Rhine, Sunshine and Tapas

After breakfast, even though I was already buzzing from caffeine, I couldn’t just walk past Bensons Coffee—they were practically down the street, and skipping them would’ve felt like a crime. Bensons, or as they call themselves, “Badass Coffee,” takes a no-nonsense approach to coffee. No sugary frappés, no over-the-top drinks—just pure, expertly crafted coffee. And they know their stuff. After the visit, I walked away very impressed.

Fully caffeinated (maybe even a little over-caffeinated), I made my way to Cologne’s river promenade. Since I moved away, the city has put a lot of effort into making it more inviting, and it shows. The space is perfect for a stroll or just sitting in the sun, taking in the incredible view of the river and, of course, the iconic Kölner Dom in the distance. And with today’s blue sky, warm sun, and light breeze, it was Cologne at its absolute best.

From there, I wandered into the downtown core, which was absolutely packed. Note to self: Hohe Straße on a Saturday? Never again! I made a quick shopping stop for some essentials before heading to the next big event: dinner.

At El Alli Oli, a cozy tapas bar that has become a bit of a tradition for me, I met up with Sandra, Carola, Chris, Tobi, Alex, and Timo. We settled in for a long evening of catching up over delicious food and wine. I’ve been coming to this spot for over 18 years now, and every time, I walk out happy and full.

Then, about an hour into our meal—another surprise! Michael and Felix had made reservations completely unbeknownst to me. More familiar faces, more unexpected reunions, and even more catching up.

Hours later, we finally wrapped up the night, saying our goodbyes, stomachs full, and hearts even fuller.Read more