Cologne 2006

For our Valentine's Day trip we planned a long weekend to Cologne, Germany even before we realized that it was going to be during their Carnival week when thousands of people all dressed in crazy costumes head to this wonderful city. So we did some research and found that it's none stop party time for five days and nights and that if we wanted to join in the fun we had to find a couple of costumes. We took a red eye out of Portland and arrived on Friday, a day late for Women's Day but the bars were full and the celebrations were under way. Heading from the airport to The Renaissance Hotel by train we could help notice how clean this city was, not a piece of garbage anywhere.

Receiving advice from the concierge we were are off to find a couple of outfits (after our usual nap). She told us that very few people will be in regular clothes over the next three days so you need to find something to fit in. We had packed a couple of wigs and an outfit or two but we knew this was not going to be a Fantasy Fest weekend, far too cold for body paint and flimsy costumes.

We did find the Hard Rock Cafe after picking out a few items, a red outfit to go with Tony's red wig and a hat to complete one of Cheri's costumes. After a couple of drinks served by the friendly bartender we decided to stay and have the customary burger. He was full of information and filled us in on what's going to happen in Cologne in the next 60 hours. We told him we will back but he did not believe we would be in costume. "You Americans are too conservative" he told us.

In the morning, after a fairly early night, the snow had stopped and the sun was out without a cloud in the sky. What a great day to see the sights and get our exercise by the river.

The cathedral dominates the skyline and we were very fortunate to be walking on such a clear winter day. The only problem was that the cathedral was closed due to the festival as they don't want the risk of people using it as a "party place" or a shelter a night.

With the World Cup coming to Germany later this year sports is highly promoted in this city along with thei beer. So after "working out" we had to find Tony some of the famous brew.

Walking in the narrow cobbled streets we soon found a nice warm local brew house. Cheri found a few friendly people to talk to as Tony watched the bartender pour the traditional 10 liter tube and when filled it's put on the table and you can start pouring your own. Tony stayed with just the regular glass as Cheri does not drink beer and no way was he drinking that much on his own.

We went back to The HRC and our bartender was there from our first night and he pointed us to another local bar after the customary photos. Cheri found a friendly barmaid and all night the bars were so crowded but everybody was there to listen to great music and have a sing-a-long. Pity, we had no idea what they were singing. We forgot to eat that night but on every corner they were selling sausages and beer.

The day before the big parade, the kids had their own parade which would put most parades to shame. Parents were there supporting each float and just having a great time.

Monday the big parade started at 11:59 am and stretched at least15 miles. Hundreds of horses pulling elaborate floats passed us by. Getting out early so you could get a good view and to be able to catch the hundreds of chocolate bars that were thrown from each float was essential. What a great day, except it was so cold. The amount of beer that was drunk and the number of sausages eaten was amazing even before the parade started. It was also fun was just watching all the people.

After the parade we had to go back to the hotel and take a nap before the partying started and we had a very early flight out the next morning. So should we stay out all night after the nap or get a few hours sleep? Well we did have a 15 hour flight home the next day. We decided to join in the fun.

That night we ran into a bunch of local football (soccer) fans and no matter what country you are in the language barrier is not an issue when it comes to football.

All through the night the bars were open and the music kept playing. Local bands walked from bar to bar with their own entourages. Everybody was having a great time but we decided we should get back to the hotel and have a late dinner in their lounge and try and get some sleep. But Cheri still had a little bit of fun left in her.

So another great experience was over and we realized we had been part of one of the biggest parties in the world. United Airlines got us home safely and quickly. Now every time we bite in to a bar of chocolate it brings back the memories of a fun weekend we had in Cologne.