Valkenburg Christmas Market Trip
Monday 27th November. Crack of dawn, 5.45 to be precise the coach picked
us up at Amersham station. Two more pick-ups and then the ferry from Harwich.
After a smooth crossing we eventually arrived in Valkenburg at about
6pm. Just time for a wash and change before dinner. An evening stroll
gave us the chance to get to know Valkenburg, a delightful town in Holland
on the Belgium and German border.
After breakfast next morning we were taken to Maastricht, a wonderful
town with its Basilica and lovely buildings (and many shops). It also
gave us the first taste of a Christmas Market, but could not beat the
whole set-up and atmosphere of the Valkenburg Christmas Market, which
was in the caves under the castle.
It was magic. A little train took us a few of the 70 km of caves along
walls with charcoal drawings and statues and figures before stopping at
the market. And after getting in the Christmas spirit, made a few purchases,
we finished the visit off with a delicious glass of Glühwein.
Tuesday was the trip to Cologne and Aachen. Gary, our driver got us safely
there and Heidi, our guide explained everything, gave us tips and do’s
and don’ts.
Some of us climbed the 509 steps up the Cologne Cathedral’s spire,
but we had still the energy to explore the Christmas Market. On the return
journey we stopped in Aachen, a town that really needed more time.
On the return journey we stopped in Aachen, a town which really need
more time exploring. All we really had time for was to visit the Christmas
Market, but that was the reason of our visit.
In the evening we watched the very first Christmas procession of Valkenburg.
Thursday it was back to England with a stopover in Delft. We had a wonderful
time, found very nice bargains and lovely things for Christmas and enjoyed
good company.
The travellers included: John Poole, Bill Nugent, Sigrid Poole, Peter
Trotter, Lillian Trotter, Roy Harris, Sonya Harris and Joanna Nugent (from
left to right in the photo, below)
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Probus Club
