Cheers to the weekend, huh? Even though I had to work this past week, my mom and I have squeezed in so much! I’m glad the weekend is here so we can also find the time to relax a bit, too!
Mom and I decided we were sick of hotels after the past two weekends, so decided to spend her last weekend here (ugh, I don’t want to talk about that) traveling to nearby spots that are doable in one day. Today, I took her to see the beautiful cathedral in Cologne, just a short drive from home.
The last time the Viper Pilot and I were here was for my birthday in October. It was cold and much less touristy. I didn’t like the cold part so much, but loved the lack of tourists. Today the weather was perfect but I didn’t love the crowds. I think I get crowdphobia or crowd claustrophobia. Is that a real thing?
After parking the car and making a mad dash to the nearest WC (toilet) we found an outdoor cafe with a perfect view of the Dom (cathedral). Lunch was herbed spaghetti for me, and an incredible apple pancake for mom.
We led ourselves on a rather extensive self-guided tour of the interior of the church. I always pay the fifty cents for the brochures when I visit massive churches like this. I like to know what I’m looking at, how old it is, and what significance it holds. It helps me to appreciate it that much more.
We escaped the bustling tourists and found a quiet spot to sit in the nave. Looking up, we noticed the organ pipes way up high.
We read these pipes were added much later (in the 1990s) and to avoid damaging the structure and support system of the cathedral, they suspended the organ from the ceiling. So upon learning this…we got up and moved to a spot that wasn’t directly under the organ pipes.
Everything is so old and each painting, window, statue, altar has a story to tell.
From the stained glass window from the 1200s, to the shrine of the Three Magii containing bones of the three kings we sing about a Christmastime…
This photo is an equally beautiful scene in color, but I love how the clash of architecture stands out in b&w. |
Kristin Lynn says
Looks like you two are having an amazing time!!
Emily says
We are! I never want her to leave… 🙁
Tamera says
Wow, what an AMAZING cathedral! Great pictures!
Emily says
Thanks! It was breathtaking. Pictures just can't do it justice.
Janelle Vannice says
Hi Emily,
This is completely random, but I was searching for military spouse blogs and came across yours… and it looks like your husband went to USAFA, which is were my fiancé is now! I have been reading through some of your posts, and it looks like life in the AF just gets even better after graduation! I started following your blog, and I just wanted to say hi! 🙂
-Janelle