Uniastate

These 2 photos were taken from the train passing the small vilage of Bears, located between Leeuwarden and Mantgum. A few centuries ago the notable Unia family lived here in their castle.

When their home was demolished in 1756 the estate was left abandoned for hundreds of years, and in the end only the original entrace gate survived the times. Around the year 1990 the idea came to "rebuild" the castle, and on the same spot where once the walls were, a life-size steel replica arose like an illusion or fata morgana. It is called 'Uniastate' and can be visited.

Walk on the beach

We spent the past 2 days at the Dutch North Sea coast, in Zandvoort. After dinner last night we enjoyed a walk in the evening sun. Clouds came in from the sea but fortunately they just passed, without rain.

On  the beach we saw a lady busy creating a sand castle.

Weekend reflections

The castle Nijenhuis´ windows are reflecting in the moat. For more reflections around the world go to Weekend Reflections.

Canon

Detail of a canon in the centre court of Powis castle, near Welshpool in Wales.

Powis Castle and gardens

A view up to medieval castle, fortress and grand country mansion Powis Castle, in mid-Wales near the town of Welshpool. It was originally built around 1200 as a fortress, and then remodelled and embellished over more than 400 years. It is now under the care of the National Trust.

The castle is famous for its extensive gardens, terraces, parkland, deerpark and landscaped estate. It was a real pleasure to wander around the gardens. The huge clipped conifers above, known as 'yews', are said to be 300 years old.

A view of a part of the gardens.

spires

The castle of Coevorden.

on foot..

..in Coevorden, walking from the market square to the castle.

Have a nice Sunday!