Cologne/Koln Surprises

When I left for Cologne yesterday, the moon and a star were still in the sky:



 I have a cozy hotel room with a nice fireplace:




Until a few weeks ago, I didn't realize that Cologne was home to multiple Christmas markets. I have now visited two and invested in various treats - as well as more spices - to take home. I'm wondering how mustard will travel . . . Yesterday I had flammkuchen for lunch at the market; today's lunch was not as happy. I had potato pancakes washed down with gluhwein, and one of them did not agree with me (dinner is a lovely, dry sourdough rye roll).

Believe it or not, these are made of chocolate:








Someone I love dearly who adores tools and is not on social media is getting some pliers!

I saw some of Roman Cologne (hope to see more tomorrow):




And, of course, I also went to the famous Cologne cathedral:





















I have no talent for arranging these, as you can see. No visit to Europe is complete without at least one stop at a cathedral, and perhaps a relic:














Yesterday, I had dinner at a beer hall. The waiters had trays like this, only they held many more glasses and were in tiers. I also managed to eat some plum tart!




Feeling very privileged, even if I don't get to the chocolate museum. Saving something for next time.











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