Saying goodbye is always sad

The homestay is finishing, so this blog is closing.
I've had a great month in a wonderful home. I found out a lot about Cornwall and I've improved my English, I think. I'm grateful to the Host for an unforgettable stay, thank you very much.
Apologies to my keen readers but I have to go back home.
See you soon!

Lanhydrock

Lanhydrock is an impressive country house built near the River Fowey in Bodmin, Cornwall which is owned now by the National Trust.
Most of the house dates from Victorian times following a fire in the 1880's but its origin dates from 1620.
Nowadays it is a beautiful place where you can see very tidy gardens and imagine how life was in past times.
It's worth having a look at the gallery to see more photos from outside and inside.

The wind and the trees

At first, when I came here, I was surprised about the shape of some trees.
I took this photo when we were coming back from Tintagel. It seems to me telling enough:
If you see these trees you know in which direction the wind blows.

King Arthur and The Knights of the Round Table

Tintagel is a little village on the Atlantic coast of Cornwall. There are the remains of Tintagel Castle which is associated with the legend of King Arthur and the knights of the Round Table.
This place was actually an ancient settlement which had one hundred houses and an estimated population of about one thousand people.
It was built at the top of the cliff with an impressive view over the sea. It was only accessible in two ways: a small harbour at the bottom from the sea and a footpath from the land, so this place was easily defended in case of invasion.
You also can see The Old Post Office built in the 14th century which became a tourist attraction.
You can see spectacular photos from this place at the Gallery.

The treasure trail

Today I learnt an interesting way to find out about an area. It's a sort of game called Treasure Hunt and it consists of a trip around a place or several villages which is ideal to do with the family.
If you buy a trail, you get a book where you can find a detailed route and several clues which help you to solve a mystery murder or find hidden treasure.
This way leads you to find out a lot of information about each visited place which otherwise you wouldn't know.
We went to Roseland following the way signed on the map. It was an exciting experience and an interesting way to find out more about this area of Cornwall.
You can see the photos at the Gallery.

Eliot Arms. Square & Compass

Near to the main road in Launceston you can find The Eliot Arms, a typical English pub which dates from 1625.
Inside, it is unusualy decorated with a lot of household goods and other memorabilia which remind us of past times.
You can have a look at the gallery to see more inside photos.

Carnglaze Slate Caverns

Carnglaze Slate Caverns are the only slate quarry in Cornwall set near St. Neot in the valley of the River Loveny, a tributary of the River Fowey, in the middle of Liskeard and Bodmin.
It has been worked for over 500 years, especially in the 18th and 19th century. The slate is mainly used for roofing and flooring in buildings, and it has a blue colour different from other slates of Cornwall, which are greyer.
This place is occasionally used for concerts and can seat 300 people.
At the end of the visit, the tourist guide told us that most of the slate in the area is from Spain, even the slate on the roof of the ticket hut. I was surprised and I asked the reason why and they told me that the Spanish slate was probably cheaper.
You can find more information at its web page and see more photos at the gallery.