Pics, Pics and Pics - Finally!

So I finally get around to uploading pictures! Yes, I know I'm home over a month at this point but in all seriousness I couldnt look at them until now, even now they are bringing tears to my eyes as I cry looking at pics of the Boys, Koeln, and all my friends in Koeln! Enjoy them!

Rheinpark

Around the House

Going Away Jamesons - Part 1

Going Away Jamesons - Part 2

Going Away - ExCorner

Enjoy and reminise!

I Never Knew I Meant So Much To People

I have stated since I left Germany that I plan on going back there, the problem is, its going to be very hard to that. The reaction of my friends since I got back has really touched me. Its been wonderful been back and meeting everyone again and all the hugs and kisses cause I know I have missed all my friends in Cork, I just didn't realise how much they missed me. This is going to make it so much harder to leave the next time, especially if it is more long/medium-term like I was(?) planning. I will face that when it comes, but it will make that decision so much harder.

Of course I miss all my friends too in Koeln and I will be back for a visit next year, more then likely for Karnival!

But back to my friends here, the things people have said since I got back and being out dancing in Freakscene and Ruby's has made my relationships with my friends so much stronger as I realise how much I appreciated them and what I mean to them. I actually have tears in my eyes writing this. I am not sure why, but it shows how touched I have been!

anyway ciao for now!
Steve
xxx

The Second German Hangover :P

Its Saturday and its the day after the toytown meetup I mentioned yesterday! Whata fantatsic night it was! It was great to meet fellow auslanders! I am not going to mention names of who I met and what I thought of them, suffice to say everyone was lovely and welcoming and god can we talk shite (I know I can I am Irish!). I think a great night was had and definately friendships formed as we are going to the cinema tomorrow!

It was great not to have to talk in a German accent for a change though I kept slipping into it! So I have a German accent! yay! :D noone will understand em when I go home and everyone will think Im German!

Every time I go out now, I see more and more people dressed up for Karneval. I am going out again tonight and will try and get pictures so people will see what the costumes are like!

I am free at the moment arsing around as the boys have to gone to Essen, so its a nice break for me. So I am in the basement with my MP3 player and online! How bad!

So here is a list of bars I ahve been in and a quick rating out of ten

Corkonian 7/10
Jamesons 9/10
ExCorner 10/10
Ix Bar 5/10
Iron 8/10

So have loads more to try! :D

Thats all for now! Tscheuss!

Contact Made and Day 1

It is the end of my first day as an Au Pair and it was fantastic. I was collected yesterday after lunch from the hostel and brought to meet the family. What a joy they are. They live in a lovely part of Köln, a good bit out from the city but still on the tram line. It reminds a bit of Ballincollig. Tomorrow is the first day of school after the holidays for the boys so it will be my first early morning and first time taking them to school.

The boys who inform they are now 9 not 8, are two bositerious, full of energy, ruggamuffins, who I must say are the easiest Kids I have ever worked with. I have worked with a lot of Children in my time so I can say that.

The language barrier is something I have noticed and it is a barrier. The parents do not seam to mind as the Kids have to ask me for things in English, but I do not understand any German. It did become a problem towards the end of Sunday in Köln. I am picking up a lot of German, though my Irish seams to be resurfacing. I shouted "Tog a bog e" and "bi curamach" at the Kids. They were mostr confused. I am picking up bits and pieces of German and definately know more then I did on Friday! So things will get better language wise.... I hope!

One good thing about school early in the morning, I get to finish early at night! I finshed at 7:30 tonight! It was great!

Anyway that is it for now as I ma tired and must also get up early!

So guten nacht!

Steve

I am in Germany!!!!

Aftera long day of travelling, I arrived in Köln at 7 last night. So far Köln has surpassed all my expectations!! The people are lovely, the city is gorgeous and the beer is cheap!! My head still hurts!!

I got a handy last night and ended up going with Vodafone DE as the credit will work in my Irish Handy also! If people want my German number (it will be my main number) E-mail or textmy Irish number!!

The weather is dry but cold, especially on the bridge over the Rheine! So its the U-Bahn in future.

I am looking forward to meeting the family tomorrow!

oh I found Headquaters of the CDU last!! :-)

Thats all for now!

