Monday, June 27, 2011 - Cologne, Germany

We are still on the river as we make our way to breakfast.  Apparently -- the medical emergency coupled with the river current has caused the ship to arrive in Cologne later than expected.

We docked very close to town --- our walking tour to the Cologne Cathedral begins at 10:00 am.  Our guide is very good -- the cathedral is magnificient. The construction of this cathedral started in 1248 and was finished in 1848 -- yes that is 600 years.  There was a 300 year period when no construction was done but it still took a very long time.  Interestingly enough the original 1248 plans were used in the 19th century when the completion took place.   It is the 2nd highest cathedral in the world.  Patte is going to find out the which cathedral is the highest -- I'll report in a future posting.  Does anyone reading know what is the highest cathedral in the world?

After our free time in the city -- it's back on board for lunch.  The afternoon holds options:  the Flower Show in Koblenz (which happens only every four years) --- stay on the ship --- explore Cologne.  Patte, Sharon and John opted for the Flower Show --- Beth and Jack went for a walk and Phil, Dave and I were under the direction of Phil's guidance.   He suggested we go to the Chocolate Museum -- who knew there was such a place?   On the way we coerced Beth but not Jack to join us.   It was brutally hot but the walk along the river was very nice.  As we approached the structure of the Chocoloate Museum -- it was huge --- we could hardly wait.  As we got closer things didn't look so good -- on the door were the hours -- Closed on Monday.  It would've have been a nice time. 

Undaunted we continued towards the shopping district and spotted the Mustard Museum -- which was open and free.  These people used the term "museum" loosely -- it was more of a Mustard Shop -- but interesting all the same -- and this is where Dave & Phil and Beth & I parted ways.  Beth and I to check out the shops -- Phil and Dave to look for a wine store.

Back on the ship in late afternoon -- I had a chance to download photos to Patte's computer.  Yes -- the photos are coming soon.  I just have to get them off Patte's computer to the blog.

Dinner was at 8:00 pm -- to allow for the Flower Show people to return.  Again -- the meal was terrific and we had a fun time. 

After dinner we all went up to the sun deck -- by now it is 10:00 pm and still light -- we stayed up there till well after 11:00 pm.    It was so beautiful and pleasant to be cruising on the Rhine as the sun was going down.  It is something that cannot be described but needs to be experienced.

Tomorrow is Castle Day along the Rhine and a stop in Rudesheim, Germany.

Thanks for Reading

Pat
Cruising the Rhine in Germany.