I was passing through Time Square when this image flashed on the screen and caught my eye. Although it’s unseasonable spring-like weather, summer seems like a loooong way off!
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Blanche Dael
I was initially lured into Blanche Dael, the oldest coffee grinder in Maastricht, by the teapots and old-timey coffee roaster in the windows. The main room offered a typically overwhelming selection of teas, accoutrements and packaged sweets, but the back room beheld a treat: a Clover. I’ve seen a few Clovers in New York. These […]
Selexyz Dominicanen
This 13th century church has served as a Carnival hall, a bicycle shed, an exhibition space and, since 2006, a Selexyz bookshop (this chain is noted for stocking English-language titles). As you browse the three levels of books, don’t forget to admire the frescoes and the Gothic windows. If you need a break, have a […]
Onze Lieve Vrouwebasiliek
This Roman Catholic church was built around 1000 A.D. It is believed that a Roman temple once stood on this site. The present structure is mostly Romanesque and blocks of stone from the city’s ancient Roman walls were used during construction. After Maastricht became incorporated into the First French Republic in 1794, the church was […]
Maastricht Carnival Costumes
People of all ages turn out in costume. Some groups bring their own drink carts.
Maastricht Carnival
This Carnival season, we headed to Maastricht, a small city in the Netherlands that hosts the biggest Dutch Carnival. Although the party does not officially begin until Sunday, brass bands and costumed revelers are out in full force by Friday. Carnival officially begins at 12:11 pm on Carnival Sunday. The kick-off takes place in Vrijthof […]
Belga Queen Brussels
This is one of those places that tries to be fashionable and forgets to make memorable food. The setting is a 19th century bank building with stained glass ceilings and marble columns. There’s an inviting oyster bar and expensive beer and cocktail bar. The former bank vaults in the cellar houses a cigar lounge and […]
Musée Magritte
Since Magritte is one of Belgium’s most beloved artists, it is only fitting that an entire wing of the Musée Royaux des Beaux-Arts should be dedicated to his work. Since it opened in 2009, the Musée Magritte houses the largest collection of the surrealist’s paintings and drawings. It’s fascinating to walk through Magritte’s career and […]
Musées Royaux des Beaux-Arts de Belgique
This mid-sized gallery offers a great overview of regional art. The collection spans from the 15th to the 20th centuries and focuses on local superstars such as Bruegel, van der Weyden, Jordaens, Rubens. The modern collection is impressive, with 19th and 20th century work by Belgian artists mixed in with pieces by Seurat, Dali and […]
