I liked the feel of Maastricht as soon as I arrived – lots of greenery, water, laneways, gorgeous ancient building decorations. I read a few “GetYourGuide” walking tour itineraries over a coffee this morning and devised one for myself. Luckily, my hotel is 500m from the central market which tends to be close to the centre of the action…so easy to find my way around.

First stop the Museum of Illusions – it’s about experiencing visual illusions and a range of hands-on activities that allow you to become part of them. This space-like tunnel sent my senses into overdrive! Lots of fun.

Next to the Wilhelmina bridge for a view over the Meuse river, the boats lining up for river tours and pedestrians promenading along the waterway.

A shop window I walked past beckoned me….called Manu Facta. A caricature of a lady in a polka dot swimsuit. Jewellery of silver and glass. Paper poppies and clay houses. Scarves and dresses of soft silk. Vases of colorful paper and powerful ceramics. Manu Facta is a cooperative of artistic women. Joining forces, they run this artistic shop together. It was a fun browse.

I kept walking down St Pieterstraat and found myself in the Jeker Quarter, one of the oldest parts of Maastricht. The area played a crucial role in defending the city for centuries. The oldest buildings – some even dating back to 1200 – can be found around the river Jeker, which formed a natural defence. Impressive medieval city walls, water mills, green parks, fortifications and the famous Helpoort (the oldest surviving city gate in the Netherlands) – lovely.

Loved this ‘Children playing marbles’ sculpture in the area. Found a fab delicatessen and bought asparagus pate and a couple of salads for dinner.

It’s all happening @ Vrijthof Square – St John’s church and St Servatius basilica in the background, the Hawt Uuch Vas fountain in the foreground, surrounded by cafes and restaurants – great for people watching…for a price. Unveiled in 1978, the fountain was created by sculptor Frans Gast, capturing the essence of togetherness and festivity. The name ”Hawt Uuch Vas” translates to “Hold each other”, reinforcing its symbolic representation of community, joy, and charity.

One of the must-sees in Maastricht: possibly one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world. This building used to be a Dominican church in the 13thC and is now a bookstore (the Dutch are very fond of converting and repurposing places, especially churches). With a Gothic church structure, vaulted arches, sturdy bluestone pillars, and stained-glass windows, it is a charming place and a feast for the eyes. It functions as a bookstore, has some souvenirs and a cafeteria.

Loved this florist shop on my way back to the hotel.

And I noticed this delighful boutique hotel, bar and garden, Fitz/Roy, apparently with a capacity for about 30 guests. Had a double espresso to regain energy for the last kilometre back to the hotel.

Across the road, the SUD jewellery store beckoned. I loved this little memento of Maastricht to take away with me…made by one of the sister’s that have formed a company called ‘Muse’s Alchemy’.

There’s an ‘interpretive’ mosaic for D’Artagnan, and monument – he who had a career in espionage for Cardinal Mazarin, served for Louis XIV, promoted to captain-lieutenant of the Muskateers in 1667, and died at the siege of Maastricht (Franco-Dutch War) in 1673. Very swashbuckling!

11,957 steps of walking today, my best for quite a while. Woo hoo!

Set off this morning and decided I needed a day off from being a tourist. Well, I had my problem solving skills tested on arrival in Nijmengen, when the car park ticket machine wouldn’t accept either my debit or credit card payment. Luckily, had 12 Euros in coin, just as well, blimey.

I am booked into a hotel for 1 night in the ‘pedestrian quarter’ before I head to Amsterdam tomorrow, so I took some clothing items from the main suitcase, added my meds/cosmetics bag…put them into a small carry-all and trumbled them along with my small carry-on suitcase over the cobblestones approx 1 km to the hotel. Having dropped them off, looked for a lunch spot that was close…Bagels and Buns loomed large. So pleased I walked in. Very relaxing vibe, delightful service from young ones and delish offerings – I had the iced strawberry matcha tea with a spicy tuna and avocado bagel. The sambal addition to the bagel was sensational.

My hotel is on Lange Hezelstraat, and given it’s the ‘oldest street in the Netherlands’ …thought I’d wander along it for a while…. mostly disappointed as its very touristy (in the worst kitsch way), but there are some some sensational bakeries, deli’s, homeware stores and of course, cheese shops. Got sucked into visiting Kaashandel de Wit…..and bought a couple of (vacuum packed) farmhouse cheeses for dinner in Amsterdam…pesto (with added pinenuts, fenugreek, basil, garlic, and tumeric) and a spicy one (with fermented garlic and chilli peppers). Can’t wait to try them. Stay tuned…will send a pic when I eat them.

On my way back to my hotel, saw this adorable scene and had to take a pic – asked them all for permission of course – all chose their ‘pose’ for the shot. Hah!