Day in Cologne

Yesterday I decided to take a day trip to Germany. At first I thought I would go to Bonn. We had a basketball game there last year and stayed overnight outside the town and I wanted to explore it a little. But after looking at it I decided that Cologne was just a little closer and possibly a bit more historic so that's where I set off to. I mappy'ed the directions and left around 8:30 AM-knowing it would take 2 hours to get there. I followed the general directions and then signs to "Koln zentrum" and just parked in the first lot I came to. I HATE driving and parking in the city- any city. I didn't have a map or any idea where the public transport was so I just followed some people- hoping the would be heading toward the center too. Sure enough they led me to a metro stop. So I took the metro to the regional train hub- figuring that there would be a tourist info somewhere nearby. See how smart I am becoming in my old age:) Sure enough- as soon as I came out of the metro- there was the wonderful "i" for information! I bought a 20 cent map. Before I went anywhere I checked out the goregous cathedral that was in the main square. Here's a picture of the outside. Just a little history- it is a gothic style cathedral that was built from 1248-1880, yes that means ittook over 600 years to complete. And it was the world's tallest structure until the Washington monument was built- pretty amazing!

Then I wandered off to see what I could find in this city that was founded in the year 38 BC. And wouldn't you know that I found that oldest of all shop- STARBUCK'S- so of course I had to get my frapp since we can't in Belgium.

Then I walked over to the Rhine. When I traveled to Europe back in 99 me and my friends Pam took a boat tour down the Rhine to see some of the amazing castles along there. This time I just took it in from land.

Then I began to walk to some things labeled on my 2o cent map. It said there were some medievil parts of a wall. The map, however, was slightly decieving and I had to walk quite a ways to get there. But it was worth here. He is one of the old city gates. Pretty cool- just sitting there in the middle of a shopping area.

Here is me and the guy i affectionately call "statue man." He was guarding one of the ruins-I think he was kind of a slacker though cuz he looks like he's sleeping!

Here's another gate in another part of the city.

Oh and wouldn't you know- that they make cologne in Cologne. I am sorry but NO I did not buy any- I will have to save that for another trip.

For dinner I went to the Hard Rock- I know -I am a sucker for corporate America but free refills on soda and a real hamburger- REALLY!! It was great- I had brought one of the books I have to read for my class this month so I just relaxed, drank my refills of soda, read, and enjoyed the music!

Towards the end of the day I was a bit hot and my feet were tired so I sat in a park and there was this crazy guy singing. Thought you might enjoy him:)

After all of the exploring I headed back to the Starbucks to use the restroom. I thought I would just head home but then I saw these comfy chairs upstairs and this lovely Jazz music was playing and there were window views of the square. . . so I sat for about 45 minutes and again pulled out my book to read and began to wonder why Brussels has no chill coffee shops where one can just go and listen to jazz and read. Maybe that will be YL's next adventure here- a coffee shop!:) and I don't even drink coffee!!!