Once to Cologne and see the famous cathedral, so the desire of our Ukrainian guests, who live since July 2022 in the Caritas children and youth home.
After the excursion had to be canceled again and again in the Advent season due to illness, now nevertheless the train could be boarded in Rheine in the direction of cathedral city. In a good mood and with sufficient provisions, the group arrived in Cologne at noon.
The first stop was Cologne Cathedral. Everyone was very impressed by this mighty cathedral and the hustle and bustle on the cathedral square. We then continued along the Rhine to the Chocolate Museum, also a big wish, especially of the children.
The guided tour of the museum and explanations of the processing of the cocoa bean did not always have the undivided attention of the young visitors, but at the latest when it came to tasting the chocolate varieties, everyone was on fire. The good mood was further enhanced by a ride on the Ferris wheel on the Rhine peninsula and the unrestricted view over Cologne.
Afterwards, we went to the old town and to Cologne’s shopping mile. The young footballers were particularly taken with the displays in the sports stores.
The Ukrainian coaches who had come along were more in the mood for culinary delights. The national drink “Kölsch”, which is known beyond the country’s borders, had to be tested. They headed for the “Früh” brewery, where the “Köbes” served a round of Kölsch in proper style. It remained with a glass, because the Ukrainian beer is clearly more intensive in taste.
Towards evening, everyone met up again at Cologne’s main train station. Happy, but also a little exhausted, they took the train back to Rheine.
A successful day trip that will certainly remain in everyone’s memory for a long time to come.