As my stay here in Germany comes to an end, I find myself reflecting on my time here. Over the past six months I have met so many kind people and explored countless beautiful places. In addition to seeing many places in Germany, I've also had the opportunity to travel to Denmark, Sweden, France and Switzerland.
At the end of last month, unsure if I would be coming back to Germany after a trip back to Alaska; I planned several trips in an effort to see as much as possible before I left. I had weekends off so in order to make the most of the time, I planned three trips and during two of those visited two cities. Cologne and Koblenz in western Germany, Basel, Switzerland and Colmar, France with a day trip to Heidelberg, Germany in-between.
I'll write about all of those later, but this post is about my day trip to Cologne.
My bus left Karlsruhe just before midnight, arriving at the Cologne airport around 4:40 am, Not wanting to wander around the city in the dark, I waited until around 7 to take the train into the city. I wanted to photograph the famous Hohenzollern bridge before tons of people were walking around. And even though the train was about ten minutes late, everything went according to plan.
The architecture of the bridge was stunning, and I took far too many photos of it, despite reminding myself multiple times to conserve my phone battery.
But as you can see, it was worth it.
Cologne Cathedral
When I was finally able to drag myself away, I made my way across the Rhine to the Cologne Cathedral where I was in awe of the size and intricate details of this magnificent building.
As Germany's most visited landmark, it attracts more than six million visitors per year. Originally begun in 1248, construction ceased in the middle of the 16th century and was finally resumed and completed between 1842-1880. It's twin-spires reach to 515 feet making the gothic cathedral the tallest of its kind; and the third tallest cathedral in the world. Although bombed during the second world war, it miraculously remained standing and serves as a monumental symbol of the divine on earth.
Adorned with numerous statues, pictured here are on the left of the main entrance. Carvings of Adam, Noah, Moses, David, Elijah, Joachim (Mary's father), and St, John the Baptist depict some of the great biblical leaders who came before Jesus.
And although the cathedral is famous for containing the shrine of The Three Kings, I didn't take any photographs.
Touristy Things
After visiting the cathedral, I walked along the Rheinauhafen promenade past the chocolate factory and to the famous Crane House Buildings which are featured in many films and television shows. I photographed a bit there and continued on my way.
But this is when things started to get a bit complicated.
I get hopelessly lost at times and it kind of happened that weekend.
So, most people who know me also know that I'm directionally challenged.
Like...really.
I find it nearly impossible to follow maps or even just retrace my steps at times. My first time in NYC I walked for hours trying to find the Chrysler Building after spotting it from Midtown, but somehow ended up on the opposite side in Greenwich Village. Coupled with my penchant for being distracted by pretty lights and buildings I ended up walking the streets until 7 am,
I'm not even spared back home where I once had to study the route on google maps just to drive a few miles to an auto shop, I'd visited multiple times before!
The technical term for it is Topographical Agnosia, but I'll stick with 'directionally challenged' as it sounds less life threatening.
Back in Cologne, I found myself standing on a main street with no idea which direction I was supposed to be going. I tried my hardest to follow the route I had planned on Google Maps, but after several failed attempts; I gave up on finding the Jewish Synagogue and went directly to the Wallraf-Richartz Museum. I actually found that quite easily thanks to the landmark signs.
There were several extensive collections here. The Middle Ages, Baroque and the 19th century featuring works by Rembrandt, Van Gogh, Monet and other well-known artists.
I spent the majority of my time in the Middle Ages Gallery admiring the church pieces.
It was here I saw a seemingly unrestored panel artwork portraying the crucifixion.
Thankfully there was no one else around to hear my dramatic gasp upon seeing a very large portion of Jesus' body missing. But despite the unfortunate damage of time on the centuries old piece, it was beautiful, and the artist's devotion was clear upon viewing.
In recent years I've found myself increasingly drawn to sculptures and accordingly, one of my favourite artworks was this bust of Jean-Jacques Rousseau the Genevan Philosopher by French sculptor Jean-Antoine Houdon.
I spent the remaining hours in Cologne walking around and sitting at a Boba cafe charging my phone. My beloved Samsung S10 which I use for EVERYTHING had recently begun to take six hours to charge along with the battery draining very quickly. It's now taking nearly nine hours for a full charge which is not optimal for photography purposes as I have to limit what I photograph. I realised earlier that I've been using the phone for nearly four years, and it's traveled thousands of miles with me. Greece, numerous trips to the states and now the past six months in Europe being dropped quite frequently as well.
If I were a sponsored blogger this is where I would go on to talk about how amazing my phone case is and how I'll never use any other brand.
But I'm not, so I'll spare you.
Once my phone was charged a bit more, I ventured back out to find the last stop on my all but abandoned itinerary. The Baroque Cathedral, St. Mary's Assumption. I spent quite a bit of time here as I was the only visitor. And although the access was blocked inside by another wrought iron gate, it was still a pleasant experience to view the beautiful church.
As that pretty much concluded my time in Cologne, I headed into the main station (Hauptbahnhof) to board the train for my next adventure in Koblenz.
I know you're busy, and I really appreciate you taking the time out of your day to share this adventure with me.
Delightfully yours,
Elsie
View the Cologne photos with the button below.
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