It is Sunday and I have finally made it out of bed after some serious catching up on sleep. But what do I do now? Or better, what exactly is there to do on Sunday afternoons in Maastricht, apart from sitting in a café or walking through the park?
As is so often the case in these modern times, the first party to consult in the event of a question is Google. My search item 'Maastricht cultural experience' leads to the suggestion to check out a tour through the caves of the St. Pietersberg. Six thousand passageways covering seventy kilometres are waiting to be discovered, led by an experienced tour guide. During the winter, tours start at 12.30. Looking at my clock, I realise I am a little too late for this - also, they warn that if you are afraid of the dark, this may not be for you, so I guess I should opt for something lighter and warmer. Maybe something indoors, like a museum? My friend Google has an answer right away: the Bonnefantenmuseum. As a special Sunday attraction, they offer a free tour if you make it there by 12 noon. Too bad I slept so long - it is too late now. Another option for an afternoon at a museum could be the Maastricht Museum of National History, where you can find out how the city came about and, more importantly, what was here before Maastricht was even built. But going to a museum alone?
Maybe I am up for a little more interaction this afternoon. Suddenly I remember a flyer I received at the university the other day. It was from Tafelstraat 13, the hotspot for multicultural activities in Maastricht. They offer a lively programme that covers a broad realm of interests: from discussion rounds about women's roles in different countries and chocolate or cooking workshops to the celebration of international holidays. Unfortunately, there is nothing going on today.
I feel like something more in the true Maastricht style. I remember a flyer I received (among a whole package of other information) from an over-enthusiastic employee during my last trip to the VVV. It was about Take One, Maastricht's one and only Bierspecialiteitencafe. Since 1983, this pub has made it its mission to support small breweries in the Netherlands and Germany. So apart from the usual Brand or Heineken, I would have the pleasure of tasting a variety of beers which would, thanks to the owner's beer expertise, most likely be exactly what my taste buds desire. But maybe I will save this experience for when my Dad visits, since beer tasting is something better done as a group experience.
I do not even realise how fast time is flying by and before I know it, it is getting dark outside. Maybe next Sunday I will be able to discover some of these venues in real life, not just in cyberspace.