Köln

For a day trip with the Weidmans, we decided to head in to Cologne and see the sights of the city. Darren was working, so Paul, Rosemary, Mikayla, and I loaded into the car and drove to the Düren train station where we got on a train to head into Cologne.

Mikayla on the train.

Mikayla and Nana Rose on the train

When we got into the city, we bought a map to get acquainted with the city, took a few pictures of the outside of the beautiful cathedral there by the train station, and then decided to get something to eat. We walked a little ways from the cathedral and found a wonderful little restaurant tucked away in a corner of a building. The menu looked good, so we went in. It was a really good meal and the place had a great feel to it.

After the meal, we walked back to the cathedral and went inside. It is hard to describe how impressive it was in there, and even harder to capture it on camera. Here are a few of the shots we did take, although none of them do it justice.

The main entrance to the cathedral

Statues on the facade of the cathedral

The interior

We had heard that taking an hour long cruise on the Rhine river in Cologne was a fun and relaxing way to see some of the sights of the city. Unfortunately, the day was a bit overcast and rainy so we didn't think that it would be much fun to be on a boat. Also, Mikayla really needed to get a nap, so we thought it would be better to just head back to Embken.

It turned out that we were able to go on the river cruise a few days later, though, and this time Darren was able to come since it was on the weekend. On the last full day that the Weidmans were here, Sunday, we all hopped on the train and went back to Cologne for some more sightseeing. It was a beautiful, sunny day that day and perfect for being on the water.

Paul waiting for the train in Düren

Darren and Paul on the train platform in Düren

The train

Darren, Mikayla, and I on the boat

Paul and Rosemary on the boat

Another river cruise boat that we passed

Random building that we saw on the river cruise

View of the cathedral from the river

After the river cruise, we got back on the train and went back to Düren. We had had a good day, but were ready to be back. Since it was such a warm day, we got some Italian ice cream (yummy gelato).

Mikayla enjoying her strawberry ice cream

... I might have had to help her out with hers a little bit and eat mine, too.