Cologne, Germany

Our family created another European memory last weekend, that is sure to last a lifetime.  We traveled to Cologne, Germany to visit the Christmas Markets.  From the moment we arrived in Europe, we have been creating lists and dreaming up places we would like to travel to while we are living over here.  Going to a Christmas Market in Germany was high on our list.  This was our first adventure outside of the Netherlands, and it was hugely successful.  We left last Sunday morning (December 8), and returned Tuesday night (December 10 - our anniversary).  Our travel experience was pretty flawless, all things considered.  However, we started our trip with a few bumps along the way.

A few days prior to leaving, we were informed that our train was departing Amsterdam an hour earlier than originally scheduled.  The trouble for us, is that we do not live in Amsterdam, but in rural Kampen, where the trains do not run at all hours, particularly on the weekends.  Additionally, public transportation is stopped on Sundays as well, leaving us unsure how we would even get to a train station where trains were running.  We were faced with the predicament of getting to Zwolle (next town over), in order to catch a train in time for our international train in Amsterdam.  With the help of a new friend, and the only person we know with a car here, we arranged to be picked up early from the Kampen station, where we could leave our bikes locked up and waiting for our return home, and she would drive us to Zwolle.  Here's where things got messy.  Picture this: cold, dark and early morning + wet pavement + 2 bikes + 1 suitcase backpack + 2 kids + 4 backpacks + double stroller + pack n play = it doesn't add up...  Let's just say, between the two of us, we got to our destination 10 minutes late, muscles aching from carrying things and crashing 3 or 4 times..  No more details are necessary. :)  The important thing is, we made all of our trains on time, and we all made it to Germany whole.

On board our international train, and the final train before Germany!  This is when we all start to relax just a bit.

Well, if Maddie and Daddy could get their picture taken together, so can we!

This is the view that greets you right as you step outside of the train station. The Cathedral is absolutely breathtaking.

From the moment we set foot in Germany, until we boarded our train back home, we had an exceptional time.  Our hotel was centrally located near the Cathedral and directly on the Rhine River.  Additionally, it was situated just around the corner from the two largest markets (there are seven total). 

Our room was the perfect size for our family and our needs - a clean, nice, warm place to sleep.  We spent all waking hours visiting the markets and partaking in the festivities throughout the city.

This is the view outside our window.

We stayed in the building marked HOTEL.  It was such a great location!  You can see the clouds breaking in the sky - we had magnificent weather the entire time.  Such a blessing!

As I mentioned above, our time was completely devoted to hanging out as a family at all of the Christmas Markets - and they varied quite a bit.  Our favorite, was the main market located at the base of the Cathedral.  The setting was too surreal.

Maddie scored a white chocolate covered banana while Geoffrey was sleeping.  Pretty great being the oldest sometimes!

Every market distributed their beverages in ceramic mugs, with each market's mugs having a different theme.  You buy your drink and put a deposit (2 euros) on the mug.  You can choose to keep the mug, or return it for your deposit back.  We decided to keep two different sets as souvenirs of our trip. 

We have officially entered into the epitome of Christmas cheer, and are very, very happy.

No camera angle can capture the magnitude of this building.

Our second favorite market was gnome-themed, and just a few short blocks away from the cathedral and our hotel.

Many, many people, and yet everyone was filled with happiness!  We had to muscle our stroller through these crowds, and not once did we get a glance of annoyance or frustration.  Lots of smiles and kindness.  This just furthered our joy with the entire trip.   

So magical, am I right?

Ice-skating, too!  We did not go, but had a fun time watching.

Maddie and Geoffrey were given a free piece of candy from the sweet shop stall.  We were all happy about this!

Day two brought a new day of energy and excitement, along with new memories, as we continued our exploration of this amazing place.

We took a self-guided tour of the Cathedral during the first part of our day.  20,000 people visit the Cathedral daily, and it was definitely full of people.  However, due to the size of the structure, you still felt small and "alone."  It was incredible. 

Look up high and you will see the organ.  We didn't get to hear it being played, but I have no doubt it is something to be heard!

