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North Rhine-Westphalia

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    • TravelerTwo Jims' European Adventure
      Day 49

      Fünf Fotos-Köln Day 1

      June 1, 2022 in Germany ⋅ ⛅ 11 °C

      After a farewell breakfast we disembarked from the M.S. Geoffrey Chaucer. We really loved cruising on the Rhine and we saw many wonderful sights. It was nice being taken care of by the staff, and we appreciated the flexibility to do what we wanted on the excursions.

      This cruise reinforced for us what we've previously thought. When it comes to travel, we're generally not fond of being part of the herd. The cruise served as a nice transition point, but we have generally preferred our own scheduling and independence.

      We headed into Cologne by metro, and we decided to store our backpacks and go back to the Köln Cathedral. The Cathedral really does reach high into the sky. In the 1880's it was the tallest building in the world.

      One of the sections that closed before we could enter last evening purportedly holds the relics (remains) of the Three Kings (Wise Men). Admittedly, I'm a bit of a skeptic about such things; however, the artwork and the triple gold sarcophagus were beautiful.

      We did find some of the interplay of sculptures and other artforms to be a bit bizarre. Some appeared a bit whimsical and out of place given the somber setting. For example, there was a figure that we assumed to be a Bishop kicking back in apparent leisure underneath a painting of the crucifixion.

      In one of the side areas we saw panels describing the German churches actively contributing to antisemitism in their words and art. Despite that revelation, those images have not been removed and are seen as part of history. We were reminded of parallel debate of whether the Confederate flag or statues portraying Confederate officers should exist. And the argument here also seems about eliminating heritage without due regard to ceasing to elevate oppressors or images that have perpetuated destructive narratives. When I was talking with Jim C about it he observed "It's not acceptable to hold up as a legacy those who were on the wrong side of moral judgment. In history, we will not forget Robert E. Lee. He should not be celebrated."

      We learned that disturbing antisemitic woodwork carvings still remain in the choir benches in the Cathedral. Here's a further reference:
      https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Judensau_at_the…

      We left the church and took a stroll into the Heurmarkt (Haymarket) for a bite to eat. It was fun to watch a newly married bride and groom having their wedding reception at a nearby outdoor restaurant.

      After lunch, we made our way to the penthouse flat where we are staying. The place has spectacular views, and we learned that the flat owner also owns German restaurants a few miles away.

      We both took a long nap, and then we decided to go out for dinner. We were both feeling a little homesick for food back home so we chose an Indian Restaurant. That choice might seem odd, but it reminded us of going to an Indian restaurant that we frequently visit in Portland.

      We ended the night with a trip to one of the gay neighborhoods in Cologne to go for a drink. We haven't been in this kind of space since our time in Madrid, and it was nice to be able to go out and relax without feeling an obligation to self-censor.

      It's been another good day, and we look forward to exploring Köln over the next few days
      Guten Nacht!      Read more

    • TravelerTwo Jims' European Adventure
      Day 50

      Fünf Fotos- Köln Day 2

      June 2, 2022 in Germany ⋅ ⛅ 18 °C

      After a great night's sleep, we walked to Rico, an outdoor café in the neighborhood for breakfast. It was fun to watch the city coming to life, although this neighborhood is pretty sedate overall.

      We decided to check out Köln's Botanical Gardens as the day was sunny and cool. The grounds were really beautiful, and we enjoyed seeing the different plants, those familiar and unfamiliar.

      Since the launch of our trip, we have sent photos and videos back to our granddaughter, Olive, of one of her favorite storybook characters, Pete the Cat. Jim C found the book at the local library about a year or so ago. In the first book that we read to her, Pete is wearing his brand new white shoes and through a series of mishaps, he stains them as he steps in the different obstacles (🫐, 🍓, mud and water). Regardless, Pete remains undaunted and sings a ditty that embraces his altered footwear. The story ends with a great moral: "No matter what you step in, just keep walking and singing your song."

      We created a bit of an amused stir of those observing us place Pete strategically on a statue in the garden. It was fun to attempt to explain what we were doing to a German audience.

      I have a purpose to my lengthy birdwalk (catwalk?): Olive is 3 years old today. It is bittersweet being thousand of miles away, but we have been making weekly Zoom calls to stay connected in addition to our "Pete" texts. We love watching Olive grow. We cherish the opportunity to be Opa & Papi. Olive has lived most of her young life amidst the pandemic, and yet she is one of the most joyous souls. And as we celebrate Olive, we also celebrate our bonus grandson James who Olive adores.

      So today, rather than just getting lost in our latest attraction, we took time to celebrate our family and the life waiting back home for us in Portland.

