Monday 30 Jan 12

Another full day, but this time in Cologne.  Standard holiday routine is being applied to have a little sleep in followed by German style breakfast of fresh rolls, cheese, meat and coffee (this is not helping my waistline but I´m not fighting it either) and today travel on the train to Cologne.  There´s a lot to be said about a good rail system and the German system is outstanding, clean and fast. Opposite the central railway station is the DOM or cathedral which is build on top of an earlier Roman temple.  The first church was commenced in 320 AD.  The current cathedral can hold 40,000 people.

Carnival stall at the railway station

 

Cologne Cathedral



Wal attending church



After church, there was the obligatory souvenir shopping and then a very special ceremony. 

Andreas and Brigitte were married on 4 Nov 11  They had been school friends many years before and met again on 4 Nov 06.  To commemorate their union they placed a lock (with many thousands of others) on the bridge crossing the Rhine river and then threw the keys into the river.  These dear friends had put off doing this until I was I Germany with them. The placing of locks has become a recent tradition in the region. After our little ceremony a bottle of champagne was opened on the bridge and consummed whilst light snow flakes drifted down.

All this cold weather and walking builds up a big thirst and hunger so there was no choice but to find an old bar where the local beer was served, and there are at least 12 different types to try,

as well as a nice pork knuckle with saurkraut and of course good company.

Wal sharing his pork knuckle with Andreas

After lunch there was some more shopping for books on the German Pilgrims Way as well as a visit to Globetrotter a massive 4 floor outdoor and camping store.  This place is so good that they have a pool where you can float a canoe or kayak if you want to try it out in the water and also spray booths where you can select weather conditions to check the quality of your equipment before you purchase.  I only bought a poncho and pair of fingerless bike gloves for when I use the walking sticks.

To ensure a perfect day Andreas and Brigitte had arranged a visit to the Bier Esel (Beer Donkey) bar and restaurant where we were able to disgrace ourselves by eating at least between 150 and 200 mussels.  My grief did we feel satisfied afterwards on the train home.

Mussels Galore

It´s been along day but now we´re going home to bed.