True North Blog

I’ll have to admit to a wee bit of travel fatigue at this point. Even beyond the persistent jet lag, many cobblestones do not play well on an already strained runner’s foot. I’ve decided though, that I’m not giving up! I’ll hobble, half asleep if I have to. But I am going to see Germany. I can sleep and heal later. 😉

When I say “see Germany,” I actually mean to see Germany in more detail. I’ve been here before in my Air Force days. But it was almost always a 12–hour gig. We would check in to a hotel, change and go eat. Maybe have a beer or two then go to bed and rest up for flight the next day. I saw Germany to and from the airport.

Today, I got some of that detail that had eluded me. I was able to take a casual stroll through the tallest twin-spired church in the world. Lots of beautiful stained glass. And, they claim to have the remains of all three of the wise men (magi from the Christmas story).

From there, I went from “good to evil” as I discovered a preserved Gestapo prison from the Nazi era. It was sobering to take in those halls and displays, but I absolutely commend the people of Cologne for recognizing that dark era in a way that reminds everyone that we, as humans, have a dark side that can in the worst case get very out of control.

After framing the entire spectrum of the human experience, we simply took a few minutes to celebrate life . . . with a beer. They have some great beer traditions here: First, you don’t have to stress over which of 30 beers you want to order. They have one—Kölsch. And it’s very good. The second thing is that they keep their beers cold and fizzy by serving smaller portions. The glasses are about the size of a large test tube or double shot glass. Not to worry though, they keep refilling that small glass until you say stop (by placing the coaster over the glass). Pretty good system.

At the end of the day, we are lounging on the top deck enjoying the breeze and the sounds of a vibrant city. Tomorrow, we sail for Amsterdam.

Photos below: