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Cologne

(Oct 18 - 21) 

Cologne, Germany was added to the travel list since I wanted to see a band that was playing there.  This will be our first trip outside of the Netherlands for just a weekend.  

More Cologne photos here: https://photos.app.goo.gl/d1ucCkH3R7MMx2cHA

First, I will say that I have now vowed never to take a train in Germany again. This will be our 2nd time taking a train from Amsterdam to Germany (first time to Dusseldorf before we moved here). Both times were fraught with issues. I went by myself ahead of Ryan and Sam and almost seconds within entering Germany when there was an announcement stating that the train would not be going further (same thing happened coming back from Dusseldorf). You might be wondering how I know this given the German trains only make announcements in German. Luckily I encountered some friendly Germans that translated for me. Once I got on to a new train (using my evolving train navigating skills!), there was another announcement. Then many people got off the train so I took that as a sign that the train wasn't going anywhere anytime soon. After a significant delay and being on about 5 different trains, I made it to Cologne a little crankier than expected. 

Other than the train fiasco, Cologne is a lovely city.  There's a river, bridges, a huge cathedral and typical European squares and cobblestone streets.  



The Strumbellas played in a night club and I was able to get a spot close to the stage and a little elevated. However, on the way there the app to buy train tickets was not working so I just got on the train.  Of course that is the one time that they checked tickets so in dealing with that (along with a lecture from the German train staff) I missed my stop and had to walk 30 minutes in what I might consider not the best part of Cologne.  On the way home the train was delayed as well. Again, more data points to show that German trains are no longer an option for me.  But the concert was excellent and all worth it!







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