We’ve got another long weekend ahead of us, the 3 October is a national holiday here, to celebrate the reunification of Germany back in 1989 / 1990. Last year, you will remember, I traveled into Bremen where the main celebrations were held, this year we’ve decided to do something else. We’re going to drive over the border to Groningen in Holland and see what’s happening there.

One of the great things about living in Europe is the ease with which you can travel from one country to another. In the States it’s a little bit like going from one State to another, except that the customs and traditions are pretty much the same all over but, at the same time, completely different. So many different languages, the history of each country is different – if linked – and the people are different too.

When I first got here I promised myself that I would travel, but didn’t really do too much aside from within Germany. Now, with only a few weeks left until I start College, we’re packing as much into our time as possible!

Groningen, I’ve discovered, is a reasonably large city on a sort of island. It is surrounded by a river and has a large market as well as museums and beautiful architecture all compacted into a small area. Hopefully there won’t be too many tourists there but, well, let’s just wait and see!