NETHERLANDS: The Northern Provinces

We decided to rent a car and explore the northern provinces.

Our first stop was Edam. 

The name may sound familiar as it has given its name to a famous Dutch delicacy - Edam Cheese.

Edam is a cute small town. 

Edam

We had to stop at this bridge as it needed to be lifted for a boat to pass. A young guy manually put the gates down, traffic stopped and then he lifted the bridge to allow the boat to pass through. 

After the boat passed he got that bridge sorted and back into place, and then he walked a block to manually repeat the process at the next bridge so the boat could continue.

I think that sounds like a nice job for an retired engineer.

Leeuwarden

Sneek

Groningen

Groningen is a university town so there is a lot going on.

Giethoorn

Gethoorn's claim to fame is tiny quaint thatched-roof cottages. It is not that big, but somehow we managed to get lost in it. 

Vollenhove

Windmills

We haven't seen the entire country, but I think it is safe to say that the country is flat and there are no ski hills. 

But lots of water, boats, canals and windmills.

And even more bikes.