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Have not been able to update the blog as we have been having too good a time! Just for the non techno geeks to view the photos you need to click on the album then click on the photos.
Well we arrived safely in Koln (we catch trains that terminate at our destination so we get off at the right stop) and were met by our tour guide the amazing "Mr Buddy". We have all fallen in love with him. He comes everywhere with us. He is allowed in restaurants, bars etc and even comes into the clothes shops. So much more civilised than at home.
On arrival at Koln we were also met by Beate, Wolfie, Katrin and Andreas. It was Wolfie's birthday so we serenaded him with a loud and off key rendition of "happy birthday" much to his embarrassment and the amusement of those standing nearby.
We went off on a little tour . We sat by the Rhine and had a beer. We went to a tavern type restaurant for lunch where we ordered half a chicken - well that was the English translation. It turned out to be a cheese and salad roll! After walking around some more we drove to Haan where Katrin and Andreas live. On the way we stopped in a little village and had the most wonderful waffles and ice cream and or berries and cream. Wolfie is a mini minor enthusiast so we gave him a couple of cars we had bought from a toy shop in Paris.
We spent the night catching up and eating the nice rice salad Katrin had made. We gave him his real birthday present which was a real chef's apron. Their home is a converted school house and they have a flat on the top floor.
Next day we took off for a surprise adventure . It was a hanging train ride. It was a bit like a monorail but the train hung off the rails instead of running on tracks. Pictures will explain. The journey took about half an hour. Apparently there have only been about three accidents in its history. One involved a baby elephant which managed to open the door and jump out. The train follows a river so it landed in the water and was ok. No-one seemed to know why an elephant was on the train. Mr Buddy and the boys did not come on the train but met us at the end. We spent the rest of the day sight seeing. At night we were joined by Andrea's mum for Wolfie's belated birthday dinner.
It was an amazing restaurant. The owner had the most amazing collection of "stuff". You could go there 100 times and still see something new. Even had some bike handlebars with a bell depicting the Australian flag. Our time was cut short by a tremendous storm. We got home safely but trees were uprooted all over the place and about six people died. Trains into Dusseldorf were cancelled and there were warnings not to go walking in the forrest.
Andreas had to back to work yesterday. He had to get up very early to catch a plane to Mexico. His flight was delayed because of the storm but eventually he got away ok.
The storm also created some laughs. Wolfie got up to close the bathroom window and at the same time Pam walked in. The funny part was he was in the nude without his glasses - in the dark he just saw Pam retreating so she was a bit of a blur and he thought it was Wendy.
Yesterday we went to Hilden where Trish contributed to the economy and bought some amazing clothes. We had late lunch at a pretty lake before coming back home via a pet store.
That's all for now. We could keep going but it is time to get ready to go off on our next shopping/exploring mission.
The Angels
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John Kat Angels. Your having way too much fun. Love your tour guide and all the photos. Keep sending updates.
Josh, Mel and Maddie Sounds like you're having a great time. Very jealous! Sending our love