Spring Sun in Maastricht

Spring is my favorite season here in Maastricht, especially when it is sunny. The weather is finally getting warm enough for a light jacket, but only just, and the nights are still cold enough to make a cup of coffee or hot chocolate extra cozy.

I’ve been taking advantage of the nicer weather by getting out and jogging more. Sunday I ran with a couple other ladies from the IWC up to the top of St. Pietersburg and back down; a nice 5 km-ish run with some serious uphill bits. Well, as uphill as you can get in the Netherlands anyway. I actually felt pretty good about the run though, so I’m considering trying a 5K race or maybe even a 10K one. Several IWC members are already planning on running in the Maastricht Mooiste, so maybe I’ll join them for that.

After my run (and a shower; running is smelly work), I joined my friend Celine for high tea at Coffeelovers. Their tea spread is very tasty and filling, but not overly so. When we arrived they had already laid out plates, hot water, and seven types of loose leaf tea. We also had a small bottle of champagne, which was French but not really from Champagne. Tea consisted of a pair of sandwiches made on soft white bread, followed by a plate of sweets including a scone, brownie, and a thin slice of Coffeelover’s banana cake. All were very tasty, although I could have gone for some clotted cream with the scone. It was a wonderful way to pass a Sunday afternoon and by the time we left we were positively humming from the tea we drank.

I took it slow on the way home, enjoying the sun. I hear it’s suppose to rain all week starting Tuesday. But I’ll keep my fingers crossed that that doesn’t happen. Or if it does, that it’s not too heavy. I haven’t finished my rain pants yet.

A TEFAF Observer’s Experience

This article was originally published at Maastricht Region: to Live.

Every year since it’s inception, the TEFAF art and antique fair has brought to Maastricht intriguing art, a flurry of cultural activities, and a fresh wave of opulence as it is visited by a 10,000 collectors, dealers, and the curious. From March 18th to the 27th, the main event is the fair itself, but you can also visit the myriad of regular art galleries in Maastricht, catch the Antiquarian Book & Art Fair, or attend one of the many theatre events that are scheduled to coincide with TEFAF. Jazz Maastricht even presents 2 nights of shows for jazz fans (25th and the 26th of March).

With its 55 euro day ticket (110 euro for the full event) and the high value of the art on display, it is fair to say that the TEFAF is not for the average person. But if you have an interest in art and want to see items that otherwise are mostly kept in private collections, at least one visit to the TEFAF in your lifetime is well worth your time. Here are a few tips to make the most of your adventure:

1) Don’t go it alone. I attended TEFAF for the first time this year and went alone. Sadly, I found I tired of the event far too rapidly and ended up missing many interesting works of art. The TEFAF is a huge fair and deserves the time it takes to see the variety of items in all its sections. Plus purchasing day-tickets in pairs will save you money.

2) Treat it like a museum. The TEFAF fills the MECC space up beautifully and if you’ve ever been in the building for less prestigious events, you’ll be shocked by how different the space can look. Enjoy the rich atmosphere and admire the art and antiques, but refrain from touching.

3) Travel light. I spent 3 hours in TEFAF last Saturday and after flipping through my catalog, I didn’t see half the artwork on display. You’ll be walking around a lot, so sturdy shoes and light handbags are a must. The show has constant security concerns too, so don’t bring your camera or anything else they might consider suspicious.

4) Eat inside. You could find cheaper food outside the TEFAF (at a distance or in the hospital), but if you’ve already bought a ticket you may as well stay inside and get the full experience. Beside, the food is actually quite good. I had a small quiche for lunch during my visit, and I also saw dim sum, pastas, and a sushi bar.

5) Ask questions, but don’t be a pest. Each gallery has a booth and, appropriately, attendants working it who have a lot of knowledge. If you’re really curious about something ask. But keep in mind these people are also there to sell the artwork you are perusing. If you’re definitely not buying, don’t take up too much of their time

6) Enjoy yourself. The TEFAF was my first art fair of this caliber and I don’t have many other experiences to compare it too, but it you’re not enjoying yourself, something is wrong. For art-lovers, the TEFAF is a not-to-be-missed activity in Maastricht (at least once). Be sure to make the most of it.

