Blogs from North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, Europe - page 19

I couldn't head back to the Southern Hemisphere without one last visit to some of my favourite things in the world- Christmas Markets!!! After much thought I decided on German Christmas markets this year since that is where they started- and they definitely didn't disappoint! This trip was another weekend trip- and we met up with our friends Sarah and Steven. There are seven Christmas markets all with different themes spread over the city of cologne- with the Cathedral taking center stage to the city. First we headed to Markt der Engel as it was the closet market to our accommodation. I loved these markets, which were angel themed and had fairy lights all in the trees. Next we headed to Weinachtsmarkt am Kolner Dom which are the iconic markets in front of the cathedral- here ... read more

Today was the first day we made it on time to the city we were supposed to be. No stress and no 'right on time' moments, we arrived in Cologne at noon, and took a walk around town to find some food. We found some girls already standing at the venue. Not what we were planning in any way. Apperently we went the wrong direction, because where we were, was no food or cafe to find. Finally we bought some coffee and a sandwich at a train station, and tried to find the other part of Cologne, to find a good place to sit, till we could actually head to the venue. After a short walk, and a view of the tourbus, we found a nice little cafe, and we sat outside next to the heaters ... read more

We will be traveling from October 6th until December 30th and this is the route we have in mind. ... read more

OUR LAST HURRAH ON THE RHEIN As we started South toward Mainz and Wiesbaden, our first stop was Eltville, where we were able to tour the ruins of a large agricultural estate, a Roman latifundium, that is now the 'old town', that was granted town status in 1332. Part of our tour included the picturesque ruins that are the remainder of the Burg. We then headed for Wiesbaden, where Stellplatz's are rare and found a parking area near a sports field, cycling track and walking paths. We found a Hobby Dealer and were able to purchase some supplies for our MH and check out the newer models, which left us appreciating all the extras that we currently have. Wiesbaden gave us a beautiful early morning view of the Baroque Biebrich Palace. As we entered Mainz, and ... read more

Dusseldorf I was in Dusseldorf at the beginning of the year for a typically cheesy European celebration. Yes, that of Eurovision. I didn't, however, see much of what the town has to offer, so it was a pleasant feeling to be back there once again several months later. The first time I was here, I saw a lot of the train station, the football ground, and many ecstatic Eurovision fans. That's the best thing about Eurovision in my eyes... it's a chance for Europe to get together, and be silly together, and to make fun of ourselves and others. It's a shame that both times I visited there were major building works going on. It can really wreck the atmosphere of a beautiful city. But without allowing this to affect my visit I wandered on down ... read more