Cologne
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We passed our first lock today on the way to Cologne. It's the first of many - 68 to be precise and that seems
amazing! Looking forward to it as we sail the rivers. We passed Dusseldorf and arrived in Cologne to disembark about 8.30am for a city tour. This is a walking tour, the first of many on this trip
and we are keen to do it this way as we see so much. Kai arranged local guides with wireless communication for us to use. These are great as you don't have to be right near the guide and can hear from anywhere.
Nothing gets missed this way - we hear it all! Cologne is Germany's fourth biggest city. We walked the town, starting with the old coloured hotels near the dock and ended at the magnificent Cologne Cathedral.
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Where we docked was very central to the city and in eyesight to the Cathedral. No chance of getting lost here -
even in our free time. The apple struedel was so inviting I had to try it and Gary couldn't resist a ham and cheese one. A nice break as
it was cold still and it warmed us up a bit. We came across some diggings here, buildings of historical interest were found
and so people were busy digging for history.
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Walking past the place where marriages are held was quite interesting - even though none were happening at the time. An ancient sewer was present in the street and is of historical importance as it was very
ancient. Remnants of an old building were incorporated into a museum so that the bit of history was not lost. Our point of interest was the 4711 building and this is where Eau de Cologne originated. The Glockenspiel
on the top of the building was very animated and a pleasure to listen to. Enjoyed that very much and it did stir a conversation about perfume as well.
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Again, many statues abound here and it all adds to the character of the place. There is even a series of statues
that tell a fairytale so nothing gets left out here. Then in our free time we entered the Cathedral and admired the tallness and
stonework of the building. Of course the stained windows are spectacular and gargoyles are outstanding. Buskers were everywhere
and some were standing like statues in front of the Cathedral as well as the pavement artists doing a fantastic job of art.
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All too soon it was time to leave this wonderful city and sail down the Rhine looking at the beautiful scenery as we pass by.
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