When I left Holland five years ago, I had one main regret. I did not visit the most beautiful bookstore I have ever heard of. It was only one hour away by train in Maastricht - but perhaps one always believe the places nearest to us will always be there. And then time flies, and you can't even take that one hour train to see it.
Maastricht is one of the larger towns in Holland, at the southern most part. It's the capital city of the province of Limburg in Holland. It's at the border near Germany, and I think that makes it feel a little different from the other more traditional dutch towns. It does feel more cosmopolitan and richer, like a dutch twist on Switzerland.
Apparently, Maastricht is derived from the latin Trajectum ad Mosam or Mosae Trajectum meaning "crossing at the Meuse". What I really liked about Maastricht is that it has a lot of its old historical city walls still intact. My recommendation is to buy a historical road itinerary/road map (about 1.60 euros) from the tourist office and enjoy the tour. It comes with a lot of information and tidbits about the history of the place, and increases the pleasure of a city walk immensely. I can only imagine how wondrous it would be in the Spring (I went in Spring but it was the coldest winter in 50 years, so I won't treat it as the norm) and Summer with all the markets out in full force.
At the end of the day trip, when we were back in our apartment in Utrecht, I had this immense warmth in my heart. I had finally resolved a regret from five years ago, I was here in Utrecht to fulfill my dream of taking wedding pictures in the place I fell in love. There, outside, lying like Homer Simpson on the sofa, was my husband, who have always sought to make my dreams come true.
I went over to hug him and said, "I don't think I will be able to live without you."
Homer ZM was still watching the tv and smiled.
"Will you let me go first?" I asked.
ZM paused.
"Ok, but don't go too early."
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