By the time we were done yesterday, it was a bit too late to give an accounting of our day. We started in Koln - Cologne - with a walking tour of the old town culminating at the Cathedral. Started in 1248, the cathedral was not completed for 632 years. Since it's made of sandstone, the exterior is almost black, a result of the pollution generated by the adjacent and busy railway station. I joined in the spirit of it and lit a candle once inside. With great reluctance, we left the cathedral and went back out into the pouring down freezing rain immediately making our way to a department store for more warm clothing. My sharp-eyed shopping companion, Miss Jackie, spotted a soft zipper sweater on sale for 10 euros. Good job! And the best news is that I am now in possession of the perfect outfit for our outings. You have your tee shirt, your long sleeved shirt, your new light jacket, your down vest, and Ron's now discarded windbreaker since he bought a heavier jacket. Neckwear is a thick scarf purchased at Kinderdijk and head gear is a newsboy cap and the windbreaker hood. I am obviously not going for cute.
After lunch and properly outfitted, we made our way to the Lindor Chocolate Factory only to enter with the student body of at least one entire middle school. We decided to forego the factory and contented ourselves with the gift shop where appropriate souvenirs were gathered and purchased. Ron was a bit chagrined when he realized that there was no chocolate for him. Hey - each man for himself!
We walked on to the railroad bridge which, like several others in Europe, is resplendent with every variety of locks declaring the endless love of all the couples who placed them there. The locks must add thousand of pounds of weight to the bridge. Braving the bluster and holding on to our hats, we made it back to our ship, The Modi, for comfort and cafe au lait.
After dinner we stayed up late for the viola, clarinet and piano players from a local music school who played an hour long concert of mostly classical music. It was just wonderful and a wonderful way to end our day.
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