Eau de Cologne

 

Today is Corpus Christi in Germany, a national holiday, so the Cologne Cathedral was hopping with indoor mass, outdoor services and processions. We took the morning walking tour as usual with a local guide (Viking does a great job on these) and went back later when the great doors were open again for tourists.  

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Well. There are Gothic cathedrals, and then there is Cologne, truly in a class of its own. The soaring interior is absolutely breathtaking and chock full of treasures.

The “Water of Cologne” is a light, fresh fragrance launched here in 1709 by Giovanni Maria Farina.

 

The classic “4711”  (our German grandmother would dab on her temples when she had a headache) is still around.  Yes, I found some souvenir size bottles. A nostalgic scent. 

A few steps from our dock, the very popular chocolate museum. And the mustard museum. 

What a gift shop! Yes, we indulged. 

And the wonderful bakeries. Everything is delicious and inexpensive. Too bad we’re never hungry on this cruise. 

On to the Netherlands tomorrow.