Kennedy's European Experience: Cologne Trip

29-30 Aug - We took a trip to Koln (Cologne) on the Rhine this weekend. We visited a student that we knew when Ahyoung was with us in 2006. Her family was kind enough to invite us to stay at their home. We met Hannah and took her some things she missed from the US she cannot get here in Germany - Oreos and Lays Chips!!!!!!! Hannah was kind enough to walk us around Cologne. We visited the Dom Cathederal, had lunch and visited the Lindt Chocolate Museum. I sampled the local beer called Koelsch. It is also the name of the local dialect. They have a saying in Koln, that Koelsch is the only langauage you can drink. Hannah's mom, Andrea, cooked a wonderful meal of Wurst, Red Cabbage and Mashed Potatos. We spent the rest of the evening talking many topics and having a great time. Hannah's father teaches German and English and her Mom teaches French and Russian. Her sister, Laura, and brothers, Julian and Claudio, visited also. Her sister was an exchange student also 5 years ago in Virginia. The next day, we had a great German Breakfast (Fruhstuck). We then took off to ride the Cable Car over the Rhine to a very nice park along the Rhine River banks where we tried to skip rocks. We visited the very unique (not eunich) St Martin's Church. It is very plain on the inside but you can see where the original paintings and markings were on the walls and columns. It was very nice. Afterwards, we snacked on a pork sandwich then visited an "American Sports Bar." It was pretty close to a family sports bar near a stadium with a single team theme. We finished the day with Jamie helping cook a schnitzel meal with fries and salad. Thanks to Hannah and her family for their hospitality and time. We look forward to returning the favor in the future.