Köln, Germany - Day 1-2

I like Köln much better than Frankfurt. It seems much more quaint and like the "Europe" or "Germany" most people, including myself expect. Besides, There are more pastry shops to sit and have coffee at. There are also ALOT of Tourist here. I don't feel so out of place with my camera in my hand.

I am still suffering from jet lag. I seem to need a nap about 3:00-4:00 p.m every day. Then I get up and eat and then it seems that I need to go back to bed. It's fun though because I don't necessarily have to worry about being anywhere.

I walked down by the river yesterday (Tuesday) and had coffee at a little cafe` that I had visited the first time I was here.... a very long time ago. At least it was the same building. After some cafiene and a pastry I made the trek to the top of the Cathedral up in the Bell tower. Supposedly 509 steps to the top. The inital climb takes you to a large room where I rested ! Then there is a narrow single wide spiral staircase up into the main "Belfry". It has a small walk way all the way around so that you can obtain a 360° view. Amazing.

After climging the cathedral tower I needed to refuel again with some coffee and a pastry. It was delicious and well deserved.

It's interesting. the Cafe where I'm uploading my pictures and getting on the internet, I think, is run by some Russians. At least the girls behind the desk are because I heard them speaking Russian. So I tried to speak to them. They giggled at me. I expected this. But they are now giving me a little special treatment after we spoke for a bit. They have been discounting my internet access and are always very nice.

Anyway, I have obtained information on how to take the train to the airport tomorrow for my flight to Stockholm, Sweden. This will be an interesting experience. GermanWings airlines. A discount airline like Southwest. The Cologne/Bonn airport seems to be fairly busy because I see airplanes on approach over the city quite often. When we were on approach into Frankfurt, monday morning we flew right over the Cologne/Bonn airport so I was able to get an idea of how far the cologne airport is from the city. According to the person at the information booth at the train station it will only be about a 15 mintute train ride. Not too bad. I will make sure I give myself plenty of time.