      Our life is muy Rica es the café reminded us today. Guten Tag!      Read more

    • TravelerTwo Jims' European Adventure
      Day 51

      Fünf Fotos-Köln Day 3

      June 3, 2022 in Germany ⋅ ☁️ 22 °C

      We had another unscheduled day which we are really loving. We decided to take a walk in the neighborhoods after breakfast at a nearby café.

      I suggested that we visit a museum that I had read about:NS-Dokumentationszentrum der Stadt Köln (The Nazi Socialism Documentation Center).

      Before we reached the museum, we saw a strange site, a Golden Winged Ford Fiesta on top of a city museum. We learned that it was a quirky art installation. After passing the winged vehicle, we arrived at the EL-DE Hause.

      The EL-DE house at Appellhofplatz 23-25 ​​was the headquarters of the Cologne Gestapo from 1935 to 1945. The house is named after Leopold Dahmen (LD) the original owner.

      His name became synonymous with the Nazi reign of terror in Cologne, and later dealing with the Nazi history of the city after 1945.

      The experience was quite heart wrenching to see the prison cells and interrogation rooms and to know that many brought here had no idea why they were being held and interrogated. Many of the original Jewish captives' writings on the walls of the cells remain intact.

      Hearing stories are always powerful, and this was certainly no exception. We followed the story of a young French woman who gave birth to her child while in prison, and the child was given to nuns to raise. It wasn't until many years later that the mother and daughter were reunited..

      There were stories of those who survived and who visited these cells decades later. I just can't imagine going back to a place where so much trauma occurred.

      The prison tour ends in the courtyard where hundreds of Jews and other suspected political dissidents were executed. An art installation was added to enhance the impact of the courtyard, it is filed with mirrors. Everywhere you look, you see yourself. It was a powerful and startling portrayal.

      The museum also housed a series of photographs taken by a youth who captured much of life in Cologne prior to the war and the emergence of life under Nazi Socialism. The boy was involved in the Hitler Youth movement. It was a broad portrayal of every day life and a society that became oblivious to the growing atrocities under this dictatorship.

      We left the museum and wandered past a Romanesque style church which has a considerably different style than the Gothic architecture of the Cathedral.

      After a test this afternoon, we enjoyed dinner at a nearby Vietnamese restaurant. We sat next to a young couple who had recently telecommuted in the LA area for four months to escape Cologne's cold wet winter. The raved about California, and we were remarking about all the wonderful aspects of Cologne. We both mused that we sometimes fail to acknowledge the treasures in our own back yards. It was a fun conversation to end the evening.

      We have loved Cologne, and we look forward to our next journey to Amsterdam tomorrow.
      Guten Nacht!      Read more

    • DB Family Europe Grand Tour 22
      111121
      Day 75

      Cologne Cathedral

      July 9, 2022 in Germany ⋅ ⛅ 73 °F

      This is the big sight to see in Cologne. Christians have been worshipping here since Roman times.

      It's the tallest Gothic cathedral with two towers (Cologne loves its records). It was started in 1248 and took 631 years to complete.

      It survived Napoleon because he used it to stable his horses, and it survived the extensive bombing of Cologne in WWII because it was used as a marker for the pilots.

      Its biggest claim to fame is that it purports to house the relics of the Three Wise Men.

      The slender, soaring columns reminded us a little of the Sagrada Familia.      Read more

    • DB Family Europe Grand Tour 22
      1111111
      Day 75

      Walking Tour of Cologne

      July 9, 2022 in Germany ⋅ ☁️ 75 °F

      This was a fun tour. Our guide was very sarcastic, which went over well with the girls. Éowyn spent a lot of time collecting sticks.

      91% of Cologne was bombed by the Allies in WWII due to its proximity to the Rhine.

      Make sure to watch the video with the NASA monument.

      We learned that the tram line that runs under the cathedral has to slow down at that section, because at faster speeds it was creating vibrations that caused the towers to sway up to 6 meters.      Read more

    • European Van Trip 2022
      Day 5

      Germany

      July 12, 2022 in Germany ⋅ ☁️ 28 °C

      I missed the Germany sign on the motorway. But we are here 🇩🇪🥳
      Camped by a sports complex, and a huuuuge wood. Unlike most woods we find, it was completely un signposted which was a nice change as you had no idea what size a wood you were entering 😂 there were quite a few campers, all German but we did speak to a couple of people which was nice.
      Today Brace decided we are going last minute shopping, separately 🤷🏼‍♀️ can't possibly imagine why.
      Unrelated, it's my birthday tomorrow.      Read more

    • TravelerGreat rivers of Europe
      11111111111
      Day 26

      Cologne Germany

      July 13, 2022 in Germany ⋅ ⛅ 29 °C

      Tour of the city. The main attraction is the Catholic Church which is third tallest in the world called Dom. We even had a special visit from the Pope! In front of the church a young artist painting flags of the world & promoting peace (love it)
      Tonight the Crew is putting on a show for us will send more pictures later      Read more

    • TravelerRoad to Berlin
      Day 2

      Billerbeck

      July 21, 2022 in Germany ⋅ 🌧 21 °C

      Eindbestemming voor vandaag is Billerbeck geworden. Het plan was om in één keer door naar Münster te fietsen, maar dit was uiteindelijk te ver. Morgen ga ik in Münster mijn kopje koffie scoren om vervolgens door te fietsen naar Telgte en Warendorf.

