Maastricht, a university city on the southern tip of the Netherlands

Maastricht is distinguished by its medieval-era architecture and vibrant cultural scene.
My work has brought me to Maastricht once a year for 15 years. Although it’s only a two and a half hour drive from Amsterdam, arriving in Maastricht is like arriving in another country. You immediately feel a warm bath of hospitality, it’s a very walkable city, there’s fantastic food everywhere, beautiful streets and cozy terraces on every corner, and amazing shops everywhere.
By Juleke Bottelier, orginally from Washington DC, USA