Bye Sis!

Well my sister is currently aboard here Ryanair (ugh) flight from Franfurt-Hahn to Kerry. It was snowing last night when she arrived in Franfurt and still was this morning. I'd say the plane still took off on time!

We had a great weekend here in Köln, shopping on Saturday in Köln Arcade out on Kalk Post. On friday night she met some of my friends and on Saturday we went to a Russian bar (the hangover from Russian Beer is horrible!!!) and to a club!

On Sunday we went to go to the Dom but mass was on so we went to Romanische-Germanischen a fantatastic museum here in Köln.

I have pictures from the Weekend and will probably post them tonight.

Tschüss!
Steve

EL-DE Haus

I visted EL-DE Haus today, it looks like a normal urban building from the outside no?


but its basement hides a terrible secret. This building was the Gestapo HQ and interrogation centre in Köln from 1933-1945. Today the it houses a permament exhibition to those minorites persecuted by the Nazi's in Köln:
*Sterilised Women
*Jews
*Roma and Cinti
*Phyiscally and Mentally Disabled
*Homosexuals
*Anti-Social Elements

The basement housed 10 cells and you can still read the inscriptions on the walls. There are lots of them, in German, French, Russian and Dutch. They tell stories and are a testament to those who were tortured there.

I always find it hard to be unmoved by exhibitions on Nazi Germany, and there were tears in my eyes on many occasions when the audio guide was telling specific stories of people and families in Cologne. I would recommend a trip here to anyone coming to Cologne.


More Photos

NOTE: I did not take photos in the Basement, I didnt think it was right just like when I was in the gas chambers in Dachau five years ago.

Touristy things and whats happening this weekend

Hallo!!! My german is improving slightly this week as I have started to make friends with a few of the Mothers on the School run and one of them only speaks german!!! So it must improve! The subjects I will be covering today are (I feel like a newsreporter or teacher writing that!): My Tourist Day, This Weekend, Packages from Home, Shopping (Again!), Photos (Finally) and an Update on life with the Boys. Sounds interesting (and long!) eh? Lets get to it then!

My Tourist Day

Yesterday after dropping the Kids to schoola nd waiting for a bit I wander off into Köln to do a bit of tourist things, sucj as going to the Dom and buying small presents and things (My mother collects spoons, you know the ones!) I basically wondered around the side streets and I found some interesting places which I counldnt read the signs! I found what looked liked a building built over ruins, it was strange see the pic below


This Weekend

For a change I have a plan for this weekend! Tonight I am doing the usual and going to ExCorner to meet friends, but on saturday I have found the Köln equivilant to Freakscene!! (See Post) I am all excited and one of the girls from TT is coming with me! Yay!!

Packages from Home

Have I told ye how much I love (and miss) my mother? Well yesterday and unexpected package arrived for me. I recognised the writing straight off as being my mothers and I thought she had sent over post from home. I opened it up and there was a copy of The Pheonix in it! I love you Mum!!!!


Shopping (Again)
So while on my tourist day I started wondering in and out shops not buying much till I came to H&M. They had their final reductions on a lot of stuff and I picked up a nice hat and bracelet for a 1€ each! Alos went to the English Shop (Again) for those who are wondering this is what I normally buy in the English Shop

* The Gaurdain
* Mi Wadi (Blackcurrant)
* Dubliner Cheese
* Pop Tarts (Chocloate)
* Cadburys Instant Hot Chocolate (Not low fat, sorry Claire!)
* Cadburys Chocolate (Dairy Milk or buttons!)

Lol, a short list I know, might treat myself to a Hershey's bar in the future. I live on those when I was in the US.

Photos (Finally!)

So I finally got around to putting some photos up on Facebook!
Album 1
Album 2

Enjoy and leave comments! (On the photos and the blogs!)

Update on life with the Boys

So the boys have fully realised the amount of German I know and have taken to use it as a Secret language around me. They are not allowed to this this! The rule in the house if you are talking around or about me it has to be in English! Otherwise things are going well. The boys for the most part do what they are told and have taken to singing the songs I have thought them! yay! I am really enjoying working with the boys and though they fight (alot) I get on with them both, though the regular cry is "Its not Fair...!" Every parent knows that. The kids ahve taken to watching TV everynight now that they are back to school and we normally watch Jim Knopf and Pur+, nice programs which I might blog on later.

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

Getting a 'Deutsch Handy'

My current mobile phone, or handy in german, a samsung (something or other) has served me well for nearly two years now, so i aint getting rid of it and shall remain my Irisch handy when I am in Germany. The fun bit will be what operator? What phone? what what what? all with me having a bad grasp of the German language!

So what I can figure out, Germany has 4 mobile phone operators (thank you wikipedia!) T-Mobile owned by Deutsche Telekom, Vodafone, E-Plus owned by KPN and 02. Now who to go with?!?!

Okay so eventually I found all the websites (the german ones and deciphered this much from them!)

E-Plus is one of the newer players in the market and has a very small selection of phones (5 to be exact!) So they are out, no matter what the pricing!

For some reason I cannot find the pricing on the O2 website so they are out!

So then there were two.

Well here in Ireland (or back if your reading this after January 4th!) I use Vodafone, so lets have a look here. I think Vodafone Germany's version of Ready to Go is called CallYa. I found this website very hard to follow and confusing but i think i figured out the pricing structure. Emphasis on 'figured' and 'think'!

T-Mobile just has a prepay service, with an easy to follow website to the Handy's and the tarriff structures. Even for someone with very lttle German like me!

So we have a winner! I shall be buying a T-Mobile Handy on the 5th of January 2008!

PS Im probably going to get the Samsung SGH-M300, I have a thing for samsungs!

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