I am a history student in the second oldest city of the Netherlands, Nijmegen (which, nevertheless, is persistent in insisting it’s oldest – whatever). The answer “Where are you from?” will be answered with a slightly puzzled look and a grin, at which I will disclose that, while I was born in Twello, Gelderland, I moved to Schiedam (near Rotterdam, Z-Holland) when I was three and moved to Maastricht when I was 12. Another year was spent in Leuven, and two in the tiny village of Kanne, near the chateau. I presently live in Arnhem and commute on a daily basis to Nijmegen.
My interest lies, in particular with political, military, cultural and social history 1200-1830. The ways in which these interacted and influenced each other is always interesting, and areas where different cultures met, such as the Rhineland, or the Anglo-Welsh border, are of particular interest to me. Of special interest to me is the history of Maastricht, a vibrant city with well-documented history and great importance in the middle ages; in the articles section you will find more than a few pieces relating to its past, and, together with Andrew Dunn, I have altered a computer game (Age of Empires II) to more realistically resemble the Middle Ages. More info on that last point can be found on the Age of Chivalry page.
I also devote some time working on a novel (in Dutch), which is steadily expanding, and I enjoy writing enough to post bits on here in English as frequently as I can. Expressing myself in multiple languages is thoroughly enjoyable and as I can’t choose between Dutch and English it’s a good thing I can write in both. You’ll only find English here, however – all Dutch texts will have a translation alongside them.
Wonderful blog and thanks for making a link to my page “Castles of Maastricht (NL)”
Hi, Kor! I live in Maastricht, too (by the police station). Or did I read wrong, and you only used to live there, or it’s someone else? Matt Livecchi told me you live here…
I’m not really an AoKHeaven regular, but the Age of Chivalry expansion was enough to impress me. I’ve made a scenario or two in days past, and I’m starting to get that MUST OPEN THE EDITOR itch again. I do 3-D modeling (useful for new sprites), program in a few languages, and general game development. Not to mention, you know, I’m into AoK itself. Should you want design help of some kind, or even just to hang out and shoot the shit, drop me an email. Working in person is much easier than working across messenger or email.
Oh, and the Nijmegen/Maastricht thing seems to be a regional ego thing. I like to say that Maastricht is the oldest city in Europe, too – I know better, but I live there, so I might as well plug it.
Jou ken ik! :o We zaten bij elkaar op school, lang, lang geleden… Totdat we beide verhuisden, en ik je nieuwe adres kwijt raakte >.>; Zo te zien hebben we nog steeds dezelfde interesses (geschiedenis! <3), en je bent net als ik een boek aan het schrijven, awesome!
Hoe is het verder? Ik zou vragen wat ik heb gemist, maar ja, tien jaar is een beetje lang…^^;
PS: Je had gelijk; In De Ban Van De Ring is leuk :3
He Kor,
Wat leuk! Heb gelachen om je intro: ” I am a history student in the second oldest city of the Netherlands, Nijmegen (which, nevertheless, is persistent in insisting it’s oldest – whatever)”
Keep up the good work!
Groetjes uit Maastricht