We were really proud of our kids - they did a great job, not only in the Cathedral, but over the entire trip.

That's right.  I'm talking about you.

There was so much to be seen, it was almost overwhelming to the senses.

Beauty.

On our way to visit the next round of markets, we strolled through the most popular shopping district in all of Europe (or so we were told).  It was certainly a pretty happening place!

Yummy little bread-men...Maddie was a big fan.

Geoffrey was a bigger fan of the crepes!

This is the angel-themed market.  It was slightly more elegant and simple than the first two.

One highlight for the kids was when they were able to ride the carousel (and later, the Ferris Wheel).  Unfortunately (for all of us), there was a carousel at every single market.  It was a struggle for Maddie not to be able to ride each and every one, and an equal struggle for us to keep them from riding each and every one.  Regardless, they thoroughly enjoyed themselves!

There was another market that had a fairytale theme.  It was cute, especially with the little figurines on top of the rooftops of individual stalls.  Although, every market had themes and intricate details that made them unique and enjoyable. 

We lucked out with an afternoon where both kids fell asleep in the stroller.  As we were walking along the main shopping street, we spotted an outdoor cafe with heating lamps and blankets laid out on each individual chair.  We snatched up the opportunity to rest our feet, curl up under blankets, people watch and enjoy a latte and cappuccino.  Geoffrey woke up right after we were served our drinks, but he was okay with just sitting on my lap and watching the activity.

Sweet and warm cuddles are the best.

Festive and hopping with people.

We enjoyed an early evening stroll along the river, on our way to another one of the markets (don't worry - I am not going to post pictures from each and every one...just most of them!).   

This was the maritime themed market, along the harbor.  It was fun, particularly at sunset, as the colors were really quite beautiful. 

There were a few little pirate ship play structures, like this, that the kids thought were terrific (really, it was just a few 2x4's put together with a steering wheel.  It's the simple things, really.)

Our night continued back at the base of the Cathedral, where we enjoyed a yummy sampling of treats for dinner - cheese fondue with bread, potato pancakes with applesauce, and later, bratworst with Kolsch beer (which is only brewed in Cologne).  We felt like we really had a genuine German experience. :)

Eating crepes for dinner, again, while looking up at the grand Cathedral.

Not too shabby for dinner scenery, eh?

We headed over to the gnome-themed market for one last hurrah, before calling it a night.  It was an excellent decision, agreed upon by all. 

The kids were so happy when we told them we would go on the Ferris Wheel!

Maddie and Daddy, with the Cathedral peeking over their heads.

Geoffrey thought it was pretty great, too.  Honestly, I found the wheel to be incredibly fast, I mean for a Ferris Wheel.  I'm a big roller-coaster-loving girl, but last I checked, Ferris Wheels typically do not go this fast..

On Tuesday, we spent our final day in Cologne enjoying our family, soaking in the markets one last time, and celebrating our ninth wedding anniversary!  Our train left after dinner, so we were able to thoroughly enjoy another full and beautiful day. 

In the morning, we visited another nearby church.  When we were inside, a nun came over to Maddie and told her that when children visit the church, they light a candle for them, bless them and pray for them.  Maddie helped her light two candles, one for Maddie and one for Geoffrey.  It was a tender moment.

This was one of the ways we kept the kids entertained while we browsed market after market...they were perfectly happy reading books in the stroller.   Love it!

Happy Anniversary, to us!  We enjoyed hot mulled wine, and brought these mugs home as a souvenir.  We also snagged these super warm hats and scarves!  This weekend was such a special way to celebrate our love.

Making our rounds one final time.  The sun was shining, but it was a very cold day. 

I'm not exaggerating when I say the Cathedral is massive.

Maddie thought it was hilarious that there was ice-cream in Germany too (I guess she only thinks it is found in Kampen??).  This was our final treat of the trip - the kids had ice-cream while we sipped on the most decadent hot chocolate I have ever tasted.  It really was just like a mug full of melted chocolate. YUM.

Our view as we walked to the train station.  Thank you for an incredible memory and experience, Cologne!!  We can't wait to come back again.