Okay, so it sounds more grandiose than it is. Liege is only 30 minutes by train from Maastricht. So I was really just hopping over the Belgian border for the day.
I slept in for a bit longer than intended (it is Saturday after all!) and got up and ready for my trip. Apple, check! Lunch, check! French phrase book, check! After gathering all my things, brushing my teeth, and eating a quick breakfast, I hopped on my bike and cycled to the Central station. From Maastricht Central, I boarded the Belgian sneltrein (slow train) which would stop in Vise, Bressoux, and finally, Liege! A short tour through the French side of Belgium :)
The train ride was quick, but long enough for me to read a few pages of my book, Eat, Pray, Love. Around noon, I got off the train at Liege-Guillemans, a massive, gorgeous international train station. I am fairly familiar with this station, as I have passed through it several times in previous travels. But this time was different - I was actually exiting the station!
My first adventure for the day was to find the Primark in Liege. Although there are buses that run from the station to the store, I decided to walk the 1.4 kilometers there myself. The only catch was finding my way! I got off to a good start, following the first few steps of my directions with ease. However, I was about 500 meters away from my destination and I got lost! And I spent about an hour trying to get back on track. Along the way, I stopped at the Quick (fast-food burger restaurant) to use the bathroom. I got to use the toilet for free (major accomplishment!) and was back on my way to navigate the route to Primark.
After another half hour of wandering (now in the heat, as the day was warming up), I was about to give up and head in the direction of the city center - a place I could surely find. I began walking city-bound, when I saw a woman crossing the street opposite me with an H&M bag. With a renewed sense of hope, I walked the direction she was coming in hopes of the Primark. What do you know. Around the corner was the huge Mediacite shopping center which houses the Primark!
I stood in awe of the sign for a few moments before finding a nice place to sit in the shade for a few minutes and enjoy my pizza baguette, compliments of the Albert Hiejn bakkerij. I enjoyed a few moments of repreive while eating my lunch and then headed indoors to realize the quest of my miniature pilgrimage. Now I have been to a few Primarks before, but I was still astonished by this one. Even though its a huge clothing store, Primark is nothing but packed - with people and clothes! Articles of clothing were strewn everywhere. I barged my way through the people and clothing displays, picking up a few things to try on. After gathering an armful of clothing, I headed to the dressing rooms. The line was so long! Most of the time I would refuse to wait in such a line, but this was all part of my Primark hajj. I joined the Belgians and Dutch customers in the long line, set down my clothes, and took out my book. Yes, I read while I waited in line.After trying the things on and choosing which I would purchase, I made my way to the cashiers, which thankfully were much speedier. I was soon walking out of Primark with a bag containing a new skirt, pajama shorts and accessories. Shopping success! I meandered through the rest of the Mediacite to find the exit, not stopping in other stores, since I was already exhausted from this shopping venture (and had spent more than my budget!).
Exiting the Mediacite, I crossed the river and walked into the city centre. I first passed through another smaller indoor shopping center. I saw several Dutch stores along the way - HEMA, Action, Blokker, Zeeman - what are they doing in the French part of Belgium? Oh well, I stopped in HEMA to have a look, and continued back into the city.
With no set agenda for the afternoon (besides wanting to read a couple of articles for class), I decided to have a "Belgian afternoon". My mission: everything Belgian - beer, fries and waffles (stop the 'fat' calls now...I was experiencing the culture!). First mission - beer, of course! With a plethora of cafes to choose from, how does one make an informed decision as to where to stop for a drink? A couple of tips - somewhere busy...booming business usually means good deals and quality. Also, location is important. Sometimes places off the beaten path are better than the tourist traps in the center of the centre.
With this in mind, I found a happening cafe in a small square on the edge of the city centre. Okay, the real reason I chose this cafe was the chairs - not gonna lie! I ordered a Duvel, one of my favorite Belgian beers, at Lange Vin cafe and enjoyed every sip of it while reading an article for my Work Psychology course on the outdoor terrace. This, I must say, is relaxation.
After finishing the article, and the beer, I paid for my drink and started back for the second round of my mission - a Belgian waffle! As I continued through the industrial streets of Liege, I began relying on my nose for help in completing my missions. Following the scent of sweet cinnamon deliciousness, I quickly came to a small French bakery. Although everything in the display case looked equally delicious, I stuck to my original intent and ordered a waffle. All I can say is God is good!
Munching on the yummy waffle, I decided that I had reached the periphery of the city, and began to head back the way I had come. I stopped to pick up a postcard (of course!) and used the bathroom again at the Quick in the city (this time it cost 30 euro cent, but okay, that's still good). I passed some more shops, tourist information points, and continued my search for the final round of my mission - fries! I was having difficulty locating a Fritere (the word for a fries shop), but shortly came across a small place advertising, "The best frites." I couldn't resist.
With my limited French, I ordered a petit frites (which is more than enough for one person - especially after a beer and a waffle!). Fries never come unaccompanied in Belgium. With a variety of choices of sauces before me, I chose curry ketchup to smother my Belgian frites. With a merci, I was on my way back to the train station. Not entirely sure of where I was at this point, I began walking in the direction I thought I needed to go. I stopped again in a park - the Palas Park - formerly belonging to the nearby palace, and read another article for class and ate my fries.
After resting a bit, I determined I could make the next train if I left immediately. Still uncertain as to where the train station was in relation to me, I checked the city map I found on the next street corner. I was closer than I thought! I used the map to get my bearings and headed to the station. A few minutes later, I was sitting on the train, sipping a Douwe Egberts iced coffee while I waited for the train to depart. I again opened my book and was shortly on my way back to Maastricht.My trip to Liege was fun and exciting (after all, I got new clothes at Primark!). The city is not my personal favorite, but I think that it made a nice day trip, considering my proximity. I don't think I will return while I am in Maastricht, but I am hoping to visit more of Belgium while here!
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