Koln, Germany: Christmas Markets, round 2!

When we were given the date for Brant's doctoral promotion, realization struck us instantly that we would be in Europe during the famed Christmas markets, and we did not hesitate to book a 2 night stay in Koln, Germany for a return trip.  We had visited these particular markets two years ago with the kids, and it felt like a far-off dream that we would ever be able to go to them again.  Imagine my glee when we solidified our travel plans to include this special visit!

Train ride from Kampen to Koln.

Our hotel was located within the train station, which sits just outside the Dom Cathedral.  This is the view that greeted us, and it has remained vivid in my mind for two years.  

Pictures can't capture anything very well...but for some perspective - look at how small the people are!

Ready to show Dale and Martha what true Christmas cheer looks like!

Entrance to the main market (there are 7 spread throughout the city).  It was like we never left! 

Under the canopy of lights and the grand cathedral.

Introducing Dale and Martha to the beloved market scene.

The stage hosts a variety of musical guests daily/nightly.  It can become quite the hotspot at night, with all of the food, drink, music and merriment! ;)

So many selfies on this trip...oh well!

Exploring the gnome village -- we love how each market carries a unique theme.

I stopped the hustle and bustle of shopping and declared that it was time for us to partake in our first Christmas Market snack, which ended up being a fried potato pancake with applesauce.  Sooo good, and it helped get the ball rolling as we made our way around the marketplace, trying all the different goodies! 

Bundled up and having fun!

And now, about to have even more fun, thanks to the ghulwein (hot, mulled wine)! 

We didn't go ice-skating, but did enjoy watching others have their fun.

Details are everywhere.

I've always loved how dramatic this scene is.

Another shot of the canopy of lights - sort of mesmerizing and cozy while your under them.

On our second full day in Koln, we took a self-guided tour of the incredible Dom Cathedral (which we did during our first visit with the kids).   With 20,000 daily visitors, you manage to still feel small and alone, as you make your way around the groundfloor, taking in the relics, the history and the beauty of this place.

The details, including the tile art on the ground, were intricate and impressive.

This golden box is the resting place of the 3 Magi's bones.

Attempting to give perspective on the size of the people below.

I'm such a dwarf, compared to this structure!

It didn't take much convincing for Dale to invest in a new hat for the cutting winds, and wouldn't you know, he scored the same hat we bought for Brant at the markets two years ago!  How cute!

Delicious market sweet treat!

Just a simple shot of the "Angel Market."

We found the Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf!  Originating from Southern CA, and this is the only location in all of Germany. The bathrooms had California culture decor, bringing us an odd sense of familiarity. 

We walked down the Rhein River to the "Maritime Market," which is full of life and good spirit!  

With all of the walking, and the stalls of food beckoning you with wafts of delicious aromas, we continued to graze a few more snacks.  Fresh crepes, with banana and chocolate.  My mouth waters just typing those words.

I'm pretty sure I was making silly noises to get these two to give me such beautifully wide smiles!  It was worth it, wouldn't you agree? 

Love, on the Rhein River.

It doesn't get more European and picture perfect than this! I love this stretch and all of its color and diversity.

So dynamic.

We made our way back to the hotel for a break from the cold, walking along the backside of the Cathedral.

We met up with some friends, who we were introduced to by good friends in Pasadena.  The Teutsch family  lives in the Netherlands, but have roots in Koln and happened to be in town on the same day we were there. We had our families get together when we lived there, and it was so fun to see them again, at the Christmas Markets of all places!

Pretty good, for a selfie without a selfie stick!  (Thank you, long arms!)

I *absolutely* was making silly noises to get these smiles!  I'm amazed they all keep me around, despite how I can potentially draw attention to our crew.

When our kids aren't present, we just keep taking pictures of US!

Two nights in a row we visited this booth, with the delectable Swiss fondue with tasty spirits, and two nights in a row, we hammed it up with this super cool guy -- so much so, that it took no convincing to get a picture with him!  He shared the same fondness for us, because we were from California, and he thinks that is the best place in the entire world (and he's never been).

As a group, we had several belts hand-crafted at this booth, where we were able to choose the leather, the buckle, and have it sized to fit.  A perfect souvenir! 

We bid goodnight to Dale and Martha, and stayed out later, enjoying the "night life" of the markets.  This included some tasty Kolsch German beer and a front row viewing of a terrible musical group, whose opening number was "Highway to Hell."  I found it hysterical, to see a huge crowd of happy, well-hydrated individuals, jumping and waving their arms in the air, as they sang along. 

Prost, Dr. Himes!

Our entertainment -- looks cool, doesn't it?  Yeah.  If only you had heard it.

On Sunday, we spent a few hours walking around, before the weather turned bad, which was fine because it was time for us to hop on the train and travel to Driebergen.  This would bring us to our final, and most important leg of our European adventures... stay tuned!