Missing everyone in Cork!

Steve
xxx

One Sleep to Germany...

Its nearly here, I leave tomorrow morning at 8:30am to drive to Farranfore with my parents to fly to Germany!

I can't believe it. Its here already! How time flies when you are having fun!

I am suffering from a mix of 3 emotions which seam to combine to make me nauseous. They are excitement, nervousness (which can do that anyway) and sadness.

I went out last night with a few friends to Instinct and Freakscene like I mentioned I might do. I had great fun and yet again I cried.

By this time tomorrow (5:30pm CET) I should be in Cologne and nearly in my hostel.

Today I got a gift for the Kids, I know I haven't mentioned much about the family in awhile but all that will change on Sunday when I meet them and start work! Easiest way to get Kids to like you? By them stuff!!! Its only small but will hopefully send us off on the right track.

Tonight I am going out for a meal with my parents and sister to Ballinlough, the Silver Key to be exact. So its the last supper for me at 8:30!

This may be the last post before I leave, so best of luck to all here in Ireland. Dont forget to subscribe to my feed or email!

The weather in Cologne

I've been meaning to do this but I finally looked up the weather at the moment in Cologne.

Well at the moment its:
Temperature: -4 °C jaysus!!!
Wind: 4 km/h from the NNE

Im cold thinking about it.

The weather there for the next few days...

Monday:
Clear. High: 35° F. / 2° C. Wind East 13 mph. / 21 km/h.
Monday Night:
Clear. Low: 28° F. / -2° C. Wind ENE 8 mph. / 14 km/h.

Tuesday:
Scattered Clouds. High: 39° F. / 4° C. Wind East 8 mph. / 14 km/h.
Tuesday Night:
Clear. Low: 26° F. / -3° C. Wind East 6 mph. / 10 km/h.

Wednesday:
Clear. High: 41° F. / 5° C. Wind ESE 6 mph. / 10 km/h.
Wednesday Night:
Clear. Low: 28° F. / -2° C. Wind East 4 mph. / 7 km/h.

Thursday:
Clear. High: 41° F. / 5° C. Wind light.
Thursday Night:
Clear. Low: 26° F. / -3° C. Wind light.

Friday
Clear. High: 41° F. / 5° C. Wind light.
Friday Night:
Clear. Low: 26° F. / -3° C. Wind light.

Saturday:
Clear. High: 39° F. / 4° C. Wind light.
Saturday Night:
Clear. Low: 26° F. / -3° C. Wind light.

Right time to find the long johns I think!

All info from Weather Underground

i-Guide, Köln WelcomeCard and the Rheintaler

I was looking up the The Koln Tourist Board website and I found three interesting things on it that I shall be availing of.

i-Guide

Press a button: the city in your ear.

KölnTourismus offers digital guided tours for individualists.

Besides a considerable range of guided tours, the Cologne Tourist Board offers now an option for individual travellers who prefer to explore the city on their own instead of joining a group.

Using a small hand computer, the so-called i-Guide, you can enjoy an audio-visual walking tour of Cologne for about 100 minutes and discover the most important sights between Cathedral and Heumarkt square. With spoken commentary and corresponding images, the well-elaborated route guides you to all in all 47 sights, such as numerous fountains, monuments and buildings. Pressing a button you may abbreviate operating processes, interrupt your tour or comments and return to particularly attractive sights - just as you please.

The i-Guide is very easy to handle. Just a few buttons allow you a maximum of options. Visitors are provided with a convenient city map that shows the walking route with individual sights. As from now the i-Guide is available in English or German. Further languages are being provided for in the next year.

The Köln WelcomeCard

KölnTourismus is pleased to inform you about the new edition of the Köln WelcomeCard leaflet.

The most important innovations at a glance:


o Our Köln WelcomeCard provides 87 offers (instead of 70 so far) now. Some of our former partners have been replaced by others. More than 25 new cooperation partners participate in our joint service project. Cologne municipal museums grant a mere 20 per cent reduction on admission fees (50 per cent until now) though.

o No less than nine additional partners of the free theatre and event scene take part.

o Further attractive partners of the Cologne environs such as the Kerpen kart track, the Königswinter SEA LIFE centre, the Frechen Keramion museum and seven more partners in the Bonn region round up the large scale of interesting features. All partners are located in the VRS public transport service area.

o For the first time, a new offer focuses on wellness and styling.

