Being tourist in Maastricht

We spent Good Friday with American friends exploring Maastricht. I had only been in Maastricht once in my life to visit the Christmas market when the children were really small.  I had really loved it and I wanted to go back since.

The city has a historic center to offer full little picturesque streets and nice shops, some squares, a good food scene, a major river, nearby caves and (wine) hills, ... and a friendly jovial population.

We strolled along the river on both sides, going from bridge to bridge and we visited the Friday market before we boarded a river cruise boat for a small trip on the Maas river during an hour. On the comfortable boat we enjoyed the sights, the sun, the drinks and we gave our feet a bit of rest before more sightseeing in the afternoon. We passed by the limestone hills/caves and the nearby cement factories, but most of the sights were really rural full of nature and some wildlife.

Back in the city center we were happy to find an empty table in the buzzing Onze Lieve Vrouweplein where everyone wanted to enjoy lunch outside in the sun. We tasted some excellent local white wine. 

For the rest of the afternoon we strolled together through the little streets and the ramparts, enjoyed the views,  profited to do some little urgent shopping (e.g. buy pyjama's that we were forgotten and also some swimsuits as our hotel turned out to have a swimming pool) .

We showed our friends the former Dominicanen church that is a remarkable bookstore. The exposition in the choir with portraits of people living with dementia and choosing for euthanasia, came as an unexpected hard punch in the stomach and made me quickly search for some fresh air outside while hiding my wet eyes behind my sunglasses. Thankfully the sun was curing and we all enjoyed some ice cream in the ramparts parks. Especially Beertje continued walking while bravely licking his cone until the very end. He probably broke his personal walking record.

By the end of the day, the children were both knackered and it was sadly time to say goodbye from our Q and H.  Thank you for "hosting" us during your vacation and see you in 2021 at the latest ;).