Poland and Czechia - Groningen

 On Sunday we took a leisurely drive to the town of Winsum, avoiding the motorways if we could. This meant about four hours of driving, but it was through pristine Dutch countryside with views of flower fields, orchards and some amazing lifting bridges over the canals.

Driving in Holland is pleasant enough as the roads are in excellent condition, but they have these strange roundabouts which seem to be a roundabout within a roundabout. Difficult to explain, be we just kept to the inside lane without problem. What is confusing though is knowing when cyclists have priority, and when motorists do. It seems a bit arbitrary. However nearly every road has a two lane cycle path running beside or very close to it, and they are all well used.

Winsum is a neat small canalside town with two working windmills - or at least operating if not working, but is nice to be in.



                         
This morning we took a train into the university town of Groningen. Buses and trains are very easy to use for a visitor in Holland. You simply tap in with your credit or debit card, and tap out on arrival. As you would expect, trains and buses are clean, smooth and frequent.

The town was full of students on bikes, millions of them, but unfortunately it seems Holland shuts on a Monday, as virtually nowhere was open. However there was plenty to look at, including a magnificent railway station foyer.











Tuesday we head off into northern Germany.

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