During the validity of your Köln WelcomeCard you are entitled to free rides on public transport within the Verkehrsverbund Rhein-Sieg (VRS) – public transport association covering the Rhein-Sieg area (VRS) – with buses, trams, and trains (free of extra charge) included. The Köln WelcomeCard is available at KölnTourismus GmbH and many Cologne hotels.


There's also a gay version!

Rheintaler

Permanent savings on the Rhine, without a time limit and with a growing number of institutions on the Rhine – that’s possible with the Rheintaler coin. With a Rheintaler in your luggage, you will receive discounts or free additional services at various museums, cruise lines, cable railways, palaces and castles as well as restaurants and hotels on the Rhine. For instance, Köln-Düsseldorfer, Bonner Personen Schifffahrt and Drachenfelsbahn offer up to 20% reduction on the official rates, regardless of which Rheintaler motif (there are 15 at the moment) you present. One Rheintaler costs € 12.50.

I am defiantly getting the pink card for my first weekend in Koln. and the I-Guide as the Welcome Card gives you money off it. Not sure about the Rheintaler

Things to do in Koln

Im bored and also hungover so i looked up a few things in Koln (Cologne) and on the German Tourist Board Website I found the following things to do in Koln.

Permanent exhibitions

Schnütgen Museum
Schnütgen Museum in Cologne houses one of the world's most important collections of art from the Middle Ages. The permanent exhibition includes new acquisitions as well as restored masterpieces. It covers art from the Middle Ages, masterpieces from Carolingian times through to historicism, art treasures in bronze, silver, gold and ivory, wood and stone sculptures, glass paintings and textiles.

Museum of Applied Art
The museum provides an ever-expanding showcase for one of the most important German collections of applied European art from the Middle Ages to the present day and 20th century design. The exhibition takes you on a tour through various historical periods with furniture and wall hangings, table culture, instruments and textiles, as well as small sculpture and a range of luxury and decorative objects.

Chocolate Museum
The Imhoff-Stollwerk Chocolate Museum stands on the site where ships docked and people traded in the Middle Ages in Cologne. The exhibition tour takes you on a journey through 3,000 years of chocolate-making history. Chocolate lovers will learn the secrets of chocolate, from the worship of cocoa by natives of Central America to modern-day chocolate production.

Shopping

Schildergasse
The most well-known shopping street in Cologne, Schildergasse is the main road that connects Hohe Strasse and Neumarkt. It consists primarily of fashion and shoe shops, stores selling cosmetics, perfume, household goods and toys, opticians and restaurants.

Neumarkt Passage arcade
Discover the world of Neumarkt Passage at Neumarkt with its high-quality specialist stores located both inside and outside the arcade. This is the ideal place to do your banking or shopping, stop off for a bite to eat, or simply relax and watch the world go by. Shopping at the Neumarkt Passage in the heart of Cologne is an unforgettable experience.

Apostelnstrasse
Apostelnstrasse is a small, yet elegant shopping street in the heart of Cologne. You'll find a whole variety of shops here, including opticians, jewellers and goldsmiths.

Places of interest

Cologne Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site
Cologne Cathedral with its two 157-metre-high towers has been the city's famous landmark and Germany's most famous architectural monument for centuries. It took 632 years for Germany's largest cathedral to be completed. The cathedral is one of the most important pilgrimage churches in Europe, attracting visitors from all over the world.

Vibrant old town
Many are acquainted with Cologne's old town. Against the backdrop of Deutz and Hohenzollern bridges, the colourful houses are closely packed together, towered over by the Gothic cathedral and Romanesque Church of St. Martin on the banks of the Rhine. Countless restaurants, bars und snack stands in the narrow alleyways offer an attractive place for tourists and locals to spend some time.

Romanesque churches
Cologne is renowned for its churches. You'll find a unique ensemble of twelve large Romanesque collegiate and abbey churches, all true gems of medieval architecture, packed into a compact area within the medieval city walls. These are among the most important churches in western Europe.


