The morning walking tour in Cologne seemed like a bit too feet-intensive for me so I stayed on the ship and enjoyed some quiet time in the very pleasant lounge. It’s sometimes hard for me to overcome the internal messages about how I should be out there taking advantage of every opportunity to see things. But I’ve come to realize that I need to manage my energy and walking capacity. The folks that did go on the morning tour sent some photos:
As you walk around Cologne, you see gold paving stones that commemorate Jewish citizens of Cologne who were deported and killed. Sorry you can’t read this one the closeup didn’t come out
This is a monument to men who died of AIDS The plaque says, “Cold Corner Nomadic Memory 92, This installation commemorates people who died as a result of AIDS, It is part of the ‘Denkraum: Names and Stones’ project by the German AIDS Foundation and the artist Tom Fechht, Aidshilfe Köln eV. Further information and a list of names can be found at www.aidshilfe-koeln/de/nus.” (The names are engraved in the paving stones - might have to expand the view to see them
One of the main landmarks in Cologne/Köln is the Cathedral. Most of the area that surrounds it was decimated during the Allied bombing in WWII, but the cathedral survived, though damaged (and still being restored ). It is still one of the 3 tallest churches in the world
[he first two shots are borrowed from https://mymerrymessygermanlife.com/visiting-the-cologne-cathedral/ ]
This one is more modern and was created by Gerhard Richter to replace a window damaged in the bombing, unveiled in 2007. Linda, ever the fan of abstract art, pronounced it her favorite, though some critics are disturbed by its modernness, feeling like it didn’t belong in the gothic cathedral
In the afternoon, Diana, Melissa, Chris and I went to the hokey, but fun Time Ride Köln 1926 virtual reality attraction. We first entered a recreation of a milliner’s shop with a live guide and virtual milliner who explained the craft. Diana tried on one of the hats on offer
Next we boarded a restored street car and donned virtual reality glasses to “enter” the city of 1926. The car rattled and shook over the streets. With a little added imagination, you could feel like you were transported back in time
A few more from the afternoon and later in the evening
