On my previous post, we took a trip to Limbourg. The next day we went to Maastricht, Netherlands. It is a very special place for me as I used to go there quite a lot when I was a child. My Aunt and Grandmother had a house in a village in Belgium close to the Dutch Border. When my sister and I stayed there during school holidays, they would take my us to Maastricht for the day, usually on a Friday, market day.
Today Maastricht can be reached in just 20/25 minutes. When I was a child it took 1.30 to 2 hours by bus! That is because there wasn't a motorway then, the bus stopped in several villages and along the canal. When we reached the Dutch border close to a cements work, we had to change buses. Sometimes there would be a 30 minute wait. My sister and I have always liked Maastricht, the sound of its bells, the market place, the shops and a tearoom which we always went to which sadly no longer exists.
This time, it was just Alan, Miss P and I. I enjoyed walking around the market as I recalled how My Aunt & Grandmother would do some shopping there with their basket trolley. Markets on the continent have a different feel to the ones in England and I confess to preferring those on the continent.
This stall had a fantastic array of fabrics and most at only €5 a metre and the quality was very good!
One of the main shopping streets
Pinky sweet shop above has been there for years.
An artist's studio
Look closely at the lampshade on the right, it is made of cups and saucers
After a few lovely days spent with my cousins, we said our goodbyes and stopped in Delhaize (Belgian supermarket) to sock up on things I cannot get easily in England. Pearl sugar for waffles, local beer, biscuits etc...Once stocked up, we headed back to France.
Snack for the journey back to France
Not long after this picture was taken, the heavens opened.
On the last night of our holiday, we took a stroll along the seafront
The day after, it would be time for us to go back to England.
It was so good being able to spend time with my family again. These trips mean a lot to me as we do not live close by and do not see them as often as I'd like.
I hope that you are having a good summer holiday. As I write this, the rain drops are falling against the window...I feel sorry for those who might be camping in this weather. Not what you'd expect for this time of the year but our weather has become so unpredictable these days.
A bientôt!
Isabelle X
10 comments:
Oh I do like the look of Maastrict. Love the houses.
What a lively, beautiful place. I'd love to see the inside of the candy store....and those bell gables and step gables , so distinctive and regional.
Thanks for a wonderful tour
xx
julie
I'm a big fan of Holland and we visited Maastricht only a few weeks ago. I, too, admired that magnificent lampstand of cups and saucers.
What a terrific tour, Isabelle. I have loved looking at your very atmospheric photos on this and the previous post. Sad to say I have only visited Belgium on business and never stayed in The Netherlands. You have made me realise how much we miss when just looking for the sun, instead of exploring the pretty towns and landscape of our near neighbours across The Channel. And am still amazed by that wonderful lampstand!
Bonjour, Isabelle, I feel like I need to see that red and white fabric in the marché in Maastricht! The quality is superb in many of the European tissu from my experience. Thank you for sharing a little bit of your vacances with us. I'm hoping you had a nice visit with your Dad and the rest of your family. I just completed sewing costumes for my daughter and her friend, Doug, for their musical venue (7 performances) during the local Scandinavian Festival in Junction City, Oregon. I still haven't tackled the dress that needed a buckle (vintage style) but when I do, I'll send you a photo!
Mary in Oregon
A most enjoyable virtual trip, thank you again. It does make me want to visit abroad, perhaps next summer holidays, though there are so many places I want to visit (and so little possible time!)
Hello! I was just looking through my follower list for new blogs to read and there you were! I love your blog, can't believe I've missed you before. Going off for a proper catch up on your previous posts.
Your photos make me swoon!
Nicki xx
As always your pictures are awesome. I so enjoy looking at them to see glimpses of the beautiful country you live in. Thank you for sharing.
I have loved your last two posts - such beautiful buildings and lovely for you to meet up with your family.
I really like your new blog heading too its so pretty. Hope you don't have too much rain and enjoy the rest of the summer holidays. Karen X
Hi Isabelle,
Maastricht is one of my favourite cities. My mother was born there and a great part of my family still lives there. When did you visit? I was there last weekend :-)!!
Lieve groet,
Madelief x
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