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#7 Friesland...
 In
this land of lakes you’ll find a VERY unique planetarium
built (by candlelight) in the late 1700s by Eise Eisinga
(a self-taught astronomer) in the ceiling of his house,
using 10,000 handmade nails, and with the controls and
pulleys inside his cupboard bed -- literally a bed in
a cupboard. (He must have indeed had a very understanding
wife.) Eise Eisinga Planetarium
is still working after all these years, with no parts
ever having to be replaced. Website: www.planetarium-friesland.nl
Visit
nearby Hindeloopen
for beautiful, characteristic hand-painted furniture,
and Makkum,
for gorgeous (but pricey) ceramics and tiles. (Tichelaar’s
Royal Ceramics and Tile Manufacturer, Turfmarkt 65,
Phone: (0)515-23-1341)
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#8 Groningen...
Pieterburen
is home to the world’s smallest hotel –
one room, with a cupboard bed and state-of-the-art bathroom
(Grand Hotel de Kromme Raake, Hoofdstraat 12, Phone:
(0)595-49-1600). Be sure to make a side trip to still-life,
still-living, famous Dutch artist Henk Helmantel’s
home and gallery. Website: www.helmantel.nl
And don’t miss the “sight-to-behold”
Groninger Museum in the swinging university town of
Groningen. Website: www.groningermuseum.nl
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#9 Drenthe...
One
of the highlights here, in this stunning countryside
perfect for biking, is the hunebed
center (Hunebedcentrum)
in Borger. Hunebeds are very old dolmans or giant granite
stones or boulders in a grouping, and thought to be
prehistoric tombs – all mysteriously lying in
a southwest direction with entrances to the south. They
are even older than the famous Stonehenge configuration
in England. Great for children to see and learn about
too. Website: www.hunebedcentrum.nl
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#10
Overijssel...
The
highlight here is Giethoorn,
the ‘Venice of Holland’, where transportation
is only by canal. Fabulously picturesque village
with many traditional Dutch, thatched-roof houses.
In late August is a special celebration (Gondelvaart)
featuring a parade down the canals, in decorated
and illuminated gondolas, and an enchantingly
lit-up village to boot. But no matter when you
go here, be sure to bring your camera. |
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#11 Limburg...
Maastricht
is a very European city oozing with charm and complete
with old city walls. Outdoor cafes, good food and good
shopping, plus plenty of cultural things to do make
this a must on your ‘venturing out in Holland’
itinerary. Website: www.vvvmaastricht.nl
And
while you’re in this province, don’t miss
the virtually all-white town of Thorn.
Very picturesque, especially for those of us who glory
in white. And for those of you needing a real respite,
head to the spa of Thermae
2000 in Valkenburg. Website: www.thermae2000.nl
Now there’s a vacation.
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#12
Zeeland...
The
Delta Works tour of the Storm
Surge Barrier, which took 30 years
to build, is a ‘must-see’. Find out
how the Dutch expertly control all the water in
their land below sea level. It’s a marvel.
Great education for your kids too. Website: www.deltawerken.com
Fantastic water
theme park here also. Website:
www.neeltjejans.nl |
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Here's Holland...
| You
can find all the details on these destinations –
and so many more in our guide, 'Here’s Holland'.
Also provided is a wealth of information for getting
around, including: car rentals, hotels and restaurants,
casinos, places of worship, clubs & organizations…
you name it. There are 492 pages of ideas for your
trip – including maps. Special offer: FREE
US shipping if you order 'Here's Holland' direct
from the publisher (half-off on shipping to Canada).
Write: publisher@heresholland.com.
Please quote Journeywoman as your source. www.heresholland.com |
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| This article was posted in 2008 |
For
more on Holland click here
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