Blogs from North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, Europe - page 9

Monday 8 June: We finally managed to get all of us to Checkpoint Charlie, the Berlin Wall remains, and the Brandenburg Gate this morning. Despite multiple attempts by helpful strangers to take a photo of us with the “soldiers” they all insisted on coming out fuzzy. It was interesting to follow the line of the Wall and just by the Topography of Terror a 200 metre stretch remains preserved with some remnants also a bit further along at Potsdamer Platz. We explained to Zachary as best we could about the Wall, without going into too much gruesome detail. Next stop was the site of Hitler’s Bunker. You can’t actually see anything here as the East Germans removed the remains of it in the early 70s, although information boards show you a plan of it. Just a ... read more

This morning I left Bastogne and drove north. The roads were nearly empty because of the holiday today. It is Ascension Day and most businesses are closed. I drove to Verviers in northern Belgium. I wanted to look around the little town because my father was stationed here for five days in April 1945. He wrote letters from here and had a drawing of his profile done. He mentioned the cobblestone streets and how hard they were on his feet when the troops went for hikes. I took some pictures around town, including one in front of the town hall (see picture). I don't know where exactly Dad was, but I like to think he and I saw some of the same sights. Next I drove across the border to the city of Aachen in Germany, ... read more

It was April and still spring in Europe although the weather was turning better from the dreary winter months. We decided to visit my friend Grazyna who lives in Cologne, Germany - a distance of 680 kilometers or around 423 miles. It took us over 7 hours to arrive at her house. When I lived in France I had a good car, a Renault Safran which was ideal for long distance driving. However, we drove at a steady pace and stopped twice on the way to Cologne, Germany, once in Metz (in France) where fierce fighting took place during World War II between American and German forces. This battle lasted 3 months, and being a WWII history buff, I wanted to see some of the battlefield sites. The other stop was inside Germany, I can't remember ... read more

Relax day today, with just a small wander around the main shopping precinct, and of course, one of the Christmas markets. There is nine in all in the city of Cologne to see if you are willing to travel out of the main city. Enjoyed an apple strudel from the bakery, and of course another gluehwien. Where is met this lovely lady who started talking to me. When she found I couldn't speak german, she started speaking in English. Very fluent as well. She was telling me it was nice to practice, as she only learn't to speak english 10 years ago. She is now 75, dressed in her red and white and was going to the local soccer match with the LC Koln team. Her son met her and they went to the game together ... read more

Day 1 in Cologne, and didn't know what to expect. The taxi driver when I arrived was so funny, and had me in hysterics, but also warned me of some area's around my hotel and also of pick pockets. I arrived to my hotel after dark, so my night in was pretty quiet. I did however wake in the morning, feeling a little worse for wear after a few nightmares - I think what he said played havoc with my mind. But, after a full breakfast I headed out on foot and the first place I find is the Alter Markt (Christmas Markt). I was amazed. The whole area was vibrant with Christmas stalls, beer barns, and a skate rink for people to go skating on. It would be lovely to do it, but dont want ... read more