Cologne; Sunday, 18 April, 2004

An early start to the day and off to the cathedral. As there was a service in progress I took the opportunity to climb to the top of the tower, all 507 steps, including going past the main bells of the cathedral. After taking in the views from the top I came back down halfway to where the bells are just to be met with the 11am bell which was deafening and slightly disturbing as to how much the tower shook, but its been standing for 200 years, so there is no reason for it to collapse... I hoped as I scampered back down the remaining 250 stairs to the ground.

After a short stop for Coffee and Post cards I went on the City tour aboard a luxury coach. The tour takes you round all the main parts of the city and had the added bonus of helping to improve my German listening as I managed to understand parts of the German Commentary (although partly helped by the tour guide repeating herself in perfect English!) The tour included a short stop for photos on the opposite bank to the Cathedral and a quick introduction to the city museum.

After a pause for a traditional German snack - Currywurst and Mustard - on the station concourse I was refreshed and went back to have a look inside the cathedral (as there were no services going on at the time.)

After spending some time in the Cathedral (it is larger than it looks and time seamed to slip past very fast) I came out and went for a wander round the old town including the Hay market and Fish market before settling on a nice looking restaurant on the Fish market by the banks of the Rhine for dinner.

After dinner and a wander round the old town at night (to wear off the excessive food and exceptional pleasant Kölsch) I got the tram back to the hotel.