June 30, 2015

Cologne Cathedral and the Chocolate Museum

June 30, 2015/ Meghan Oaks

Sounds kind of like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. But not quite. On one of Katlyn and Chelsea's last days here, we got on an early morning train from Mannheim and headed up to Cologne. We were on a regional train, which followed the Rhein, a route I always enjoy taking. Along the way you can see vineyards, beautiful views of the river and small towns, and lots of castle ruins. One day, I want to visit some of these ruins in person.

December 25, 2014

Bucket List Item - Mass at the Dom

December 25, 2014/ Meghan Oaks

Another item on our Bucket List was to attend mass at the Dom in Cologne, which we did this weekend. Before we went, I had checked mass times online and Google translate did work so well. They listed four mass times for Sunday morning, a time, which google translated to Church Office, and then weekday mass services. We opted for the 9 AM mass, which was held in one of the small, side chapels. As we were finishing up though, we realized that the rest of the church was full for the 10AM mass, which is held at the main alter. Oops. Nonetheless, it was still beautiful, especially as the rising sun started to stream through the stained glass windows into the mostly dark church.

December 23, 2014

A Weekend in Cologne

December 23, 2014/ Meghan Oaks

This past weekend, we took a quick overnight jaunt up to Cologne. Five years ago, on our Beer and Cathedral Tour of Germany, it was our first stop. When we found out we were moving to Germany, it was pretty clear to both of us that we would have to visit Cologne again. And what better time to do it than during Christmas time with the Weihnachtsmarkt!? As an added bonus, we got to meet up with a fellow AST, her husband and kids!

We decided to take the train this time instead of driving. Aaron did some savvy computering with a coworker