Museums

Chocolate Museum
Located in the heart of the city, Cologne's Chocolate Museum is a veritable paradise for sweet-tooths and chocoholics. Its distinctive mascot, the North African character used to advertise Sarotti, is synonymous with high-quality chocolate in Germany. The museum has proved a hit with visitors thanks to the hand-on nature of its exhibitions. Guided tours explore the history of chocolate, from its origins as the "food of the Gods" in Aztec mythology to today's mass-produced million-sellers. Educational activities and special children's tours are available. The museum is closed on Mondays, carnival days, 24, 25 and 31 December and 1 January.

Ludwig Museum
Overlooked by majestic Cologne Cathedral, the Ludwig Museum houses a modern and contemporary art collection of international standing. On display are examples of Expressionism, art from 1920s Germany, the Russian avant garde and Surrealism. Picasso is well represented by an extensive collection of prints, sculptures and paintings, while pictures by Dali, Miró and Magritte are also on show. The Pop Art section features works by Roy Lichtenstein, Andy Warhol, Allen Jones and George Segal. Closed on Mondays. Guided tours available.
» www.museenkoeln.de/ludwig

Wallraf Richartz Museum/Fondation Corboud
The Wallraf Richartz Museum in Cologne is one of Germany's oldest and largest classical picture galleries. It houses the world's most extensive collection of medieval paintings, in particular works from Cologne's painting school, and an important collection of prints and drawings. Highlights of the collection include the Medieval gallery, which offers an insight into the development of Cologne's panel painting from 1300 to 1550, a selection of Renaissance art, the Baroque gallery with major works by artists such as Rubens and Rembrandt, and the 19th century gallery which includes paintings from the Romantic, Realist and Impressionist movements, as well as the Gérard J. Corboud collection and sculptures. The museum also has a number of exquisite miniatures on parchment, fascinating sketches and an extensive collection of prints and drawings comprising approx. 75,000 works of art. Closed on Mondays, guided tours on request.
» www.museenkoeln.de

Romano-Germanic Museum
The Roman-Germanic Museum, which opened in 1974, is next to the cathedral in Cologne and contains relics from the days when the Romans ruled the city. The museum presents the archaeological heritage of Cologne and the surrounding area, from prehistory through to the early Middle Ages. The museum's best-known exhibits include the Roman mosaic with scenes from the world of Dionysos (220/230 AD) and the reconstructed tomb of the legionary Poblicius (40 AD). Other highlights include the world's largest collection of Roman glassware and an outstanding collection of Roman and early medieval jewellery. Numerous exhibits detailing the everyday lives of the Romans take visitors back to the days of the Roman settlement known as Colonia Ara Agrippinensium. Closed on Mondays, guided tours on request.
» www.museenkoeln.de

Cathedral Treasury
Cologne Cathedral's priceless collection of treasures dates back as far as the 9th century. Since autumn 2000 its riches have been presented in newly designed exhibition space (approx. 500 m²) in the extended 13th century vaulted cellars on the north side of the cathedral. Over 200 exquisite reliquaries, liturgical artefacts and vestments, archiepiscopal and cathedral clergy insignia from the 4th to the 20th century, medieval sculptures and Frankish grave finds can be seen in six rooms. St. Peter's staff and chains are among the most significant exhibits. Guided tours on request.
» www.koelnerdom.de

Agfa Photo-Historama
The Agfa Photo-Historama museum in Cologne, between the cathedral and the Rhine, documents the history of photography between 1906 and today. There's plenty more to see too; 20th century recording and playback equipment, caricatures, curiosities, certificates and autographs. The museum houses one of the most important collections devoted to the cultural history of photography. The collection of Erich Stenger, regarded even before the Second World War as one of the greatest private collections in the world, was acquired in 1955 and now forms the core of the compilation. Closed on Mondays.
» www.museenkoeln.de/agfa-photo-historama/mus_00.asp

Rautenstrauch-Joest Museum
The Rautenstrauch-Joest Museum in Cologne has been providing an insight into the culture and art of non-European peoples since 1906. It has an extensive collection with a total of approx. 65,000 exhibits from India, Thailand, Tibet, Laos and Burma, as well as a comprehensive North American collection that includes a Pawnee Indian bear-claw necklace, eagle-feather head-dress and bison robe. The collection also includes 100,000 historical ethnographical photographs and a specialist library with 40,000 volumes. Closed on Mondays, guided tours available on request.
» www.koelntourismus.de

