May 3
~ Cologne
[As Facebooked: Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Cologne (as in “Eau de . . . “). [We] visited the cathedral (after John got his quiet box exchanged), whose dark exterior color is the result of two things: burning coal and burning coal. The exterior cannot be cleaned as a result of one thing: it is built of sandstone. See the little green ladder at the top of the left tower – NOT ON YOUR LIFE!]
[Yes, this is where the product name originated. I have never had need for such product because I naturally smell like cookies.]
[. . . John getting his quiet box fixed.]
[The Dom Hotel is adjacent to the Cathedral. You will see more shots of it . . . it’s an inside joke with DOM 1.]
[A view from the “next” side.]
[Worldwide, scaffolding has become the new architectural chic.]
[As you can see, it’s the Romano-Germanic Museum. The Romans had a settlement here upon which today’s Cologne is built. I’ve heard you can say that about a lot of places? It’s adjacent to the Cathedral and we’ll return here in a bit.]
[Oh, here’s the little green ladder . . . leading all the way to the top!]
[We’ve moved along now – this is on the side of City Hall . . . ]
[JFK visited here June 1963.]
[City Hall, as is everything in Europe, is under repair/renovation.]
[This the entire city, under glass, in City Hall.]
[At some previous time and place, I mentioned our new friend Eric from Australia, who had never seen snow in his life until this trip. That’s him, second from the right in the dark glasses.]
[This was some special stained glass in City Hall. It was unique for some reason, but now I can’t find anything about it?]
[City Hall Tower]
[You will note the bottom of the middle figure. “Mooning” is feature of many (several?) such structures in Germany – it’s the sculptor or architect making a political statement.]
[Museum Ludwig . . . I know because that’s what it says on the building.]
[We’re on a walk through town back toward the Cathedral, looking back at the City Hall Tower from whence we have just departed.]
[Aaaah, the now well-known Dom Hotel – we’re on familiar ground here.]
[So, now a quick peak into the Romano-Germanic Museum, with the Super, a/k/a, “Parnelli” Ruthie, checking out her favorite modes of transportation.]
[The museum was designed around the famous Dionysus mosaic, which dates back almost 2,000 years.]
[And if you aren’t quite sure, yup, we’re in the Cathedral now. It represents the epitome of “high ceilings.”]
[And, of course, any self-respecting Cathedral has to have stained glass . . . lots of stained glass.]
[And gold – don’t forget the gold!]
[Just another magnificent structure . . . ]
[With better than average floors.]
[Helen and John share a moment with the Tomb of Engelbert von der Mark. I have no other words for this.]
[Oh, there’s Aussie Eric again in the center of the photo.]
[The Shrine of the Three Kings]
[The previously noted and abundant stained glass.]
[The Shrine of the Magi]
[Did I mention the floors?]
[The Altarpiece Triptych of the Three Kings by Stefan Lochner]
[As Facebooked: Cologne is also famous for its chocolate museum. Now why would I want to go there? After the long walk back to the boat, it was time to just put your feet up and and enjoy the view of the cathedral.]
[So while the Cathedral is Cologne’s main entree, the Chocolate Museum is its dessert.]
[First, a little chocolate latte in the dining room with a view . . . ]
[Taken in honor of “Karin” Berg, a SAWA and winery music soul mate.]
[Then, to the goodies!]
[The neighborhood out front.]
[And the museum exterior . . . ]
[The view back toward city center.]
[Waiting out front for the train . . . ]
[Still, shots of the neighborhood.]
[And here comes our ride!]
[All aboard!]
[On the train, traveling to downtown.]
[And we’re back at the Cathedral.]
[On the 3rd visit to the Cathedral on the same day, I feel qualified to “present it”to you.]
[Now we’re walking back to the boat. As I recall, it was farther than we thought. This is the main railway station.]
[A last look back at the Cathedral.]
[At the river now, our boat’s the last one down there.]
[Relaxing back on board, feet up, “Good-bye, Cathedral!”]
[Rollin’ on the river – Good-bye, Cologne!]
[Oompah time back on board the boat. You betcha it’s local!]
[Helen checks social media . . . ]
[The Super checks fine dining! Always first in the room – nobody better take our table!]
[Now here’s a centerpiece that should be mandatory on every table!!]
[The guy with the hat – maybe not so much.]
[Oy, there’s a mustache that could use a trim.]
[Weakie, this should settle any food display issues??]
[Oompah, oompah!]
[OK, that should take care of any further discussions about an oompah shortage!]
[Meanwhile, back at the bread bowl.]
[The wine rack, I assume covers just a single meal.]
[This was the first cruise I recall that the passengers were invited for a tour of the kitchen. It’s quite an operation, in what I would define as a small space, to simultaneously feed over 200 people three times a day! Here Tom checks the guy in the hat.]
[The Super and the head chef. I already forgot what the hat day was all about?]
[As were we told, it was all in the kitchen design, into which obviously a lot thought was given.]
[And the dining room.]
[A now we’re going to leave Germany . . . ]
[Heading for the Netherlands. This photo is now this computer’s wallpaper.]
If you look like your passport photo, you’re too ill to travel. ~ Will Kommen
Up Next: Europe.
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