by Nicole Dias

Created on: July 06, 2009

I have been to Cologne, Germany three times in my life. All three times for work trips. Despite these trips being work related luckily I was able to enjoy at least one weekend there for each trip. I also have the great fortune of having wonderful co-workers from this region who took me out to explore.

The first time I went to Cologne, Germany was in June of 2006. This was an amazing trip since it was during the World Cup which that year was being held in Germany with games going on all throughout the country including Cologne. Due to the influx of fans, we had to stay in a hotel outside of Cologne called Siegburg. Interestingly Siegburg is quite and unobtrusive which was the total opposite of what I discovered upon our trip into Cologne on a night in which England and Sweden were playing one another at the stadium in Cologne. The excitement and vast diversity were amazing.

It was clear to me that the Germans took soccer seriously but also the people of Cologne were extremely proud. There were huge jumbotrons set up along the wine and beer gardens oozing with people so that even outside of the outdoor seating there were crowds at least ten rows deep being served by the waiters and waitresses.

Walking to find the nearest bar I was amazed as we walked by the Cathedral that I had heard so much about. Its overwhelming size is remarkable. It is extremely old was being repaired (something I am told is being done constantly).

One thing I found amazing on this trip was how good the beer of this region is. It is called Kolsch and unlike some European beer is served cold which I found refreshing. I am not normally a beer drinker but this beer is in a league of its own. It is delicious. It is brewed daily in the region (each region has its own beer) and does not have preservatives because none are necessary. As a result I was told I would not have a hangover and I found this to be especially true.

The second time I was in Cologne, Germany was for a two-week stay in October of 2008. This trip was a bit more serene and I was able to stay right in downtown Cologne at a small hotel called the Senats. This hotel is literally in the heart of it all and right next to the Cathedral. This time I was able to have a whole new appreciation for Cologne as I was able to stay longer and at a time without the craziness of the World Cup.

Being from New England I thought I knew what it was like to live in a historical place. This until I was asked to attend "Museum Night". Something

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>