Old Retired Guy Blog
June 28 - 30, 2010
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Cologne and Bonn (Page 1 of 3)Note: This is part 2 of the authorized edition of The Anderson's European Vacation. * * * * *
It seemed a bit warm in the car. Soon a conductor came by and announced that the air conditioning in our car was not working. We were told we could move to one of the other cars. People got their bags and started to move. We followed. After looking around a bit, we found some seats and made ourselves comfortable. When the conductor came by to check our tickets he informed us that we were in reserved seats. He pointed out the little display that indicated the seats were reserved. We were told to move to other seats, so we got our bags and started to search. After looking around a bit, we found some seats and made ourselves comfortable. Then there was another announcement. It was in German. The only word I could understand was "problem." A man sitting by us told us there was a problem with the train and we would have to get off at the next station and get on another train. So, as instructed, we got off the problem train and got onto the replacement. After looking around a bit, we found some seats and made ourselves comfortable. We finally arrived in Cologne without any additional difficulty. After checking into the Hotel Müller, we took a walk to find the Cologne Cathedral. I remember being impressed by it in 1966 and figured that if it could impress an 18-year old it must be worth seeing again.
As the cathedral came into view, Kathy commented on how impressive it was. I told her we were looking at the side of it and that she should see it from the front. When she saw the front she was even more impressed. The Europeans really know how to build impressive churches.
The two towers at the front of the cathedral are approximately 515 feet high. According to Wikipedia (and we know they don't lie), they are the second highest church spires in the world. The gothic style is beautiful, ornate, and creepy at the same time. We entered and walked down the main aisle under the towering barrel vault ceiling. The incredible space filled with statues and stained-glass windows was truly awe-inspiring. To put things into perspective, let me just say that the Cologne Cathedral is bigger than the newly remodeled Franksville Methodist Church. Back outside I wandered around admiring the intricate details in the doors and stone work. Something caused me to look up and I suddenly realized why I felt a connection to this beautiful cathedral.
'Cologne and Bonn' |
