Day 42: Groningen to Leer

I have zero pictures of my ride from Leer to Groningen, so I apologize for the lack of visual stimulation in this post.

The reason for this was the rather constant stream of water dumping from the heavens during my ride.

I keep my phone is a very high tech waterproof contraption, known as a zip lock bag, and it is risky to remove it to take photos. I am also, for some reason, less inspired to stop and take pictures when I am soaked through with rain.

Anyway, the precipitation was somewhat unpleasant but wasn’t constant. This at least provided some variety.

The container ship hostel in Groningen only provided bread and spreads for breakfast, so I ended up eating peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for most of my meals. Can’t complain! I stopped under a tree where there was a dry patch on the pavement and had a sandwich.

Once I arrived in Leer and washed everything and hung it out to dry, the weather cleared up a bit so I ventured into town. It was about a 15 minute bike ride to the centre from my hotel.

I was a bit disappointed with what I saw of Leer at first. It was rather bleak and, though people were out and about, there didn’t seem like much to do there.

Just as I was about to turn around and return to the hotel to just chill and have dinner there, I noticed some lights strung up and tables through a small alleyway. I walked in and found I had stumbled upon a wine festival. It was tonight only and started at 6 pm (it was 6 pm).

I took it as a sign from above and had a glass of wine. I also had a German pretzel (just a big pretzel).

Later I wandered, not far at all, and stumbled into exciting event no. 2, which appeared to be some sort of German folk music concert / sailor convention? I stayed and watched that for a bit too. Many people were dressed up in sea man garb.

I returned to the hotel and met some nice German people in the hotel bar. I may or may not have stayed up a bit too late. The next day may be a struggle getting to Bremen.