Museum of Applied Art
Founded in 1888, the Museum of Applied Art in Cologne is devoted to arts, crafts and design from the Middle Ages to the present day. On show are furniture and ceramics from the Middle Ages and the early modern period, textiles and jewellery. The focal points of the collection are European arts and crafts from the Middle Ages to the present day, glass (Italy 16th century, Germany 18th century, art nouveau), silver, pewter, jewellery (Gothic to present day), textiles (Gobelins, silk) and fashion (1800 to the present), 20th century design, posters and a collection of ornamental engravings. In special exhibitions the museum presents and discusses artists and developments across the applied arts spectrum, including the fields of architecture and fashion, photography, film and a range of interdisciplinary artistic approaches. Closed on Mondays. Guided tours available.
» www.museenkoeln.de

Sport and Olympics Museum
Opened in 1999, the Sport & Olympics Museum is one of Cologne's newest museums - a chance to experience sport at its best. With around 2,000m² of exhibition and interactive space on two floors, it offers a fascinating insight into the history and transformation of sport. Covering a whole range of sports, it depicts various aspects of national, international and Olympic sport in a permanent and temporary exhibition. The collection features 2,500 years of sports history, clothing, sports and games equipment, medals, certificates, sports awards, graphics, photos, videos and much more. Highlights include a cycle race in a wind tunnel, a boxing ring with sand bags and playing football on the highest sports pitch in Cologne. The sports studio depicts the beginnings of the media age and sporting highlights. Closed on Mondays, guided tours on request.
» www.sportmuseum.info

Fragrance Museum
The Fragrance Museum in Cologne is located in the historical Farina House, where it all began. Now the oldest perfume factory in the world, its Eau de Cologne made the city famous in the 18th century, and the museum shows the beginnings and the history of perfume production. Eau de Cologne is the world's oldest perfume brand. Since 1709, royalty, the aristocracy and famous figures have been supplied with the special fragrance created by perfumer Johann Maria Farina. The three floors of the museum are dedicated to 300 years of fragrant culture. During a tour, those who want can inhale some of the exquisite scents. Closed on Sundays, guided tours by arrangement.
» www.farinahaus.de

Schnütgen Museum
This major collection of European medieval art was donated to the city in 1906 by Alexander Schnütgen (1843-1918), the canon of the cathedral. The museum is housed within the evocative surroundings of the Romanesque basilica of St Cecilia. Themed around the interplay of art and its surroundings, the collection showcases an array of religious art from the early Middle Ages to the baroque. These internationally acclaimed masterpieces span a period of 1,000 years. Here are just some of the items on display: ivory carvings, goldsmith work, wood and stone sculptures, bronze and silver art treasures, church furnishings, stained glass, manuscripts and fabrics – including liturgical robes and cloths from late antiquity to the 20th century. The city's proud display of ecclesiastical art from the Middle Ages represents one of the most important medieval collections in the world. Closed on Mondays.
» www.museenkoeln.de

Carnival Museum
Situated in the carnival capital of Cologne, this museum is the largest in the German-speaking world, and has set pulses racing since 2005. The origins of the city's famous street festival date back to ancient times, however the first modern incarnation was staged in 1823. In around 1,400m² of exhibition space, the Carnival Museum celebrates almost 200 years of fun and tradition. It documents the history and diversity of the event, from its ancient beginnings to the present day. The exhibition paints a vivid picture of what locals have dubbed "the fifth season of the year", covering everything from the street procession itself to the more alternative attractions. Highlights include the parade floats and their oversized effigies, costumed puppets and state-of-the-art audio-visual installations. One of the oldest exhibits is the carnival committee's protocol book from 1827. Closed Mondays, 24-26 and 31 Dec., 1 Jan., carnival days, Easter and Whitsun. Guided tours available.
» www.kk-museum.de

