31. Blerick                                                   Just over the river from Venlo lies the station of Blerick . The bridge connecting Blerick to Venlo is dominated by large impressive sculptures by renowned sculptor Shinkichi Tajiri-  the Guardians ( De Wachters ) they guard over the city and serve as a warning against violence,  aggression and war (- a fitting tribute give this bridge was repeatedly bombed during WW11). Blerick sits pretty on the Mass river and the impressive Town Hall is hard to miss as you arrive in Blerick from over the water. Recommend a walk along the river and a quick stop in the cafe Sur Meuse if you need a stop along the way.

30. Echt                                 Walked from the station into the centre of the city and spent the afternoon exploring the collection at the Museum van de Vrow although I didn't think I would spend so much time there I really enjoyed the way the collection was put together and what I expected would be one hour turned into the afternoon - followed by a coffee in the picturesque square - not a bad life! Missed out on checking out the nearby nature reserve and the self sufficient Lilbosch Trappist Abbey nearby but you have to leave somethings for the return visit! Was nice seeing you Echt! 

29. Roermond                                    Surrounded by the Mass, the Massplassen, and the Roer there is no shortage of water in these parts. The countries largest lake ( Massplassen ) draws watersports fans from all over the country - as does the huge designer fashion outlet . The centre's skyline is dominated by the towers of two Churches. St Christopher Cathedral (a Gothic church with a golden St. Christopher on the spire outside and with some beautiful modern stained glass windows on the inside) and the 13th Century (renovated in 1800 by Cuypers) Munsterkerk. If shopping and or jet skiing is not for you I recommend the Cuypers House  where you can learn more about one of the Netherland's most famous architects. A coffee/food stop in the cafe in the History House  is also recommended given Redmond's unique history or just to explore the collection ( it is also the city ...

28. Weert                                 Looking at the rail map I didn't expect Weert to be in Limburg, I thought it was in North Brabant, but then I remembered that Limburg's history has made Limburg quite an oddly shaped province with bizarre borders. So, on a rainy spring morning, I set off curious to see what Weert held in store. I found a rather sleepy town, with no one on the streets and even the Bells of the St Martinskerk, were in vain as they rang out for no one across an empty square. I read that this church is listed on the top 100 building of national heritage (something to do with paintings in the vault) I tried to find a way in but it was locked up which further reduced the usefulness of the those ringing bells. Across the square a closed museum , (under construction but a nice looking building). I ventured onward to a newer area called Ursulinhof and after seeing that name for som...

27. Susteren                            This part of the Netherlands is so narrow that Belgium and Germany are only 4.8 km apart - so it's the  narrowest piece of the Netherlands  and if you are looking for a nice cycle route -- the three country cycle route is a good option - I cycled across the border to Germany and learnt a little of European history along the way.

26. Geleen Lutterade                             A short walk from the station here you can see the old main building of the DSM (Dutch State Mines). Given its influence in this area I thought I would pay it a small visit for my stop in Geleen Lutterade. 

25. Beek Elsloo Between the villages of Beek and Elsloo my ramblings today took me to Beek-Elsloo station where a ten minute bike ride brought me to the delightful village of Elsloo - with the beautiful stone cottages and elevated views of the Mass river and the Julianakanaal. A little gem in this part of Limburg. A proper Limburg coffee at the Elsloo Castle and I was ready to take on some hills around the area for some more views of the surroundings.

24. Bunde Bunde just on the shoulder of Maastricht - a stretch of train line where the city gives way to the village.  I have passed Bunde many times on the train during this project but never alighted - that was remedied on this trip. Agnes lunchroom for sustenance and onward to ramble around and see the area - some of the old farmhouses doors still intact, in the older part of town on a square sits the deconsecrated S t Agnes church now converted to a community center . The newer St Agnes church near the shopping area is from the 1959 and has a statue of St Agnes on the outside - she is well represented in this town. Bigger park on other side of town gold tennis courts etc. Like most towns I wander around in this region - it always turns into a bakery and art/church trip.