My six weeks in Ludlow have been and gone and I have been back in sunny Spain for a couple of weeks now. As I write this in bed with a cup of tea to hand, the wind is howling like a banshee and the cats have decided to take refuge at the bottom of my bed. Snuggled and warm, like myself. Although at 3.30am this morning I was roaming down the track in my PJ's, torch in hand trying to find the source of some pitiful crying dog. It stopped as soon as I got through the gates and I heard a car drive down the track, so can only assume the two were connected.
Back to my stay in Ludlow - well I didn't know what I would feel like emotionally, but I actually loved every minute. I put this down to the place not the country. Ludlow is so different, with its traditional butchers, baker's and candlestick makers ( I lied about the last one) great farmers markets, antique and craft markets, small independent traders and lovely cafes, pubs and restaurants. We really didn't need to leave the town. We had a great apartment in the centre of Ludlow and could walk everywhere we wanted to go, including some lovely river walks.
It was great to see the girls and spend time with them, and because Alistair had driven my car over for me, we were able to visit places like, Acton Scott Victorian working farm ( the one where they film the TV programme of similar name) Blists Hill working Victorian town, and other places of interest. These of course are great for integrating into Max's home-schooling programme. Ludlow Castle was of course included as you can see from the picture.
The idea was for us to get a feel for the place and look at available properties - which we did. Unfortunately as we still haven't sold our house here we cannot pursue anything at present but are remaining positive in our belief that all things happen for a reason, and when the time is right, everything will fit into place.
I did find though that when I travelled further away and nearer my old haunts, I did not like that area at all, and so if you ever think of re-locating I would suggest staying in the place's you are considering and pick up on the energy and feel of the place. The people in Ludlow where friendly and welcoming and it was lovely to chat in English and connect with people. I also only saw rain on two days in my entire visit. ( A fluke I know)
The journey back to Spain wasn't so great - and it was unlike me but I felt sea sick most of the trip from Portsmouth to Santander. Then our drive home took 13 hours rather than 10 - with a couple of hitches, one with me driving in Madrid in rush hour and the nice lady on the Tom Tom not knowing the new tunnels existed. We arrived home at 3.30 am after being so tired we were seeing bends in roads that weren't there. Max fell into bed and Alistair and I opened a bottle of Rose' and numbed our frayed nerves.
Back in Ludlow for Christmas to spend it with the children, flying though !! Kindly friends have offered to house sit for us, and look after animals.