Cologne

Today we are in Cologne, another city that is divided by the Rhine River, whose cathedral is world famous as is the University of Cologne, one of Europe's oldest and largest universities.    The Cologne Cathedral , the seat of the Catholic Archbishop of Cologne, is a magnificent gothic building, and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, that was begin in 1248, however not completed until 1880.  Over seven centuries the builders were inspired by faith and spirit to keep to the original plans.  This is an immense building and was known in the 13th century as the "mother and master of all churches in Germany." We met our guide and we're taken the short ride into the city.  The guides are not allowed into the cathedral, so we had our tour around the spectacular building site, a work ever Im progress. The entrances to the building were cleaned for a recent visit of the Pope. Being Sunday morning, there were many in the crowd who had come for mass. Several of us attended the early mass and were uplifted to hear the choir of young singers and the splendid organ music played during the service.  The Cathedral is a High Gothic five-aisles basilica.  The stained glass windows are the largest 14th century windows still in existence.  They are breathtakingly beautiful.  The cathredal is said to be the home of the "relics of the Maji". It is said that the mother of Emperor Constantine journeyed to Ind and recovered the three bodies of the kings (Melchior, Balthazar, and Jaspar), placed them into a single chest and delivered them to The church of Saint Sophia, now the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul. In the sixth century they were transported to Milan and remained until the 12th century.  The relics were taken from Milan and were given to the Archbishop of Cologne in 1164, when  they were placed in the Shrine of the Three Kings.  The Three Kings remains have since attracted a constant pilgrims to Cologne. Our guide said the skulls are displayed wearing crowns each January 6th.  It is believed that the twin spires of the Cologne Cathedral, which can be seen from miles, saved the building from total destruction during of war because they were easily recognizable landmarks for pilots, although 14 bombs did hit the building, it remained standing.

After mass, I enjoyed a visit with Greg McEwen, who was celebrating his birthday today, while we shared a table with tea, cappuccino and apple streusel heavily covered in cream at the famous Cafe Richard located almost on the steps of the Cathedral. Location location location!   Mary Linda and Janis, Greg's wife, joined us and also indulged in apple strudel.   The facilities were certainly 5-star, Mary Linda decreed after visiting the restrooms. Beautiful wash stands and fittings, and when the doors to the individual stalls were locked from the inside, the glass turned opaque for further privacy.  Hmmm.  Many of us bought delicious chocolate in the Cafe's shop, which was very crowded with residents collecting desserts for Sunday dinner.

Someone unfortunately from another group on the Kara fell while getting off the bus and underwent hip surgery this afternoon. We wish them a speedy recovery.

On the return to the Kara, we saw a long boot sale or flea market spread along the riverside. After lunch many either went back into town or browsed through the market.  Judith Humphreys showed me a lovely pink and grey pearl bracelet she found.   A few of us went to see the Picasso collection in the Museum Ludwig.  Mike, Kendra, Madison and Mary Linda couldn't resist the temptation to visit  the chocolate museum. Several ladies checked out the Fragrance Museum, and I wondered what they bought in the gift store. Judith and Jean Stiltz played BananaGram in the Aquafit and another group played bridge.

Mary Linda and the Kara captain and the hotel manager hosted a lovely cocktail reception in Aquavit.  Much to our joy, the sun appeared and the weather turned perfect! This group of Joyful Friends has been a melting pot of new and old friends and finally I'm beginning to put faces, names, and relationships together.  Still a few times I knit my brows together trying to remember who's with who. (I do notice several blank looks my way, as well.)  We are all grateful and happy to have been able to spend time with former travelers and the chance to embrace our first timers. We all will come away from this trip with so many great memories.  Joyful Friends are truly blessed!

After dinner we were invited into the lounge for a classical music performance by two very talented young ladies who took us on a trip along the Rhine River by playing well known musical selections from composers who lives in the countries along the Rhine. Sophe Moser, the violinist, and Katja Huhn, the pianist, were  so talented and played music familiar to us all. To hear them, their website is www.duo-moser-Huhn.de.  They have an album coming soon.  Another wonderful day of adventures and special treats!  More again in the morning......

Afterwards most of us went back to see more of this interesting city.  A few of us went to see the Picasso collection in the Museum Ludwig.  We were tempted to visit  the chocolate museum but didn't have time.  Oh, dear.  Several ladies checked out the Fragrance Museum, and I wondered what the bought in the gift store.  Another wonderful dinner aboard the Kara.  This group of Joyful Friends has been a melting pot of new and old friends and finally I'm beginning to successfully put faces, names, and relationships together.  Still a few times I knit my brows together trying to remember who's with who.   (I do notice several blank looks my way, as well.)  We are all grateful and happy to have been able to spend time with former travelers and the chance to embrace our first timers and will come away from this trip with so many great memories.  Joyful Friends are truly blessed!