Nice to meet you, Maastricht

Did you know that Maastricht is the oldest city in the Netherlands? After a full day of adventures in this fine town, my ratings are high. This was my first picture:

Honestly, All I can say about the streets of Europe so far is "WOW, that's pretty neat". Everything is old, brick, and eclectic. There are about a bazillion street cafes all over town, which greatly entice me. There is also a very large shopping area right near the downtown square. 

                           

Coffee. 

We got to step inside an incredible bookstore near downtown. Let's just say it blows the roof off of Barnes & Noble. Literally. Check out this roof.

The bookstore used to be a church--hence the beautiful architecture. 

Our day continued with a trip to the Maastricht train station aka our portal to the world. I cannot wait to take many a trip from the station in the near future. Oh, I forgot to mention we barely slipped into the station before the rain set its sails directly over Maastricht for  few hours. 

Here is Lauren C Davis and I in our rain jackets. Check it out, I'm a human highlighter. Lime green ftw

My afternoon was spent have some quality time with out Dutch "program coordinator". She is super cool. Her name Maaike (pronounced micah) and she is Dutch. She has lived in Maastricht for 8 years and knows a whole lot about life in Europe! I hope our friendship continues to blossom. 

I will now bombard you with an assortment of random pictures 

 

This is a ferry we rode to the edge of Maastricht. So fun!

Apparently the Dutch have really good style. No seriously. This man is a professor from Maastricht University and is sporting a checkered suit with a matching pink tie. NICE

Even the bar is beautiful. Don't worry, I ordered Rooibos tea. This is where I had my long conversation with Maaike.

Oh hey, cool building.

Carnival and cool trees.

Street Cafes

On the ferry. Lauren, Melinda, and Sarah.

View from the ferry.

Farewell for now!!