Day 2 Cologne May 25/11

After a lovely breakfast we met in the lounge with Rik from the Netherlands, our cruise director  and life line in all matters.  He gave us an overview of the cruise at this time and we learned that we shouldn't worry: "it will all be taken care of."  And he was right.  We were a bit overwhelmed with all the information but each day we got a port talk by Rik about the next day's possibilities and also a printed itinerary in our rooms in the evening.  And you could watch Rik's talk on TV in your room if you didn't make it to the lounge.  A daily tour excursion was included and a few optionals were available so there was lots of information to digest, especially at first.  

As we sailed along the Rhine it hit us that we were really in Europe!  Amsterdam was nice but a bit of a blur so on this new day feeling refreshed and excited we savoured every moment.  Castles were sited as well as nude sunbathers along the shores!  The Rhine was low and the heat was attracting the tan crazy Germans.  No, I won't include a photo!  

The Rhine is an important artery for transportation in Germany and we saw many cargo barges delivering and picking up their loads at plants along the river.  This huge Ford Plant is near Dusseldorf.  

Some sun and sights helped acclimatize us and get rid of the cobwebs!  See the industrial towers in the background.

This is only the beginning of over 400 magnificent bridges in immaculate condition that John and Grant soon began rating on a scale of 1 to 10.  Most were 10s!!

We arrived at the city of Cologne mid afternoon and went on our first walking excursion with Francesco, a guide with incredible knowledge and command of our language.  This was only the beginning of a series of guides who impressed us beyond belief not only with their wealth of information but with their sense of humour, passion and skill at walking and talking at the same time on cobblestone.  We used "gadgets" while on these tours...a head set so that we could hear the guide without having to be right near him.  Wonderful way to do things.  He doesn't have to shout and we can look around more freely.

This picture above might look like a ruin to you and it is.  Under most of Medieval Europe is ancient rome.  Some excavations are a work in progress and some are on display in town squares, buildings, churches and museums.  Fascinating!  It only adds to the sense of never ending history that you feel in Europe.  We are so young! 

  


As we approached Cologne on the Rhine the twin towers of this Cathedral  dominated the view.  It looked humungous from a distance and up close was awe inspiring.  I couldn't get far enough away to show the tops of the 515 foot towers in this picture!  It is the largest Gothic Cathedral in Europe, just the beginning of many "jewels" that we would see. It is a Unesco World Heritage sight and it is believed that the Three Kings of the Magi are laid to rest there.  Stepping inside took my breath away.

 Gargoyles. The ever present protectors are intricate in design and sinister looking.  

You can't help but look up.  It draws your eyes.  Gothic is a bit dark and reflects the seriousness that the church meant to portray.

Now let there be light even it does have a reddish hue from the sea of red umbrellas.  This huge "biergarten" was a fun spot to people watch and enjoy the famous "Kolsch" tap beer which is light and served in small glasses.

Now back to the ship for the Captain's welcome in the lounge before dinner.  Good thing they fortified us with champagne.  We were shocked to hear the ship had sprung a leak and had to be dry docked!  Stay tuned.