Marvelous Mayhem in Maastricht
January 27, 2008
Marvelous day with Raphke and Sanne
Saturday evening, at the Amsterdam TravBuddy Meetup, I was fortunate to sit at the same table with Sanne (sannekoek) and Raphke (Raphje) at Humphrey's. During our dinner, I asked the gals if they would be willing to show a crazy American around their hometown of Maastricht if I took a train there the next day.
They graciously volunteered to give me a Sunday tour of Maastricht. Little did I know how marvelous my adventures would be with my two new fabulous friends :-D
One note: If you ever want to see an entire city go mad, visit Maastricht during Carnival week. You'll find a crowd of garishly clad folks with painted faces dancing wildly and singing at the top of their lungs in the chilly winter air. On the Saturday before Ash Wednesday, the town's mayor hands over the keys of the city to Prince Carnival. For the next few days, the Dutch village is turned upside-down to the delight of all!
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Marvelous day with Raphke and Sanne
Meet Sanne & Raphke at train depot
Attractive train station buildings
One of oldest cities in Netherlands
Sunday scene on Stationsstraat
Preview of Feb. Maastricht Carnival
Carnival dates back to 15th century
Camel, one of Maastricht's symbols
World-famous Carnival tourist draw
Carnival largest in the Netherlands
All exited for next weekend's party
Walk to Netherland's oldest Bridge
One of Raphke's favorite stores
Painting of Sint-Servaasbrug (1289)
JFK bridge from St Servatius Bridge
Maas River runs into North Sea
Romans started town-Mosae Trajectum
Three posts one of city's symbols
Capital city of Limburg Province
Statue one of over 1500 monuments
City known for 2 things-brown cafes
Maastricht also known for churches
Sanne & Raphke - great tour guides
I love narrow cobblestone streets
Horse-drawn carriage awaits riders
Hearty folks dine outside in cold
Basilica of Our Lady - 11th century
Side chapel houses famous shrine
Our Lady Star of the Sea statue
Catholic woman lights candle
Shrine credited with many miracles
1 of many attractive narrow streets
Maastricht tourist center
Sign-Dutch & Mestreech city dialect
Known as city's Harry Potter street
White star on red - city symbol
New building near Market Square
Part of massive Markt-Market Square
Building display Carnival colors
Red, yellow and green all over city
Famous Markt statue
One way to keep warm on winter day
Maastricht Stadhuis (Town Hall)
Mug for photo in front of City Hall
Golden arches in Markt area
Best fritas shop in Maastricht
City popular with sea gull, pigeons
Costumers raise money for charity
Fun, fun, fun for everyone!
One of parade groups practicing
All involved, including babies
Carnival features over 100 bands
Crowds dance and sing in chilly air
Basilica of St. Servatius (1000 AD)
Sint-Janskerk behind St. Servatius
Statue on Vrijthof - City Square
Sidewalk terraces border Vrijthof
In den Ouden Vogelstruy Bar
Cannonball still in wall from 1653
Street full of restuarants and bars
City has 500+ bars and brown cafes
Another gorgeous Maastricht statue
Ladies take me to fun Brown Cafe
Sanne kicks back with frothy brew
What should we order?...
Decisions, decisions...
Forget ordering, let's dance!
Tasty appetizers to enjoy
Sanne, Raphke & Me-3 peas in a pod
Gals take me for traditional dinner
Night view of John F Kennedy Bridge
We say goodbye at Stayokay Hostel
Affordable accomodations on the Maas River
STAYOKAY HOSTEL - MAASTRICHT
+31-43-750-1790
www.stayokay.com/maastricht
After a delightful day touring marvelous Maastricht, Raphke (Raphje) and Sanne (sannekoek) kindly walked their bikes with me to Stayokay Hostel.
The hostel is relatively new, having opened in April 2007. It's located on the bank of the Maas River about 1½ miles from Maastricht's main drag and a 20 minute walk from the train station.
The place has a clean, contemporary lobby and both clerks I interacted with were helpful and courteous. The accomodations are what you expect in a budget hostel. Because business was slow, I was fortunate to get a four cot room to myself with its own bathroom.
I would recommend Stayokay Maastricht to anyone looking for cheap quarters that doesn't mind staying a little bit away from the action.
Raphke & Sanne led me to the Hostel
Stayokay - 1½ miles from main drag
