Yes, so I’ve run away. Run far away from home. I’ve ended up in Maastricht, The Netherlands, visiting my buddy Joel. Strange-ish first day since not a lot is open on Mondays here. I ask myself, “Why Monday.” I suppose from a business perspective, it’s better to close on a Monday than a weekend day. But didn’t they consider that I would be coming to visit?
First impressions were how interestingly the Dutch are converting some of their buildings, notably, old churches. Unlike Boston, they’re not simply preserving the exterior, and building a more modern building. I really like what they’re doing here.
…an old church converted into a bookstore
I love the contrast of the book stacks and the arches.
this is a wonderful copper-lined entrance to a new hotel, the Kruisheren Hotel, a converted monestary. The inside is spectacular.
The contrast of the ultra modern lights wit the ancient is wonderful.
…even keeping little nichés intact
This isn’t a converted church. I just have a things for flying buttresses . I love them and think they’re elegant!
and, finally…my new glasses are VERY in here in Europe. I can’t decide whether I feel relieved that I don’t stick out like a sore thumb or just another one “of the crowd.”
OK, so that’s the first day’s report. More to come. On today’s agenda…Dutch french fries, shopping for wool socks, going to some terrific bakery (fig and nut brood), and a wonderful snack food, bitterballen met moestard. YUM! (and, no, Gage…we’re also keeping up with Wii Fitness to keep El Gordo at bay!) Stay tuned!
