Köln, Germany

Walking tour of Köln this morning, then on our own the rest of the day.

these houses are in the "Fischmarkt" (Fish Market) part of town.

The date on the grey house (1685) is when it was built!

The town hall, built around 1330

The Kölner Dom (Cologne Cathedral) ~ the foundation stone was laid in 1248, with building continuing until 1520 when it was finished. The remainder of the building was unfinished until 1842-1880 when it was finished following the original Gothic designs.

A fountain in town that was inspired by the Grimm Fairy Tales story of the Shoemaker and the Elves

  Two more Christmas markets, one at the Kölner Dom.

I had lunch here after the tour.  A local brewery where the beer is made fresh ever day and served in tall thin glasses from a tap right at your table.

 I went to two museums ~ the Römisch-Germanisches Museum, a fascinating look into early Rome culture in Köln. 

Then to the Museum Ludwig ~ a contemporary art museum.  Saw several original Andy Warhols, Roy Lichtenstein comics, and some VERY explicit sketches by Picasso that looked like his version of Kama Sutra!

Christmas Welcome Dinner Menu

Starter: Winter salad on blueberries, garlic chip and Parma ham topped with lemon cinnamon dip.

Soup: Cream of wild tomatoes and oregano

Hot Appetizer: Composition of steamed salmon with fennel mousse.

Main Course: Pork "Wellington" ~ port tenderloin with mushroom duxel wrapped in puff pastry and creamy peppersauce, potato cake and buttered vegetables.

Dessert: Assorted Swiss cheeses with crackers.

After dinner entertainment ~ The Kölner Shanty Choir

The accordians were amazing, especially the young girl who played sort of a dueling accordions duet with one of the other players.  They both have won awards for their playing and I can see why.  I never saw anyone play accordian before and it was just incredible. Both hands have to operate as one!

Shared my dinner table with a couple from Canada, John & Rose.  He is originally from Cork, Ireland.  Also Bill, who lives on a sailboat in Mexico just south of San Diego.  Ruth and Marsha, friends who live in Sun City, Arizona ~ near Aunt Nan & Uncle Ron.  Paul from the Austin, Texas area, and Emma from Marietta, Georgia.

At midnight, the River Queen sales to Koblenz.