Gronigen might not be on everyone's tourist itinary when "doing Europe" but it has interesting features for the accidental tourist like myself. I was there at a conference but managed to have time to stroll around and have a look at the place.
The city is a mixture of old and new, and especially seems to embrace some interesting modern architerture as evidenced by the Gasunie Building - the headquarters of Gasunie, the
Dutch natural gas infrastructure and transportation company.
Also know as the "monkey cliff" this building dominates its surroundings. It is 89 meters high and strikingly impressive. Designed by architects Ton Alberts and Max van Huut it is an example of what is sometimes referred to as "organic architecture".
The Dutch regard it as one of their country's most beautiful buildings. If in Gronigen I would recommend you have a look and decide for yourself.
The SS Rotterdam is a seriously large and impressive ship. At 228 m long and 50 m high it dominates its surroundings at Rotterdam docks. It is permanently moored at the docks where it serves as a hotel, conference centre, museum and general tourist attraction. I was lucky enough to be based on board at a conference there. It has been restored to its original 1958 glory and faithfully reflects the décor of the era.
I normally don't repeat myself quite so quickly but here is the Manneken Pis yet again. I was in Brussels on St Patrick's day and the little peeing statue was doing his bit to join in the festivities. The Grande Place and surrounding area was full of Irish families wearing large Irish headwear adorned in green, white and orange.
Once more in my blog I shall pay a visit to my favourite little statue of a peeing boy - The Manneken Pis. On my last visit to Brussels he was dressed ready for a game of Lacrosse. Well, at least it beats being a uroligist, which is what he was dressed up as during a previous visit.
