Wales is part of the United Kingdom and shares the Island of Great Britain with England and Scotland. But this small country has a distinctive personality that sets it apart from its better-know neighbors.

The prevalence of the Welsh language, from road signs to café menus, alongside English, is proof of the country’s enduring heritage. So is the country’s cuisine, which is heavy on seafood, lamb and leek soup.

Wales also has more castles per square mile than any other country in Europe.

On my recent visit, I started exploring the country’s castles, but I wound up appreciating much more about Wales than I expected. You can find out more in my story in Parks & Travel Magazine.

You can watch a podcast about my visit to Wales with Big Blend Radio’s Lisa Smith below or on Big Blend Radio.