So the adventure begins!
We woke to a sunny 6:30am morning to arrive early for our Dover-Calais crossing at 12:05pm. We hoped if we were early enough we'd get on an earlier ferry, but instead found outselves with a 1:05pm crossing. Not ideal. On the way down, there were gigantic queues of freight lorries for miles and miles - thankfully in different queue altogether. We were lucky enough that the British motorists hadn't caused an accident on any of our roads, though one particulary well-spirited Merc did attempt to occupy the same space as our little Seat Ibiza.
Note: The ferry crossing is advertised as only a hour and a half long - This does not include loading and unloading!
This has been Charlotte's first time as a driver on European roads and fortunately - they were incredibly gentle and easy to understand through France, Belgium and the Netherlands.
After what felt like a small lifetime of travelling, we reached Maastricht. We approached from the north end - looking very industrial and concrete--chic as we came off of the highway. Upon late arrival at [hooeve da ploege], the owners were no longer present at their campsite and we were chastised via phone call for our lateness despite warning of such a possibility in our reservation. A large campervan was in our designated spot. Not an ideal first stop.
The campsite is a stones throw away from the Meuse river (and 100% a floodrisk). Appeared to be a popular walking trail as many bystanders witnessed the construction of our tent.
Throwing our fatigue aside, we ventured into Maastricht by foot and oh - how the centre contrasted from further up! Picturesque buildings, a buzzing young atmosphere and a free music performance! Even though the city was brimming with viable places to eat, Charlotte had been promised frites on the journey through Belgium and didn't get them, so we hunted them down in the Netherlands instead. And, what better to wash down Belgian frites? Belgian beer of course!
Charlotte fell in love with cherry Chouffe, sipping it down until the early hours in a quiet little 'boozer'... of which we never recorded the name of!
Maastricht was only planned as a small stop on the way to Bonn, but this is certainly a location we would swing by again.
To note - the weather has been non-stop shining ever since Maastricht.
Honorable mention/Fun Fact #1
There was a large flood a while back which destroyed the area around our campsite. This former home sits lodged awkwardly as a result of the devastation. We originally took this for a fancy-ass houseboat.
If the information happens to be false it's because the Uber driver got it wrong - We chose to take his word as gospel without consulting the world wide web. :Thumbsupemote:
Honorable Mention #2
Finally some style for my fashion-famished fish!
Spotted at a Maastricht store. Not sure on the goldfish context. Sometimes no context is best context.
Honorable Mention #3
Maybe not something to visit as a tourist, but look - A fully well-supplied gym inside an old church, complete with flags! Our pictures don't quite get it across but it still has the stained glass windows!
However, with a building that tall, it did feel like they missed a trick by not including a climbing wall on the back wall.
Welcome to the church of gains, my brothers. Drink of my protein shake, for it is my... blood. Squat as thoust daily prayer.
