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
