I’m no expert photographer. I only take snaps using my phone. But what am I going to do with all the content I’ve taken so far? Post it here!

Maastricht is one of the the most beautiful cities I’ve visited in the Netherlands. Many areas in the country are less-touristy versions of Amsterdam. But Maastricht’s identity, vibe, and history are quite distinct, once being a fortified town. It borders Belgium and is the capital of the province of Limburg. It’s the birthplace of the Euro and the Maastricht Treaty, which is the foundation of the European Union.

For places I’ve visited in the Netherlands, you can visit these links: Rotterdam, Amsterdam and Groningen.

For other photos I’ve taken in the Netherlands, you can visit this link: Rotterdam.

Here are five pictures I took while visiting Maastricht:

I’ve seen religious paintings on the street, in museums, and in religious structures like churches and cathedrals. But I’ve never seen one in a tunnel and carved in limestone. 

There are pictures that are close to impossible to take, even with the most professional camera. I can only capture 3 of the 7 holes where cannonballs used to be shot out of but it still looks magnificent.

I never time my travels to coincide with festivals. But inevitably, there will be one from time to time. Apparently, I haven’t seen it all and I encountered one on trucks.

The art is not unique (or at least I’ve seen it replicated in a lot of galleries and markets). But the message rang true for me on a day I was trying to break away from the shackles of my childhood expectations. 

The little boy is handing me what I think is a pack of cigarettes. I have no clue why the artist decided to make this sculpture. But I respectfully refuse the vice in the moment and in my life. 

All photos were taken on July 2022.