Sunday, July 27, 2008

Powys Castle, Welshpool, Wales

I took advantage of the beautiful weather and the fact that I now have a car and went for a lovely drive into Wales yesterday. I managed to find where Powys Castle is (actually only about 20 miles from Shrewsbury). Our family tree has been traced back to a King of Powys in the 1st century, so I thought I had better have a look at the old family house!!

I'm not sure exactly when the castle was built, but it's pretty safe to say that it was much later than the 1st century, so I am not sure what sort of title claim we could make on it!! Anyway, the inside was extremely dark and filled with the typical heavy fabrics etc, but the gardens and views were amazing.
West entrance (main public entrance). There's a peacock in the foreground. The peahen was also around with about 5 or 6 little chicks!
View of the Welsh hills from the castle. The lower castle grounds are in the foreground.

West entrance again

Looking up to the castle from one of the paths leading to the lower gardens

The castle from across the lower gardens.

Sunday, July 20, 2008

New Life in the Country!!

It's been awhile since I last updated this blog, and sooo much has happened in such a short period! I began looking for another job earlier in the year, but was really only looking in London. As life has a good sense of humour, it was only fitting that the most perfect job came up, but was based in Shrewsbury, Shropshire! After consulting the map and realising that commuting from Kent was out of the question, I gave it some thought and then applied. Given the title of this post, I got the job and here I am!

So I have now moved more times in 6 weeks than I ever care to again! Rob went back to Australia at the end of May and I moved into my house in Kent, very briefly!! In 4 weeks I was out again and cat sitting at a friend's house for a week, then I made the move up to Shrewsbury!

I have found a great share house where there are 3 others - 2 girls and 1 guy. They are all very nice and friendly. Social enough without living in each other's pockets - perfect! The house is a lovely detached Victorian place with 5 bedrooms and large living spaces. We all have views over the river (see below) and it is very nice and peaceful!

My job is now that of Financial Manager for a charity which facilitates projects in Africa (including Malawi!). It is going to be a really challenging role, but I think it is going to be perfect. Everyone there is really nice and I feel like I have known them for a long time.

Anyway, that's the quick update to my life! Below are some photos taken today around Shrewsbury - unfortunately it was a bit cloudy, but never mind!

First things first... the new car - a.k.a. 'the beast'!

View from my bedroom window. Our garden goes down to the footpath along the river. My room is an attic room, so sloped roof, exposed beams etc!

On my way to work, I cross a suspension footbridge. This is the view on my left...

...and this is the view on the right. This is the Welsh Bridge
Some of the businesses along the High Street
Tudor buildings are everywhere!!
The English Bridge
One of the many churches
Shrewsbury has a lovely parkland area known as The Quarry, within this area, there is this flower garden, called The Dingle. It is really a beautiful spot! Apparently Shrewsbury regularly wins the Britain in Bloom award!