the Cardiff locals, describing them as “really friendly”. She noted that visitors can expect a “warm Welsh welcome” and that the locals enjoy a natter, especially over a pint.
Looking for more from MyLondon? Subscribe to our daily newsletters here for the latest and greatest updates from across London.
