Cologne Germany Viking River Cruise

We have arrived in Cologne Germany and the weather is cold, raining cats and dogs, and windy.  

Our friends weren't feeling to well so they stayed on the boat.

Tried to go with the tour group but the wind kept blowing my umbrella inside out, it was also raining and cold.  Went partway across the bridge to Cologne but I said let’s go back to the ship this is not fun. We were not the only ones who did this!! We did make it to see the locks of love on the bridge!  

Hung out on the boat with Kenn & Carol. After lunch, we decided we had to go into Cologne and see the cathedral and the beautiful Christmas markets but we would go by taxi 🚕. Upon our arrival to the church when we got out of the taxi the weather was awful 😣 so windy and rainy. We sucked it up and started walking. The cathedral was very big and beautiful I’m happy we went to see it. Kenn has been coughing and sounds like he is having breathing problems.

So many markets throughout the city.  I think we found them all😂 I’m happy Kenn & Carol weathered the storm with us.  We stopped for some blueberry gluwein and I had a hot eggnog with cream. I have quite the collection of mugs🤣

We watched ice skating at one of the markets and I enjoyed watching the Christmas pyramid spinning around. 

 In the city of Bamberg in southern Germany, there is a mysterious statue. A young man sits atop a horse, a crown on his head and a cloak around his shoulders. This is the Bamberg Horseman, a statue that stands in Bamberg Cathedral.

We have decided to find the Lindt chocolate factory!  So off we go in the rain and wind!!

So sick of the rain, wind, and cold.

We have arrived at Lindt in Cologne Germany.  I bought some chocolate to take home, and Marlon got our friends some chocolate truffles that had rum in them. 

Tried to find a German restaurant for dinner, but the one I found online was closed!  We got a taxi and went back to the boat! The guy who waits on us gave me a special treat of Black Forest cake which is 40% rum 😀😀

Mannheim Christmas Market Viking Rhine River Cruise

After an early breakfast, we sat and drank coffee and enjoyed our morning.  

I'm checking out Mannheim which is our destination for today.

All those going for the tour of Mannheim are loaded on a bus. Today we will enjoy a tour and then shop at Christmas markets.  The first stop was the art museum but it is now The Mozart Concert Hall & Congress Center. 

Karl Benz was a German engine designer and automotive engineer.  He had a patent on his Benz motorcar from 1885.  He is considered the first modern automobile and the first car out into production!! His patent was approved in 1886, The same year he publicly drove the BENZ Motorwagon.

The market extends around the iconic Mannheim Water Tower. 

This market had a variety of traditional German treats.  The Mannheim Christmas Market is one of the oldest and largest in Germany. This market had over 200 stalls. 

Enjoying some gluhwein and some of their famous foods like potato pancake topped with applesauce 🥰 I’m telling you it was so delicious 😋 I hope Marlon can make this for me at home.

I laugh every time I see their signs for the cost of products. Sounds like you are saying fart🤣

Mannheim’s traditional Christmas pyramid!

We have collected several mugs from sampling the gluhwein.  Gluhwein is a hot red or white wine with brandy & various spices. 

Just like how this tree looked!

Last year we bought a few of these wooden smokers that are actually made in Germany!  Added another one to the collection 🥰

Strolling around the markets shopping.

Time to look for something to eat for lunch. There are lots of different foods to choose from.

  

After much looking down the line of stalls we decided on their pizza. 

Marlon ordered us a pepper and goat cheese pizza.  It was very good. :-)

The pizza shop was next to a child's train ride. There was a group of musical carolers in the center of the train ride.