Cologne
Touring more of our host nation, Germany, we headed out on a 4-hour drive to Cologne in Rocky the Mini. Along the way, we stopped to see some of the last tulips of the season, mid to late April is usually the best time to see the big tulip fields in this area.
In 2006 we visited Cologne during World Cup⚽️, and had an absolute blast. The day of the England-Sweden game in Cologne was one of the best days of our lives. The party atmosphere, the music, fans full of national pride, it was a unique experience. This past weekend, although it was crowded with people out enjoying the nice day, and lots of hen parties, it was much more tame and quiet. We found our favorite restaurant from ’06, and enjoyed pizzas for lunch.
The Cologne Cathedral is stunning, one of our favorite Cathedrals of all time. It’s disappointing that new high-end shopping crowds up to it, but of course it is still worth seeing. Its Gothic architecture, with twin spires rising 157 m (515 feet) tall, against gathering dark clouds, was quite a sight. And then quite suddenly, the temperatures dropped, the wind kicked up, and we were all drenched in a torrent of rain.
Ritter Sport Chocolate
Ritter Sport Chocolate is a family firm, started by Alfred and Amelia Ritter in the early 1900’s. The square chocolate bar is divided into smaller squares, as its ad campaign says, “quality chocolate, squared.” Located in the village of Waldenbuch in southwest Germany, the Ritter Sport campus includes the factory, museum, shop, and café.
On a tip from a friend, we ate lunch at the café, and it was a scrumptious experience. The menu is full of goodies, and most of them include chocolate as an ingredient, including the drinks. The museum shows the interesting history of the firm through the decades, and the store is another highlight. They let you buy as much chocolate as you want.😜
Touring around Germany on our weekends gives us a break from the daily grind. It’s always fun to be a tourist, and nice to enjoy the area you live in.
Prost!
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