COLOGNE

We cruised into Cologne at about 1.30pm. This is a big city, very different to the small quaint townships we have seen on our way. Cologne was founded by the Romans in 50 AD. That is old.

The boat docked right near the city centre. We joined a local guide for a tour of city and were suprised to see some original buildings.  Cologne was bombed in 262 separate air raids in WWII.

We saw quaint building, again with a narrow frontage aimed at minimising taxes.

Old and New statues.

Ancient site and evidence of very early 

sewerage.

We tastes the local Kolsch.

Explored another Cathedral - 

Checked out the locks on the bridge.

We made it to the chocolate museum but it was too late to start a tour.  Fortunately the shop was still open.

A view from the shore of our home away from home.

At home.....

It is hard to believe we have been home for a week.  I am now trying to wade through the 1000's of photos to try and get them down to a reasonable viewing amount.  We have enjoyed the week to let our bodies catch up with things and to do some jobs around the house.  

I have decided to post trip add some posts on the missing places of Cologne, Amsterdam and Kew Gardens.  So if anyone is still interested enjoy, if not I is great to review the trip and choose some photos.

Wednesday and the sun is shining.

Slowed the pace today. We caught up with Alex for lunch near his work. Went to great cafe, owned by New Zealanders. They roast their own coffee beans.

We finally got to ride on a red bus. Traffic is a bit crazy, not as bad as Paris.

After getting at London Bridge we walked along the Thames and down to the Tate Modern gallery. Interesting gallery,some Picasso and Monet and some ..... Not sure how to describe them, so will leave it ......

Shakespeare's Globe theatre, we passed on our walk. ( it is a copy actually)

We walked across the Millennium Bridge and were confronted by St Paul's cathedral. We decided not to go in.

Tonight Alex is coming over for dinner.

It is hard to believe tomorrow is our last day. We fly out at 10.05 pm.

Tuesday part 2

Maybe too many photos, wasn't able to complete blog in on go.  The two unnamed photos in the previous blog were Admiralty Arch, which marks the start of the Mall leading to the palace and the statue is Captain Cook.
 After our museum adventure we found Trafalgar and visited the National Portrait Gallery. The square was amazing with fountains, statues and a giant purple roster!

After a nice lunch out of the rain we strolled down Whitehall, past 10 Downing Street and onto Westminster Abby.

We met up with the Household Cavalry guarding the other side of the stables.

10 Downing Street looked a little busy! 

Westminster Abby

When strolled past the Houses of Parliament and onto the south bank where took in the views from the London Eye. 

We finished the day by catching up with Alex at Shoeditch, where he is working this week, and having dinner at one of his favorite Vietnamese restaurant. We are coming home for a rest.

Tuesday- a busy day in the trenches

After another unsuccessful a attempt at getting up before 8, we travelled to Green Park on the Metro so we cold walk to Buckingham Palace. Unfortunately the guards don't change on Tuesday. Instead we got to see the Household Cavalry do a parade down the Mall and back to their stables.

Queen Victoria 'guards' the palace.

View from the mall. Bruce is waiting for me to be run over.

Fun at the Household Cavalry Museum.

Back dated The Rhine Valley (Tuesday 8/10)

We had an afternoon cruising through the famous Rhine Valley, home of 24 castles on the banks. I think I saw all but one. I have the photos to prove it! Worrying, I know. Unfortunately it was a dull and cold day.  I only lasted a few castles on the 'sun' deck. Anyway here are a few:

Kensington Palace

Prince Bruce

Lady Di's dress.

Beautiful garden

Look Dad they even have crows at the palace.

Hyde Park, Albert Hall

A cute squirrel 

Prince Albert Memorial

Albert hall