By late morning we were on the road in the rain. But, its only a 2 hour drive and as we arrive at our hotel the rain is almost done. The Bigarre Hotel turns out to be nice with internet and air conditioning (which would have been a big deal 2 days ago, but not very important with windy, 70 degree weather) and a central location, but still no elevator. We're on the 2nd floor which really means the 3rd floor in the US.
The building that our hotel occupies was originally built in 1720. The property was built as a typical Maastricht patrician house. Consisting of a ground floor and 1st floor and a huge attic to be used as a storehouse in case there was a siege.
View out our window and what's behind the hotel.
The weather is changeable even for the Netherlands. We take our umbrellas and start to explore the town. First stop is to eat at a cafe in the Market Square. We stopped at one of the first cafes we came to because I thought I saw schnitzel on the menu board. After we sat down, I realized the word on the menu was close but no schnitzel. Linda wanted something authentic for this area and the waiter suggested a dish called Maastrichts Zuurulees - beef cubes in a sweet and sour dark sauce. Wow, did that turn out to be good. The sauce contains gingerbread and syrup among other secret things. Linda had a very traditional Dutch dish (uitsmijter): 3 fried eggs on a slice of ham on an open-faced slice of bread. It wasn't on the menu, but she asked and received. We each had a different beer - both dark and tasty.
Linda had the Brand Oud-Bruin on the right and I had the Brand Imperator.
After eating, we decided to explore the town and locate where the concert will be tomorrow night. I don't really need to comment on all of this. The main intent is to give you a sense and feel for this lovely town.
A truck drives by with tulips on it. Linda couldn't resist.
Things you find in shops - bulldog, made Linda think of her Aunt Nole.
Maastricht's University.
We stopped for our normal espresso and mint tea and found these basses up on the building's overhang.
A small sink in the bathroom of the coffee cafe.
Parts of the original town's defensive walls.
And finally another church.
After consulting the map several times and asking a young couple, we found the concert site. We had virtually walked all the way around it. We're ready for tomorrow night.
And then, back to the market square and town hall.
It was actually getting cold so we headed back to the hotel. I know, you just can't please people. Two days ago we were complaining about the heat and now its cold. But, this is better.
Good night.
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