Profile
Blog
Photos
Videos
This morning we are all ready to disembark in Cologne however the crew are not ready, the footbridge from the ship to the landing is not quite working out as planned. So our day starts off a little later than planned, but nothing a relaxed holiday can't work with.
We start off with an included shore excursion of the city, a stroll through Cologne is a stroll through time, if only the cobblestone paths could tell a tale or two. With an ancient Roman wall, Medieval and Gothic churches, excavations happening around us because of archaeological recent finds and a square that has a cathedral whose filigree twin spires dominate the skyline. The Kolner Dom, is Germany’s largest cathedral.
The church began construction in 1248 and was not finished until more than 630 years later. At the time of completion in 1880, the church was the world’s tallest building. Inside we saw the many huge stain glassed windows and shrine of the Three Holy Kings.
Cologne is renowned for its wealth of places to eat and drink with more than 100 traditional brewpubs – the Brauhaus. The city’s famous Kolsch beer is served chilled by waiters called Kobes, wearing the traditional costume of the brewery. The glasses are small, but be warned – the smooth, top-fermented beer is surprisingly strong and if you don’t put a mat over your glass to indicate that you have had enough, it will be swiftly replaced.
Yes – the 4711 Cologne was created here, but not before Gionvanni Maria Farina an Italian expatriate and then resident created citrus-scented toiletry dubbed "Eau de Cologne" – Farina in 1709 in honour of his adopted city . Wilhelm Muelhens founded 4711 and manufactured his scents in 1792. Some trivia – what does 4711 stand for: the four is the block number, the seven street number and 11 the house number. You will remember cologne - when you see my photos – not only will you remember the bottle, but the scent will of course come to you.
Leanne and I stopped for a lovely long lunch, outside dining with a full view of the Cathedral frontage. The café itself was magnificent inside with huge crystal chandeliers and delicate pink décor. The toilets themselves were a sceptical to see by themselves, the cubicle doors were clear glass until you locked the door and an elegant fashioned lady screen print covered the clear doors for privacy.
We decide to stay on for a walk along the classic shopping streets – HoheStrasse and Schildergasse viewing really interesting shops. In hand a few things bought, Cherie and John we found Pylonnes!, that was fun, I had to buy another travel carry bag as the strap and zipper broke on my current one – so I found a cool bright coloured bag by Kiplings and the Italian Leather shoes here are so cheap that it gave me reason to get Evan shoes as his gift from my travels. Leanne takes the return coach back to the ship and is good enough to take the shopping too, whereas I decide that it’s my last day in Germany so I venture out and visit the interesting but crowded Roman ruins in the Romisch-Germanisches Museum. And in the last hour left before coach collection I stopped by the very moving NS-Documentation Centre – a former Gestapo prison with detention wing and the graffiti of the prisoners.
When I get back, I stop by the briefing for disembarkation details for Saturday, sadly tomorrow is our last day.
- comments
Evan Thank you very much for my colourful Italian leather shoes. It will make me wore colourful as a person. I will also wear them constantly as a reminder of the magnificence of your trip.