(Veronica writing)
We left Zurich this morning on a train to Köln. Our main plan in Zurich was to book the rest of our trip, and to solidify our plans with Cheryl (Garrett's cousin) to meet up (as we were invited to spend the night at her apartment). The lack of wi-fi at our hotel put a damper on our plans. We tried to find wi-fi at a couple of spots before leaving and at the train station, but all connections required a cell number to send the password via SMS. Upon arrival, we were quite concerned that we hadn't yet gotten a hold of Cheryl, and we made a mad dash for our best chance at wi-fi, (a nearby McDonald's). By complete coincidence, Cheryl had suggested (in an email which we'd never received) the McDonald's at the train station as a good meet-up point, so her and Uwe were waiting for us when we arrived. Amazing how well that worked out!
Walking through Köln at night, we saw the cathedral that we planned to visit tomorrow.
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We also saw remnants of the Christmas markets that had been torn down since the 25th.
The four of us dined at a local brewery (restaurant). At this restaurant, beer (Kölsch) was served in the tiniest of glasses, and the glasses just kept coming until you signaled the waiter to stop bringing them. Along with the beer, we tried some authentic German food tonight! I ordered "Himmel un Ääd" which Uwe had suggested (roasted black pudding (blood sausage) with mashed potatoes, stewed apples and fried onions) and Garrett had "Jägerschnitzel mit Bratkartoffeln und gemischten Blattsalaten". I'm fairly certain that the last time I ate any vegetables was in Winnipeg. And there has not yet been a day on this trip when we haven't drunk beer. Those two balance each other out, right? I feel like Uncle Al might approve of this theory...
After dinner, much to our surprise, we found one Christmas market that was left set up until the 5th! Shops, food, drinks, rides, music, and a huge skating rink in the middle. It was so festive and so pretty! I feel like I got my yearly Christmas fix all in one night!
Uwe ordered us each a mug of feuerzangenbowle which is mulled wine, served with a cone of brown sugar drenched in overproof rum and then set on fire. Delicious!
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It was so great to spend some time with Cheryl and Uwe. They are such a lovely couple (and such great hosts!). I hope we get to see them again very soon.
We left Zurich this morning on a train to Köln. Our main plan in Zurich was to book the rest of our trip, and to solidify our plans with Cheryl (Garrett's cousin) to meet up (as we were invited to spend the night at her apartment). The lack of wi-fi at our hotel put a damper on our plans. We tried to find wi-fi at a couple of spots before leaving and at the train station, but all connections required a cell number to send the password via SMS. Upon arrival, we were quite concerned that we hadn't yet gotten a hold of Cheryl, and we made a mad dash for our best chance at wi-fi, (a nearby McDonald's). By complete coincidence, Cheryl had suggested (in an email which we'd never received) the McDonald's at the train station as a good meet-up point, so her and Uwe were waiting for us when we arrived. Amazing how well that worked out!
Walking through Köln at night, we saw the cathedral that we planned to visit tomorrow.
We also saw remnants of the Christmas markets that had been torn down since the 25th.
The four of us dined at a local brewery (restaurant). At this restaurant, beer (Kölsch) was served in the tiniest of glasses, and the glasses just kept coming until you signaled the waiter to stop bringing them. Along with the beer, we tried some authentic German food tonight! I ordered "Himmel un Ääd" which Uwe had suggested (roasted black pudding (blood sausage) with mashed potatoes, stewed apples and fried onions) and Garrett had "Jägerschnitzel mit Bratkartoffeln und gemischten Blattsalaten". I'm fairly certain that the last time I ate any vegetables was in Winnipeg. And there has not yet been a day on this trip when we haven't drunk beer. Those two balance each other out, right? I feel like Uncle Al might approve of this theory...
After dinner, much to our surprise, we found one Christmas market that was left set up until the 5th! Shops, food, drinks, rides, music, and a huge skating rink in the middle. It was so festive and so pretty! I feel like I got my yearly Christmas fix all in one night!
Uwe ordered us each a mug of feuerzangenbowle which is mulled wine, served with a cone of brown sugar drenched in overproof rum and then set on fire. Delicious!
It was so great to spend some time with Cheryl and Uwe. They are such a lovely couple (and such great hosts!). I hope we get to see them again very soon.
The castle in Koln looks so incredible!!! Can't wait to see more pictures!
ReplyDeleteHappy bew year from Winnipeg!!