Hoensbroek Castle

Hoensbroek Castle

Now that we are slightly less mobile with a baby, we're exploring Limburg, the neighboring forests of Belgium and all that the region has to offer. I guess this was the plan all along. Have fun traveling and exploring other parts of Europe before we decide to have a family. Now is the time to enjoy what we have around us locally. 

Someone's not happy

I'm an American obsessed with castles. Since we don't have any structures this old in the U.S., I'm fascinated by them. I've wanted to visit Hoensbroek Castle since we moved here. Three and a half years later...we made it!

Feeling better :)

The scientist always has to stop to do a puzzle. :)

Nap time

Alaaf 2013!

Another Carnaval season has come and gone, but not without some celebration! It's one of the greatest perks of living in the southern part of the Netherlands. Here's a quick glimpse of our Sunday party. (Sunday is the beginning of the festivities, here in Maastricht). And since my camera died 20 minutes after we left the house (oopps) all photos are courtesy of my friend Erika Douma.

Now that the "Alaaf" season is done and winter has no end in sight, what's next? I guess we have to start looking forward to spring. :)

Ladies

Old NYC buds reunite!

Lance Armstrong

Great costume!

Little Red Riding Hood drinking Jager

Friday & Flowers

Friday was our day with the Jansens.We spent the day with Jaap's parents and visited one of our favorite little places outside of Maastricht, Eijsden Castle. 

Eijsden Castle

The trip to Intratuin was a success! (Intratruin is the Ikea version of a floral nursery). We wanted to go with Jaap's parents because they are expert gardeners. The Dutch don't mess around with their flowers. Gardening in this country is serious business. 

Our balcony is now officially Dutch. Boxed plants of herbs, flowers, and Jaap's favorite, the hanging plant. Thank you to the Jansens for helping us and especially to Jan for planting everything!

Our leftover "tea-lighter" is now a potted plant

Father & son enjoying the flowers

After a nice dinner with the Jansens at one of our favorite restaurants, Eetcafé Ceramique, we went out for an evening of live music with our friends Jenny and Arie. 

This soul-funk-jazz night was actually hosted at our local library in Ceramique. Not bad for a library!

R.I.P. Fiets

We've had a beautiful Sunday. A bike ride to nearby Eijsden, lunch with a river view on the Maas, and a viewing of an "antiques roadshow" with our friends. We stopped at one of my favorite little spots, Eijsden castle. I love this place. 

In bike related news, I got my new fiets (bike) today. It's been a sad few weeks without my bike that I liked so much. I stupidly left my key in my bike during Dutch class and my bike was stolen. An easy steal for a bike thief. Jaap says I'm becoming more and more Dutch because having your bike stolen is a part of Dutch life. Well, you live and learn! 

R.I.P. fiets...thanks for the good times

Alaaf til you drop: Part II in Maastricht

Carnaval in Maastricht was a blast, but I'm glad it's over! Day into night partying takes a lot out of you. Year 2 in Maastricht and I still love this lively celebration. The costumes, bad music, and happy people in the streets. It's all good fun. I can't believe how much time and effort people put into their costumes. Bright colors, huge hats, headpieces, face painting, costumes that light up or stand 5 feet in the air! It's always fun to see the creativity. 

Here is one of my favorites. I saw them last year, so it's gotta be an annual tradition. A group of people made costumes that replicate some "Carnaval" artwork that's publicly displayed in the Vrijthof. 

One of my favorite costumes

Actual artwork in the Vrijthof

Parade

The Mooswief

Despite the bad weather which included: snow, hail, and sunshine, we partied on!

It was pretty chilly so heading inside was a must. Here I am with my "gypsy sister" Angela.

Another one of my favorite costumes

What a great 5 days! Til next year Carnaval... Alaaf!

One more day...

Carnaval 2011

It's almost time. Carnaval is right around the corner and the celebrations will commence tomorrow. We're spending our first night in Jaap's hometown with our Kolonisten (Settlers of Catan) gaming friends. (We've grown quite close to our American/Dutch crew of friends here). I'm excited they get to see Jaap's party band in action. So veel plezier to everyone in Brabant, Limburg and places in the northern parts of the Netherlands that wished they lived here this week. :) Alaaf!

The Mooswief: A Maastricht Carnaval icon

Jaap's party band in Oirschot, Carnaval 2011

Kolonisten gaming friends: Pete, Arie, Jenny & Jaap

Me, Pete & Jacob