When it Rains it Pours

Once again the blog has escaped over the back porch and I had to hunt it down between the neighbors gardens and tall stone walls. Several nights short on sleep and a couple scraped knees later, I’m back with a little catch up on life in the Maastricht Minutiae household. (Ok, no banged knees. But I hope the blog won’t tell the cats how to slip out the back.)

I’m Working!

Now that contracts are signed and I’m on the hook for a few months at least, I wanted to share the exciting news that I’m working a day job again. Two day jobs actually. I’ve been hunting for a one of these practically since I moved to Maastricht, so this is pretty exciting for me. I enjoy having an office to go into and both positions allow me to flex my librarian/archivist/information professional muscles. Both are term positions, so I’m not sure how long they’ll last but I certainly am looking forward to working both. Two days a week I’m a research assistant, performing literature reviews in Public Health and education (among other things). The other three days, I’m a content editor (in training), helping build Q&A virtual assistants on the web.

Of course at the same time these jobs came together, my business had a little jump in activity so I’ve been terribly busy trying to get everything done and done well. With new stuff coming in, I don’t think things are going to slow down any time soon. It’s good busy. I hope.

Of course now I really do a lot of things and don’t really know how to define myself.

Super-Moon

We took a few pictures of the super bright moon last week, but they didn’t turn out so well. It’s a moon at night after all.

My Review of Tropical Affairs went live

I had the opportunity to read and interview Tropical Affairs by Robert Raymer thanks to the lovely folks over at the Expat Archive in Den Haag. Check out my review here.

Running with the Ladies

Since I finally paid my dues, I feel a lot less awkward showing up for International Women’s Club meetings and activities. A group from the Junior IWC is getting together to run together and train for the Maastricht Mooiste, a yearly marathon/race in the area. I haven’t signed up for the race, but I have started running with them on Sundays. Great group of ladies and a nice addition to the running Celine and I try to do during the week.

Of course the new jobs are really eating into my jogging availability. Figures.

Hanging out with rich folks

On Friday I visited the Antiquarian Book & Paper Fair in one of the churches on the Vrijthof and rubbed shoulders with people who can afford to collect these awesome looking original art, prints, and books. It was kind of interesting, but I was too afraid to touch anything for fear I would damage it. Plus I’m not sure what the proper behavior.

Saturday I also checked out the TEFAF and rubbed shoulders with a lot of people with loads of cash. The art fair was interesting, but I didn’t really stay long enough since I went alone. I felt a bit out dressed and I even dressed up. Mixed feelings on the entire experience. You can read my post about visiting the TEFAF  on Maastricht Region. (Or wait until Friday and you can read it here).

Stuff, Stuff, Stuff

Between all that I managed to redo a basic site for ParapluInfo (although I probably won’t be taking new website projects for a while) and I’m trying to figure out how to turn Walking the Lethe (nsfw) into an ebook (with marginal success). And sleeping. But not as much as usual.

So hopefully you’ll start getting some proper blog posts from me soon. I’ve got a cafe you all need to know about for Places Around Maastricht, and I’d like to write more about the experience of being hired. Cheers!

Charity Event to Support the Tsunami Victims

Because people need your help. Origami and music as well as other events will be going on during this charity event. We’ll be checking it out. Hope to see you there.

Carnival in Maastricht: A Birds-Eye View

I know you’re all just here for the photos, but I wanted to first thank Dave and Sarah who invited Dan & I over for a birds-eye view of the Maastricht parade. With an apartment right along the route, our location was great for photos and much warmer than standing outside (although this year it’s much warmer than last year). This year the nice weather meant we actually got to see some of the floats, including the Maastricht Giant which was set up in the street across from our own flat.

Other common themes were the jungle, explorers, and old folks. And of course the ubiquitous tiger pajamas. In Maastricht, the costumes are just as much about warmth as appearance (usually).  Enjoy!

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