Our day started with a leisurely breakfast with made to order omelettes, french toast, and mimosas. I tried mine with grapefruit juice! I wonder what that would be called? Whatever, it was delicious. When our ship docked at 10:30 we were in the heart of Cologne, just a couple of short uphill blocks to the Cathedral that is their priceless treasure.
Our guide led us throught the cobbled streets up from the river bank pointing out interesting sights like the bronzes whose noses you rub for luck or money, or other parts for other things! The sight we beheld after rounding the corner into the Dom Square was not dampened by the drizzling rain. The Cathedral was begun in1248 and not finished until the late 1800's. A prime example of Gothic and Romanesque architectural details is made even more fantastic by the fact that only one of the expansive stained glass windows was damaged by the Allied bombings in W.W.II. That window has been replaced by one that does not have biblical or philisophical design but rather is a homage to them by using the same bright colors but in tiny squares. One corner of the massive stone work, only a few feet square, near the entrance had to be rebuilt and is noticed because of the brightness of the facade. The depiction of Christ upon the cross is the first European expression of the humanity of Jesus.
We ventured out on the extended tour and so the Germanic Romanesque Museum was included in our walking tour. Fascinating artifacts of the Roman Domination of the world is evident everywhere. We were walking on original cobblestones that charioteers rode over through original arches of the city walls. Inside the museum were so many burial monuments, household utensils, and so much history of Germanic Roman occupation. My favorite is the delicate decoratively layered glassware that has lasted for 2000 years! It wouldn't make it that long at my house!
Delores from Viking was at the museum exit so we asked her for directions. Instead she led us on what turned out to be an additonal tour. We saw the site of the new dig which is revealing an early Synagogue. We also saw some humorous touches from Carnival including a gargoylish statue perched high above the street of a man 'mooning' the city below.
We stopped at the original shop that is the home of colgne itself on our way back to the ship for lunch. Right after lunch our new friend Diana went to the room to rest so her husband Len came with us to the Chocolate Museum. Only a couple of samples were given but the museum was very large, covering several floors, and would be especially nice for the kids because of all the interactive displays.
Len headed straight back while Madeline and I took a more meandering route. We were back in time for the five pm lecture on Germany today. I have now met the only person in the modern world who would give a one hour talk with only one audio-visual aid. An 8 1/2" x 11" color printer rendition of a map of Germany divided. which she held up in front of the room while talking about the various states and the war divisions! Lame!
We changed for dinner. River cruises are more casual than ocean ones but I feel that a clean top and some fresh makeup with a quick teeth and hair brushing make me feel more presentable at dinner and sort of give me a second wind. We ate again with the Aussies who are three couples traveling together and totally delightful. My steak was delicious and done perfectly to my liking.
The briefing for tomorrow was followed by a concert of classical music by a local trio. The piano player finished the night with a bang - or rather a clatter. She tap danced during the final number!
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