With rain forecast in varying amounts for the whole day, we decided to take a train north and visit Koln -- aka Cologne (or just K whereas Koblenz is KO). The leisurely regional train went up the east side of the Rhine, went through woods and small towns, by vineyards and finally into the flat fields that characterize the region beyond Bonn. We came into Koln via the bridge with thousands of locks fastened to it -- lovers put their names on the lock, lock it to the bridge fencing and then throw the key into the Rhine. And as one leaves the Hbf, there it is, the number one attraction of the area, towering over you at 157 m, Kolner Dom (today's picture). The gothic structure with incredible vaulting and flying buttresses for support is simply awesome. One could go into detail about the windows, the choir, the organ pipes, the side chapels, the golden case for the relics of the magi, the incredible treasures in the Schatzkammer, but nothing will amaze you like standing before the structure and feeling your own insignificance.
Also in the city, is the major art museum of the Rhine region -- the Wallraf- Richartz Museum. The permanent collections of medieval, and baroque are extensive and well displayed (even english!), and currently there is an impressionist exhibition which includes Monet, Gauguin, Cezanne and Van Gogh. Certainly worth the visit!
It was commuter time by the time we headed back south, but the folk are pleasant and most were gone by Bonn so we could enjoy a nice view seated together. Even though there was really no rain, we don't regret our choice of day's activities.
(P.S., my usual K day is a day spent with Kieran, and there are no regrets there either!!)
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