Maastricht - A New Beginning

This week, with the help of Ole and Birgitte, I moved to Maastricht in the Netherlands. I will be studying at Maastricht University for my Masters, and as such this move marks a new chapter of my life. I am quite excited for both my Masters program and this opportunity to get to know another city. As always, moving is a bit complicated since you are excited for that which is new, yet still missing everything you know. I know that the experiences I will have here will be worthwhile, and therefore I look upon the coming months as a big 'adventure'.

My first impression of Maastricht is that it is an adorable city, with a rich history that is apparent by walking down the streets. Maastricht is located in the province of Limburg in the Netherlands, close to both the Dutch border with Belgium as well as the Dutch border with Germany. The city spans both sides of the Meuse river, and is considered home to over 120,000 individuals. 

Maastricht is one of the oldest cities, regarding the existence of a human settlement, in the Netherlands, though it did not receive official city rights until 1204. Throughout its history, Maastricht has been important in trade and manufacturing. It was also a very strategic position, which explains the fortifications which were built around the city. During its history the city has changed hands many times, and is a very international city today. Though it was said to have become a part of the United Kingdom of the Netherlands in 1815, it was not until 1839 with the Treaty of London that this was officially implemented.

Today Maastricht is most widely known for the Maastricht Treaty, which was negotiated and signed in 1992. This led to the creation of the European Union as we know it, and the single European currency. 

As I explore the city I will explain different parts of the history in more depth, but for now suffice it to say that Maastricht has a very interesting history which I am excited to get to know over the coming months.