I made a little trip to Cologne today.  According to Wikipedia, it is the fourth largest city in Germany, as well as one of the oldest, founded by the Romans in 38 A.D. Cologne is actually called Köln in German (you can click here to hear it pronounced), but I will use the English name for simplicity’s sake.  Since Bonn and Cologne are neighbors, it only took a lovely 40-minute train ride from my neighborhood to arrive in the center of the city.

There is plenty to do and see, but this time around I was aiming for Saturn (a major electronics store) to buy a bluetooth USB device.  While I was getting my bearings by looking at a map, a scruffy man approached me and tried to get me to give him money.  After I politely refused, he stormed off while cursing me in German.  Ah, just like home.

After success at Saturn, I did a little shopping at H&M and then walked up to see the Cologne Cathedral.  I have vague memories of climbing the tower with my family when we visited 12 years ago, but do not remember anything else.  Since I was not in the mood to be a full-on tourist, I just walked around snapping photos and will save the cathedral tour for another day.  I look forward to seeing more of the cultural and historical sites on my next visit!

And on a completely unrelated note, let me mention something I have been meaning to blog about: the local supermarket.  Apparently, I have adapted a little too well to the corner bodegas in New York, because I was completely overwhelmed by the supermarket in my neighborhood.  Seriously, it is at least the size of the suburban supermarkets I grew up with, if not larger.  Two whole floors, including two aisles devoted to chocolate and one aisle devoted to gummy candy.  I kid you not, Germans are serious about their sweets.  And good thing I am already in the habit of carrying my Envirosax around with me for shopping, otherwise I would have to pay for each plastic bag I use for groceries.  I totally love this concept and think it could really work in New York.  Any of you New Yorkers ready to tackle that challenge?

Alright, back to the homework.  Until next time.

P.S. I have not taken too many photos here yet, but I have started an album that will be updated throughout the summer.  Click here to check it out.