DISCOVERING COLOGNE

The Cologne train station is right in the heart of town, so you'll have no problems with long walks to find a hotel or a bite to eat.
One of the main attractions of Cologne is the Cologne Cathedral, the spires of which you see right above the train station. Even if you don't have much time, you can hop off the train and see the Cathedral on a short stop-over.

The Cathedral is to the south of Cologne's main train station, to the north you'll find quite a few hotels within short walking distance.

Along the Altstadt (old town) Rhine promenade you'll find some of Cologne's oldest houses, many now serving as bars and restaurants. Behind them is Gross St. Martin, an 11th century church that, along with the Cathedral, dominates Cologne's skyline. I enjoyed the inside of this church, as it has many elements added during the ages, so you can trace the history of the building.
Next we'll pull back a bit and head toward the nearby river.

Gnomes. They work hardy, although not particularly smartly. You gotta love 'em.
There are two Gnome panels behind the Cathedral, towards the Rathaus.

Now we'll head down towards the river, passing by Cologne's thriving downtown, a shopping area bigger than even Heidelberg's.




Here I am, your hapless guide, pondering the huge hunk of smoked pig on a gargantuan mound of Sauerkraut and mashed potatoes. Please, no comments on where the church "Gross St. Martin" got its name. I'm sensitive that way.
Facts:

This is not 00s food.
I finished it.
They keep bringing those small glasses of beer, even before you're quite finished and haven't yet asked for more.
The beer is called "Kölsch" and is best served very fresh. The glasses are all standardized at 0.2 liters. Each glass cost me a Euro. Kölsch, as you might have guessed, is beer specifically brewed in Cologne (Koln). It is assumed you want one; they are dispensed to your table like water.

The beer is served by "Köbes." No, that's not a cow raised in Japan and given messages and beer to tenderize the flesh, but it's close--Köbes are a sort of waiter with an attitude. Ours could tell stories until the tears flowed from folk's eyes. As a reward, they'd buy him a fresh Kölsch, which he'd down in a single gulp. I couldn't help laughing right along, and I don't understand a word of German.

The guy was good. I suspect his liver had special training.