      Op de foto zie je in de verte de Bedevaartkerk: St.Ludgerus.      Read more

      See translation
    • TravelerRoad to Berlin
      2
      Day 4

      Gütersloh naar Detmold en omstreken

      July 23, 2022 in Germany ⋅ ☀️ 17 °C

      Dag vier is aangebroken en ik begin het langzamerhand te voelen in de beentjes. In Bielerbeck kwam ik twee vrouwen tegen van 70+. Zij hebben maandag en dinsdag gefietst met de tropische temperaturen. Ik ging er vanuit dat zij elektrisch fietsen. Het tegendeel is waar, deze vrouwen die zowel Duits als Nederlands spraken, gaan net zo lang fietsen zolang de benen het aankunnen. Misschien dat ik hier onderweg nog over nadenk als de vermoeidheid begin te raken.

      Gisteren bij het eten vroeg ik aan het personeel of er nog ‘leuke’ steden in de buurt liggen. Ik de liet de jongeman de plattegrond zien met de steden/dorpen die ik passeer. Hij keek aarzelend en zij dat ik de komende dagen typische Duitse steden ga tegenkomen. Op cultureel gebied heel interessant, maar geen levende steden als Münster of Bielefeld.

      Dit mag de pret niet drukken. Eerst wilde ik gelijk fietsen naar Hoxter, eindstation van deze route, maar dat lijkt mij te ver. Daarnaast komen ook de eerste, echte bergen op mijn pad. We gaan vandaag zien hoe het loopt en waar ik uitkom. Mocht ik energie overhebben, trap ik door tot Hoxter. Vanaf Vörden is het wel 10 kilometer afdalen, dus wie weet.      Read more

      See translation
    • Interrail2022
      2
      Day 15

      Day 15🇩🇪

      August 4, 2022 in Germany ⋅ ⛅ 20 °C

      Early morning in Bremen!
      We woke up at 5:45, and had to catch the 6:40 train to Dortmund! We bought breakfast and waited for the train. We arrived in Dortmund two hours later, where Sotiris was waiting for us!
      It was super nice to see him again, especially in the city he’s been for almost a year now. We took the tram to his house so we could leave our rucksacks and then we rushed to the Signal Iduna Park, the home stadium of Borrusia Dortmund, the largest in Germany and fifth largest in Europe. Sotiris had booked us tickets a couple of days back when we’d said we’d be visiting.
      It was indeed a very nice experience, especially for Lampros since he’s so into football teams and thrilled to visit. The first walk into the stadium was breathtaking. The amount of seats it had are hard to see since they’re so far up and over 81.000!
      We walked along and then into the locker rooms of the current players. Each player has his seat and name/photo over it. Then we walked back onto the field, where we got to sit on the benches where the players wait during the match. After that, the tour had finished and we walked around the gift shop. Next stop was Dortmund city centre. It was a very hot day, so we sat and enjoyed the shade at Sotiris favourite cafe, and chatted to catch up on our news. We then walked around a few shops and went into a classic traditional pub to have lunch. The food there was D e l i c i o u s😍. We really really enjoyed our lunch and then headed for the “Dortmunder U” building - it used to be a beer factory but now it’s turned into an exhibition centre. We walked to the top and saw the view of the city, then around a few exhibitions, and eventually decided to go back to Sotiri’s place - but before getting there we made a quick stop at an artificial lake that’s been made out of an old mine site. It’s called Phoenix - See.
      When getting to Sotiris house, we all had showers, sat around and played some games and then eventually fell asleep. It was so nice of him to have us over and it felt like just like the days when we were in university. Super excited to visit again (with Xrysa this time).❤️      Read more

    You might also know this place by the following names:

    Nordrhein-Westfalen, North Rhine-Westphalia, NRW, Renania del Norte-Westfalia, Rhénanie du Nord-Westphalie, Renania Settentrionale-Vestfalia, 노르트라인베스트팔렌 주, Северный Рейн-Вестфалия, Kuzey Ren-Vestfalya

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