Rest Day in Venlo, Oct. 2

We are very glad we did not stay in Swolgen but, instead, went to Venlo for our rest day. It is a simple hotel we are in, with a small room, dirty carpet and streaks on the wall. But the location is excellent. Near the city centre as well as on the Pieterpad route. 

This morning we backtracked to where we last saw the PP sign yesterday, coming into the city. It felt like we knew a secret language as we followed the signs to the hotel. Yesterday we lost it as we entered the city, tired and overwhelmed. A kind man helped us find the hotel.

This morning Jeff wore shorts. But it was very cold first thing and he soon got teased by a stranger re his bare legs. But the sun soon heated the air and we joined the throngs at the outside tables. A cappuccino here, tea there, now a pancake, etc. Lots of fun! 

Venlo has a few gorgeous buildings. One of them is the old city hall which fronts a big square. Very impressive. It dates from the 1600's. Hard to tell, though, what is still original and what has been rebuilt after the war. A lot of damage was sustained here.

We have five days left of walking, a bit over 100 km. But we are ready to tackle it again. Sunshine continues for now...