Düsseldorf-Köln, 11 June

Leaving Düsseldorf In the rain after two exciting, hot days, not to mention the storm. Realised that we did not find out much about culture, history or stories, except that they drink  Alt Bier in 0,3 glasses. Did however find out that Heinrich Heine, the poet, was born in Düsseldorf.  Found Information outside the Police Station of how Düsseldorf  was saved from total destruction at the end of WW II. Apparently the local head of the nazi wanted to destroy the whole city before the Americans arrived. A group of officers wanted to make a deal with the Americans not to bomb/ attack the city and instead surrender the city. The group of officers managed this and Düsseldorf was saved from more destruction.

We have also learned that if you have finished your beer and do not want anymore, cover your glass with a coaster, otherwise they just plonk down another beer and it does not help to protest that you did not order more!! 

En route from Düsseldorf to Köln.

The poles are for the floating jetties which can rise to that level in case of flooding. Cannot picture the river at such a high level, but apparently it happens every few years.

Entering the beautiful city of Köln Where we were met by our friend Hermann, from Malmö, but originally from Köln. It is fantastic to be guided round by a local.

Hermann and Leslie walking down one of the original Roman roads in Köln. Köln was founded in 19 BC.

The Köln Cathedral. Enormous and magnificent. Spot Herman and Carl. 

Carl and Hermann outside St Kolumba church, where the famous " Madonna in den Trümmern" can be seen. 

The church of St Kolomba used to be the most important church in the diocese. The church was completely devasted after the Allied bombing in WWII with the exception of an old, 15 th century, Gothic image of the virgin placed on a pillar which survived intact. The icon, in Englich, the Madonna of the Ruins, was considered by many a symbol of hope during the years of post war reconstruction.

On 1973 Roman, Gothic and Medieval ruins were discoverd under the church and in 1997 the Kolumba Art society commissioned a contest to revalorate the church. The architect Peter Zumbthot won the competition with a building that completely surrounds the ruins of the church and merges with it.  The building is fantastic and a recommended visit for anyone visiting Köln.

Herman took us straight to a Brauhaus for a Kölsch or two. Now in 0,2 l glasses. So two is not enough. Three at least!

Kölscher Kaviar. Blutwurst, onions, butter and bread. Must be eaten with Kölsch. 

Raap.