I’m in another world, literally and figuratively.
The train station at Maastricht. I miss one of my train connections, but after panic subsides realize the trains run like clockwork and just get on one that names the next town I need to be in. Three train changes later, I’m proud of myself and the kindness and English of strangers.
The view from my hotel window. Heart of the city. Narrow, narrow streets. Houses old in a way we have no idea of.
The statue of d’Artagnan on the edge of what was once fortress walls. Fruit trees are blooming everywhere in the city, and all is spring’s green, a special shade.
I am taken by my new historian friend on a foot and car trip around the outskirts of the city, so that he can show me how it looked to the French in 1673. We end up in a vineyard, city in sight, because this is where he thinks a famous portrait was posed from. I am reeling with fatigue, but the hosts of the vineyard, friends of his in a d’Artagnan society they all belong to, give us a complimentary glass of wine. The courtyard and buildings are all old stone. We are in the country though the church spires of Maastricht can be seen. Dinner is late, eaten on the busy market square, table after table open to the night, the sun still up even though it’s past 8. I stagger to bed filled with thoughts of churches where long-ago soldiers might be buried and sacred wells whose water might solace them and monks whose vineyards might have thrived where the one I stood in does.
Karleen Koen — writing life 
Magic! Enchanting! And in spring. Have a lovely trip; I’m so please I’m sharing it!
so cool, thanks for sharing.
Love reading your journal! Thanks
Margaret
Sent from my iPad
I’m so glad this is working out well. A day between arriving and starting the journey would have helped. But you’re one for jumping right in. Brava!