German Dance Archive Museum
Anyone with a passion for culture is advised to visit Cologne's MediaPark, which has been home to one of Europe's very few museums of dance since 1997. The approx. 300m² of exhibition space features posters, prints and photos, tracing the history of stage and interpretive dance. Themes explored include: "From the Courtly Dance to the Romantic Ballet", "The Beginnings of Modern Dance" and "Dance in Cologne". Alongside the documents, materials and choreographic recordings you'd expect from a conventional library or archive, there are paintings, sculptures, etchings, artistic posters, authentic costumes, dance masks and much more besides. Open daily. Guided tours available.
» www.sk-kultur.de


Food & drink

Em Krützche
This venerable building in the old town alongside the Rhine houses a traditional restaurant consisting of several dining rooms, serving classical and Rhenish cuisine.

"Zur Tant" and "Hütter's Piccolo" restaurants
A listed half-timbered building in an exposed location on the banks of the Rhine with panoramic views and a terrace. The bistro offers good homemade cooking, while the restaurant menu features a tempting range of gourmet cuisine.

Park Plaza
A well-appointed, modern establishment offering outstanding service. The Restaurant Calla serves a combination of regional and international dishes. There is also a spa area on the roof terrace.


Suggested excursions

Phantasialand
An enchanting atmosphere, thrilling attractions and award-winning shows - that is what visitors can expect at Phantasialand in Brühl near Cologne. Six lovingly prepared themed areas with over a hundred attractions and spectacular shows await visitors of all ages.

Königswinter and Drachenfels ruins
Königswinter is situated on the Rhine in the Siebengebirge hills. It has a lively old town and one of the most beautiful promenades along the banks of the Rhine. There's plenty of opportunity for recreation in the Siebengebirge hills, Germany's oldest nature conservation area. Few other towns along the Rhine offer such spectacular views of the Rhine Valley and the Siebengebirge hills.

Rhine riverboats
The Rhine is as much a part of the city as Cologne cathedral or the carnival. Various companies operate riverboats on the Rhine. Whether you are planning a day trip, a short tour of Cologne or an evening event on board, a Rhine cruise is an absolute must on any visit to Cologne.


Well I won't be bored! :D

I found it!!!

Thanks to Google Maps I have figured out how to get from Abfahrtsort Köln Hauptbahnhof, where the bus from Frankfurt Hahn arrives, to my hostel. The journey to Koln will take 2 hours and 15 minutes though. Its a six minute drive, so I'm think a 10 minute walk! Can't be as bad as Brighton!!!


View Larger Map

Things to do when I arrive in Germany

I thought I write out a little to do list for moving to another country. This is one for when I arrive in Germany on the 4th of January!

1. Find and Book into hostel!

I have it booked thanks to hostelworld. €20 per night not bad for the city centre like! I'm staying in Cologne-Deutz Youth Hostel on Siegesstrasse 5. (Anyone know anything about it?)

2. Get a mobile phone and German number

This way I keep my Irish number, so people here can text me cheap and I can text people in Germany cheaply! the question is which provider!

3. Register my EHIC Card

see post on the EHIC

4. Set up a Bank Account

same as #2

5. Explore Koln

I have to get my bearing somehow

6. Meet the family

When it all begins!!!! :D

Some Facts about my Future Home - Koln

Well here we go! (mostly taken from Wikipedia and other such sites!)

Cologne is Germany's fourth-largest city after Berlin, Hamburg and Munich, and is the largest city both in the German Federal State of North Rhine-Westphalia and within the Rhine-Ruhr Metropolitan Area, one of the major European metropolitan areas with more than 10 million inhabitants. It is one of the oldest cities in Germany, having been founded by the Romans in the year 30 BC. Cologne was granted the status of a Roman "city" in the year 50 AD.

Cologne lies on the Rhine. The city's famous Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom) is the seat of the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Cologne. The University of Cologne (Universität zu Köln) is one of Europe's oldest universities.

Cork is one of the Koln sister city's!!!

Ill also be there for Carneval which is Jan 31st to Feb 05! wooo! The carneval in Cologne is one of the biggest street festivals in Europe. It is held annually from 11th Nov to Ash Wednesday. The main event is the street carnival that takes place in the period between the Thursday before Ash Wednesday and Ash Wednesday. Thousands of visitors flock to Cologne during this time.