You have to fly to change languages in Argentina
Silvina H. Lombardo de Wiesner, President of the International Women Club-South Limburg, about Argentina and Limburg.
My name is Silvina and I was born in Argentina. My mother is Argentinian and my father comes from Sicily. As majority of the population there I come from the big capital, Buenos Aires.
Before I came to Limburg, I was working as a lawyer. When I was 23 years old I finished my law degree and I decided to make a master in European Studies and I chose Maastricht University, at that moment Limburg University for my studies. After finishing my thesis, 6 days later, I married in Heidelberg my German boyfriend and we have been married now for 20 years.
I remember my first Carnival in Limburg, such a difference with our Carnival in South America. There it is in summer and you can get soaked from unexpected water balloon wars. Ladies on their bikes with pearls and beautiful outfits was also something completely new to me. We use the bicycles in Argentina just for a ride on a Sunday.
Everything is so close in Limburg, my country is far too big. I miss the improvisation and the visits that are not announced. Everything is quite formal here! No friend appears at your door.
On the other hand, I love to have my agenda and I can expect people to be more or less punctual. I also like that if they do not understand my bad pronunciation everyone will understand my German or English. You have to fly to change languages in Argentina. Where still some people, mostly the older generations, only speak Spanish. I am impressed in Limburg by the feeling of security that little towns in Limburg still offer.
I love to visit Slenaken, Vaals, and the quiet and peaceful American Cemetery. My favorite place in winter could be the Dominicanen Church converted to a bookshop where you can enjoy a cup of a coffee and a good book.
My tip for a foreigner that has some time: visit not only Maastricht, go to Eijsden, check the impressive castle. Do not forget Berg aan de Maas and take the ferry to the Belgian Dilsen and Stokken. In the near Maasmechelen rent a Vespa and enjoy the ride near the channel.
It is very important to stop at any terrace. Drink a cup of coffee and eat a piece of vlaai, buy some confiture or stroop from a local farmer and of course later drink a beer with some bitterballen.
Of course, I am very happy here and feel very much part of the international but also quite local communities that you can find in Limburg.