The one about the day we nearly went to Paris

January 1st is a peculiar day. Waking up with a slight (or not so slight) hangover, making your way downstairs to find what's left of last night's pre 12 o'clock eating and drinking feast and eat whatever is left over from the pile of oliebollen. And then back to bed.
This year I heard Marjon cleaning up the kitchen and decided to join her. A bit later, Rogier had found his way out of bed as well and it was time to put the croissants in the oven. Yumm.

Rogier: How about having real croissants in Paris tomorrow?
Mariekschen: You're going to Paris tomorrow?
Rogier: Yes, it's only two hours by train.
Mariekschen: Only two hours? Why didn't we go to Paris more often then?
Rogier: The ticket costs 82 euros.
Mariekschen: Ah, that must be the reason then.
Marjon: I don't really want to go for two days though. Can't we just come back the same day?
Mariekschen: If it's just going to be for the day, then I'll come with you.
Rogier: We should look into hiring a car then. That will probably be cheaper.

Prices were checked, times and distances measured, Rogier was going to wear his new übercool T-shirt and we were all looking forward to having real croissants on the steps of Sacre Coeur in Paris the next day.

And then the car rental place was closed on a Sunday.....

Rogier: What losers are we anyway? We don't know anybody in Maastricht with a car.
Marjon: Or anyone who would say: sure you can have my car and drive to Paris.
Mariekschen: we are such a sad act.
Rogier: Hmm. Let's just decide now that we'll go some other day.

January 1st is a really good day to make plans like these. It gives your otherwise lost day a goal and makes you feel good about your start of the new year at the same time. And besides, who doesn't like the romance of the idea to just decide to go to Paris (and nearly actually do so.)
So although this once again proves that the Maastricht economy is definitely not a 24 hour one and car rental places have their own logic, we'll always have Paris.