Sun, 22 November 2009
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Once a source of inspiration for Vincent van Gogh, the Dutch province of Drenthe still has the power to enchant and relax visitors today. Expatica crosses the border for a weekend getaway.Drenthe is the oldest, and what many people consider the most traditional and beautiful provinces of the Netherlands.
Vincent van Gogh was captivated by the colours of Drenthe
It is a favourite destination for a weekend of walking or cycling (500km of cycling paths), with its vast heather-covered fields, small winding streams and large number of fens and forests. 
Vincent van Gogh was enchanted by Drenthe. In a letter to his brother Theo he wrote: "Drenthe is so beautiful, it absorbs and satisfies me so absolutely that if I could not be here forever, I should wish I had never seen it. It is inexpressibly beautiful".
Rare wildlife
For a glimpse of some rare wildlife, be sure to visit 'De Lokkerij', a breeding station for White African storks located near the city of Meppel. It is managed by the Drenthe Landscape Society and is home to 10-15 pairs of nesting storks that migrate here from Africa every year.
In the 1970s, these birds were on the brink of extinction, but there is now a large healthy population. Walking the terrace, you will see plenty of these large birds from close range. They can be seen here from 1 April to 1 September.
Reest River valley
The Reest River valley is a nature preserve for nesting storks and is a beautiful spot to go bicycling or walking. It gives meaning to the phrase "soft and glowing land" of Drenthe.
We passed ancient farm houses with white scalloped trim and dark green shutters that had modern satellite dishes poking out of thatched rooftops.
There were stork nests everywhere — on the chimney of a village restaurant, perched on an old barn or 10m up on a platform in a field.
We walked through forests of tall, ancient oaks and saw massive grey stone mansions in the middle of vast green fields. We followed the winding Reest River past majestic Chestnut trees and ornate dovecotes shaped like pagodas.
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